Pub. 3 Issue 1

10 www.glancda.org An Interview with Pete Smith Pete Smith, GLANCDA President (left); Mike Smith, Dealer Principal (right); Bob Smith, Dealership Founder and Past GLANCDA President (top); R.A. Smith, Dealer (bottom) 1. How did you become a car dealer? Did you always aspire to be part of the automotive industry? I’m a fourth generation car dealer so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was about 10 years old working at my dad’s dealership. 2. Do you have family members in the auto industry? Our Uncle Rob has a leasing company. My Uncle Tim owns a BMW dealership. I purchased our family Toyota dealership from my dad and he still works with me today. 3. Describe your education background. What did you study? I graduated from Loyola High School and then attended Fairfield University in Connecticut. I graduated with a B.A. in History. 4. Are there any specific individuals that had a major impact on your career? There are two people that have had an effect on me, my Grandfather Bob and my Dad. They taught me how to treat people and laid the groundwork for me on how to be success- ful. 5. What is the most rewarding part of your career? One of the most rewarding parts of my career is working with my dad each and every day. Not many people have that privi- lege. I also had the benefit of working with my grandfather for 10 years. The second most rewarding part of my career is selling cars. There is no better feeling than putting a report of sale in a car, shaking hands with a customer, and sending them on their way to many happy years in their new car.