What first got you into the auto retail business?
I was enticed away from the University of Michigan, where I was teaching and completing course work for my Ph.D., by James Bradley, who was one of the first African American dealers in the country. Based upon our work together on several civic projects, he thought he saw a budding businessman in me. I left the university to work with him and have tried very hard every day since to live up to his expectations.

In your tenure as an auto dealer, what is the one accomplishment you are most proud of?
Being recognized by my peers as the recipient of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers Lifetime Achievement Award.

When did you first get involved with AIADA and why?
I joined AIADA as soon as I opened my BMW dealership in 2001. I see AIADA as the chief advocate and mouth-piece for the international nameplates auto dealers. I want to participate in any way I can to advance to consensus agenda for the group of dealers.

What is your personal dream car?
My dream car is in my garage. The BMW Z8. I drop the top and cruise to the dealership any time the weather permits.

Any advice for aspiring dealers?
Whether you are aspiring or have been at it as many years as I have, my advice is still the same – it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

What was your most memorable sale?
Early in my career with Mr. Bradley, an elderly gentleman who had worked as a scrap metal laborer his whole life was retiring and wanted to reward himself for his years of har work by purchasing a Cadillac. Other dealerships had pre-qualified him by his appearance and largely ignore him in their showrooms. Well, I was able to make his dream of owning a Cadillac come true. It was one of his happiest days, and by extension mine. Because the sale represented so much to him, it made me happy too.