I first entered the automotive business in December 1969. I worked in the Service, Parts, and Body Shop part of the business for over 25 years at the same location in a Lincoln Mercury dealership in Florida. During this time period I managed the Parts Department, Service Operations and Body Shop support. The Service and Parts Department operations were a consistent top performers winning Ford Motor Company Awards for customer satisfaction. In 1994 I split my time managing the parts, service, and body shop operations and trained with the dealership general manager to prepare to replace him in 1995. In January 1995 I took the position of general manager and assumed responsibility for the entire dealership. I held this position until May of 2005. During my tenure the dealership consistently increased previous dealership profits and was awarded Ford Motor Company Presidents Award three years in a row and also received The North American Customer Satisfaction Award. This was achieved by training, focus, and a dedication to the success of the dealership by 136 hard working employees. Most who were with the dealership for over an average of 15 years. This, I am most proud of.