How did you become a car dealer? Did you always aspire to be part of the automotive industry?

I was born into this business. I am the fourth generation and we are one of the oldest Subaru dealerships in the country. I think we might be the second.

So while it was never expected that I join the family business, for me, it was an easy choice to make. I am not a sitter; I like to be moving. I worked as a surveyor with the Montana Department of Highways for several years, and I sat a lot; I guess you could say that I got a bit bored and became more interested in the car on the road than surveying the roads. The getting bored part could run in the family, especially given the start of the family business.

My great-grandfather was the part-owner of a grocery store here in Montana. He got bored with the grocery business, and right at that same time, people started showing up in cars. He got excited about cars, so he boarded a train to Detroit, bought a car, drove it back to Montana, put it in front of the grocery store, and sold it. Almost right away. I think that’s when the bug bit and the family car business started.

He decided to do it again, but this time, he gathered up enough people to go with him, so he could buy more than the one. He ended up buying 12 cars. Sadly only seven or eight made it back, the rest broke down, and they were either sold en route or abandoned. But the seven or eight that made it back were sold — in front of the grocery store — and pretty soon, trainloads of cars were being delivered, and my great-grandfather had outgrown the front of the grocery store.

Do you have family members in the auto industry?

I don’t. My boys are 15 and 12, so too young. My wife Renee will help, certainly, but it’s just me and my employees, who are pretty much like family.

Describe your educational background. What did you study?

I have a four-year degree in business from Carroll College. I have minors in finance, marketing and economics. I am not great at accounting, but my wife is.

Are there any specific individuals who had a major impact on your career?

My father, Dave Anderson. More than anything, he taught me that customers matter. Yes, they are our customers, but they are also friends and neighbors. This is a small town, so the people I sell cars to, I also run into at the post office and the grocery store. They need to be treated well.

My dad taught me the ins and outs of the business as well, and every now and then, I still call him for advice.

What is the most rewarding part of your career?

Knowing that my business takes care of not just my family, but my employees and their families and our community. It impacts a lot of lives, and that’s the rewarding part.

What do you think will be some of the dominant trends within the auto industry in the next 5-10 years?

I think as dealers, we all see the waves of the future, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles. I think it’s coming, but it will take time, and it will vary in different parts of the country. Here in Montana, we need to drive to get to where we need to be. We don’t have the kinds of public transportation systems that are available in the largest cities.

What is the greatest importance of being an MTADA member; what makes it beneficial?

As a member, MTADA has your back. The association has every dealer’s back. They are proactive with legislative agendas that could harm us. Their efforts keep us healthy. The MTADA even proposes legislation. OEMs are not the most dealer-friendly as a rule, and as a small dealer, I don’t have the resources to fight on my own.

An industry voice is important.

Also, the association helps smaller dealers, again like me. I can purchase options for benefits and other products that help me stay relevant as a small-business owner.

What inspired you to serve as a leader within the association?

I think we all need to do our part to keep our industry strong.

Are you involved in any civic or charitable organizations?

We donate a lot; for us, it’s part of being a good corporate citizen. We support our community. But beyond that, I work — a lot. I have to; we’re a small store, and I enjoy it, so that’s good, right? My wife and I follow our sons’ athletic pursuits, so we’re pretty busy. Time doesn’t allow for much more.

If you look back at your career and life, what would be three things that you have learned that you would pass onto a younger member within the auto industry?

I learned a really valuable lesson from the gentleman who bought my grandfather’s brother’s store — I guess that would be my great uncle’s store. George was forced to sell the store after he bought it, and he was always a bit embarrassed about that. We met and became friends. At the time, I was sitting in my office, and I was a little irritated about another dealership in town that, in my mind, was using business tactics that reflected badly on all of us. George came into my office. I told him I was frustrated and why. Back then, you could smoke inside, something which George always took full advantage of. So, he lit a cigarette, took a big inhale — the cigarette was almost down to the butt — and then he said, “Sonny, he who shits big never shits long.” This is true. Within two years, the source of my frustration was out of business.

I would also say that people don’t work for you; they work with you. Treat your employees well, and they will treat your customers well. And finally, you will never please everyone, which throughout a career will cause some heartbreak. But, control what you can. Do what you can. And let the rest go.