CE: Why open a dealership in Columbus, Georgia?
EJ: Well the opportunity presented itself. This was Bill Heard’s flagship store. It was well known throughout the industry that this was a great store with a great location. When I found out it was available I immediately started pursuing it.
CE: How did you get started in the car business?
EJ: For me it started over twenty years ago. When I finished my MBA at Columbia University I was looking for an opportunity in entrepreneurship. I am an entrepreneur. I am a person who is bent on starting and running my own business. After I finished my graduate degree I learned of a program with Ford Motor Company that offered individuals the opportunity to own and operate a dealership. I applied and was accepted into the program. I’ve been a Ford dealer now for going on seventeen years and I am just glad to have an opportunity to come back and work with General Motors.
CE: Do you still intend on opening December 19th?
EJ: Absolutely! If I could open it earlier I would. We have cleared two major hurdles; the auction and the deal being accepted by the bankruptcy court. So the only thing left now is the closing.
CE: Are you expecting to hire many of Bill Heard’s former employees?
EJ: My goal is to certainly reach out and give those that worked here before an opportunity to come back. But they must know that just because they had a position here before doesn’t mean they are guaranteed one again. It is important that I bring in a fresh attitude, fresh faces and fresh people into this dealership. It was known that there were some challenges here and I don’t want those same challenges. My philosophy in selling cars is very different from my predecessor.
CE: What is your philosophy?
EJ: My slogan I have on the electronic billboard says come back to your legacy. When I started Legacy Automotive almost seventeen years ago I wanted people to recognize this was their dealership, this was their town this was their community. I’m just a servant here and as a servant any one who walks in the doors of this dealership should be treated as such. We should serve them, not the other way around.
CE: How many persons are you trying to hire immediately?
EJ: I will be hiring well over one hundred people within the next few days.
CE: How receptive have you found the community?
EJ: Well certainly they have been great. The community has warmly embraced me as well as my efforts to open this dealership. That’s important because a dealership is only as strong as the community that supports it. I pledge that I will do everything possible to insure that they have an enjoyable and pleasurable buying experience. It is their store and I want them to know I am only here operating it for them.
|
