A Personal Note from Mark Rudig to dealership associates
12/30/11
Dear Associates:
There comes a time in life when a person starts to address their own mortality. I'm there. In other words....I "might not" live forever and someday I might need a sick day or two? Notice, I did not suggest retirement because that is something that I have no interest in!! There is a lot more that I want to accomplish within our business and I have not exactly achieved perfection when it comes to running a dealership, as of yet. So I will continue to strive towards that goal. Also, I told our most recent associate that I plan to work another 43 years and will think about cutting back when I am 99 and do some other stuff, so don't jump to conclusions. But......the best laid plans sometimes don't work out so you always need a plan B.
I have four concerns if anything were to happen to me: 1) my family....clearly, my wife can't nor would she want to run this company. 2) what would happen and how would all of you be treated and dealt with if an outsider or dealership group came in? 3) how would our Customers be taken care of by somebody or nobody else? 4) lastly...I have always been Community minded and I do not want this place going to some outsider or "dealer group" that doesn't care about you or the Community. So I wanted to inform all of you before it is announced on the street of what my plans are.
As of January 1, 2012, I have taken on two partners in this company. Bobbi Southworth and Jason Dahl will take ownership positions and we will have entered into a multi-year deal. Nothing magical will change over the years except that they will have more of the company. The peace of mind for me, my family, you, our Customers, and even the Community in general is knowing that this company will continue if I am out of the picture and little will change. (ok...maybe Jason will need to learn to plow snow? Ha!).
This is a huge decision for me...and for Bobbi and Jason, but without question it is in the best interest of everybody concerned and I am completely comfortable with this decision. I trust you will provide them your continued support as you do for me, and I have no plans to go anywhere for the next 43 years if I have a vote! Thanks so much to each of you for all you do. This is the best organization I have ever had the honor to be a part of.
All my best to you and your families for a great 2012.
Mark Rudig
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