The following are excerpts from our conversation.

Why did you choose this line of work as a career?

I am the first generation of my family in this industry. My father owned a restaurant and I learned a lot from him about customer service and hospitality. When I was going to college, I was studying hospitality, but I fell in love with automobiles and motors, especially V-8s.

I started thinking about how to get into this business and I thought working at a dealership would be my path. So, I applied at Bob Wondries Ford as a sales associate, was hired and worked there for quite some time.

I was a top salesperson. I followed the owner’s lead, his purpose to serve the community and mindset of giving back. He was shaping the next generation of leaders, and I was fortunate to be part. It will be 30 years this March since I chose this line of work and I still have a passion for automobiles. I have been with Wondries Automotive Group for 23 of those years.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing the auto industry today and what can be done to address these issues?

High-interest rates and inflation are common issues that dealers face nationwide. We are offering a decent amount of our product at MSRP or below. We are also working on finding price value used cars, meaning cars that are inexpensive but reliable and maybe slightly older. This can help keep payments lower for our customers.

Crime is a troubling issue that we are trying to deal with locally. Recently, a liberal California law was passed that has led to an increase in crime — if stolen property is less than a $950 value, it only carries a misdemeanor charge. Just turn on the news or watch a YouTube video and you will see the many smash-and-grabs that are happening. Within the last 18 months at our dealership, we have had employees robbed at gunpoint, multiple cars stolen and tools stolen from our lot.

It seems to be one incident every two months. We are located in the city of Alhambra, right outside of Los Angeles, and it has been a safe community. I have worked in this city the last 24 years and there has been very little crime, but that seems to be shifting a little bit.

We have hired security guards who are on shift 20 hours per day and installed HD cameras to help deter the crime before it happens.

What can be done to address these issues as an association?

I look forward to getting involved with the GLANCDA board and lobbying for important issues in the near future and connecting with automotive professionals in the greater Los Angeles area.

What are three pieces of advice you would share with the next generation of dealers?

1. Serve with a community mindset. During the time I was a sales associate, I would assist customers who were new immigrants with the language barrier. They might have trouble writing checks or paying their bills. I offered them additional assistance. I also would go and help them if their vehicle broke down.
   
   

   Grassroots efforts are important as well. We assisted Alhambra High School in getting a new scoreboard with some donations from the dealership and our employees. We also opened up the dealership for students in need of a place to do schoolwork after school. The owner provides drinks and snacks.

   It’s important to always serve the community.

2. Adapt to the current and future business climate to stay relevant. We are rapidly transitioning to EV, especially in California. It used to be about the ICE engine and MPG, but now it’s all about watts, charging stations and the range. You need to stay relevant and up to speed with the newer technology.

3. Get trained. There is a lot of information that we can pass down to the consumers and training for yourself and employees is key in understanding how this business is transitioning.

What is your educational background? Degrees or certifications?

I attended Northern Virginia Community College in 1992 and 1993. I am also a proud graduate of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Academy in 2022. I have not only invested time in mastering the technical and business aspects of the automotive business but also actively participated in the NADA Political Action Committee (PAC). My commitment to industry and advocacy highlights my dedication to shaping policies that impact the automotive community.

Tell us about your family.

I have been married to my lovely wife, Janet, for 21 years. We have one daughter, Julia, who is a first-year student at the University of Southern California.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

I like snowboarding at Big Bear and Mammoth, going to the gym and reading books, specifically on leadership and cooking.