In fifth grade I scratched my name in a desk and had to buy a new desk for school; it was $93. My grandfather picked me up every Saturday and I washed cars at our BMW store until that desk was paid off. My punishment launched a desire to make money and eventually led to a career at my family’s business. That was in 1989.
Checkered Flag has been unbelievably good to me. It taught me the value of money, how to work smart/be organized, and showed me the key to success is staying successful. It will always be a part of my life – it is in my DNA.
I am excited to say that I am going to continue my automotive education at a new learning institution. I will miss Virginia Beach, my friends, my family, and Checkered Flag (even though we’ll still be very close). However, the excitement of getting to know a new place, new group of people, and taking a big career turn is going to be a lot of fun!
I am thrilled to say I am taking a job with Dealer.com in Burlington, Vermont!
To the DealerRefresh Community -
If I were staying on the dealer side I would not mention a move on DealerRefresh with a blog article, but since I’m going to the vendor side I thought transparency was best. I want you all to know that I am not leaving DealerRefresh. I will not become an advertising platform for Dealer.com either. You will find me to be the same person I was before this move. I will be happy to help anyone with their Dealer.com needs as things are brought up on DealerRefresh, but I promise not to solicit you. I might ask for your advice from time to time though – I may need your help for a reality check on a project or two.
What will I be doing at Dealer.com?
I am going to help them put a dealer’s spin on things….and of course to take over the world! They are creating a new position that allows me space to be creative and work with a number of different people. The funny thing is, this isn’t a change at all. 9 years ago, when Checkered Flag asked me to answer some Honda leads, it was a leap of faith too….and the last 9 years have been quite rewarding. I’m looking forward to doing some of the same things, but on a whole new level!





![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerrefresh.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/CARS_BigGameJan2012_1251.gif)
![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerrefresh.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/PureCar_banner_125.gif)
![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerrefresh.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/goso_dec_2011_125.jpg)
![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerrefresh.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/CAO_brenner_125.png)
![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerrefresh.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/DSMC_dec2011_125.gif)
![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerrefresh.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/DR_refreshad_125x125.jpg)
![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerrefresh.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/eLead-125x1251.gif)
![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerrefresh.com/wp-content/uploads/groove-ads/1292996713.gif)
![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerfire.com/dealerrefresh/dealerfire-animated.gif)
![[Advertisement Image]](http://www.dealerrefresh.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/SocialDealer_125.jpg)




[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jeff Kershner, Alex Snyder and Pacific Dealer, Richard. Richard said: I’m making a career change: In fifth grade I scratched my name in a desk and had to buy a new desk for school; it … http://bit.ly/cLkFje [...]