TADA Dealers - Media Communication Group

on TADA Board MembersTim LightTom Light ChevroletBryanTim Light, TADA Director, Central Region, District 11“I have grown up in the dealership and started working at age 13 and have worked in all departments along theway!” explained Tim Light who now has a Chevrolet dealership employing 75 people of his own.“My dad, Tom Light, started in the car business in 1947 in Port Arthur and worked there through the 1960’s. In1970 we moved to Bryan, Texas where my dad worked as GM for Corbusier Chevrolet. In 1972, my dad becamea partner and the dealer operator, In 1989 , he sent me over to run another family dealership, Tom Light MotorCompany, in Madisonville, Texas,” said Tim.According to Tim, “this experience taught me the value of managing your cash flow. This store was run ona very limited budget so we had to watch where our cash was tied up, either in used cars, warranty claims orincentives. It was an eye opening experience.”“Our membership in TADA has been an invaluable experience. Some of my fondest memories are attending TADAevents with my dad! Using the resources of TADA has helped our dealership in various ways, commented Tim.“The twenty-group has helped us with all aspects of our business from profitability to customer satisfaction.The legal department has helped us navigate through a minefield of legal issues that affect all new vehicle dealers.”“The legislative department has been stalwarts in helping carry the dealers voice through all the different levelsof both state and federal governments. Without TADA the strength of the Texas new vehicle dealers would notbe where we are today!, Tim exclaimed.“I think it should be every dealer’s duty to serve on the TADA board at least once! It is a rewarding experiencefor me as a dealer to be a small part of the process and to see how hard the TADA staff and executive committeework for the dealers” Tim concluded.Mike SmithRussell & Smith Ford/Honda/MazdaHoustonMike Smith, TADA Director, Southeast Region, District 5Taking a risk and moving to a new town to buy a dealership after four years of college turned out to be a gooddecision for Mike Smith, owner of Ford/Honda/Mazda in Beaumont. The two locations employ 259 people.Mike’s grandfather was a Chevrolet/Buick dealer in Yorktown in 1917. He was born in Houston and attendedthe University of Texas.The numerous community and civic organizations that Mike has served have given him a lot of satisfaction. Heis currently the President of the Board for Bo’s Place in Houston.Mike has enjoyed his association with TADA,”It is extremely satisfying working side by side with other dealerson issues that directly affect our industry.” Offering advice to auto dealers just starting out, Mike said, “surroundyourself with the best people you can find and treat them like family.”Besides the dealership, Mike’s favorite interests include bird hunting, traveling and spending time with familyand friends.2010 SUMMER 11