62
March - April 2022
The View From My Office
With Kat Monteiro
Happy Spring me everyone! The View From My Office today has me looking out our back sliding glass window at our pool and a big Oak Tree. The windows are open, and I hear all the birds in the yard chirping; especially the Mockingbirds, they always have a unique sound. I just love them. There are li le tmouse birds hanging out by the pool, swooping in to take a dip in the water. To my right sits Rick, si ng at his li le desk we set up, typing away numbers and such on his computer, working. Yes, he re red, and yes, he is s ll working! He is working part me, a few hours each day, some mes more, some mes less. Not sure what the long-term plan is, but it will be at least ll the end of this year. He really likes what he is doing now. He says this is the fun stuff! Working the numbers and inventory was always what he enjoyed and excelled at the most. This is really good for him. A nice transi on period into full re rement. It’s a good view and I am very happy to be able to sit here and enjoy it. On this Friday morning I am also reflec ng on last weekend. Last Friday Jack, Jasen, and Jasmine Powell celebrated Rick’s 30 years with a re rement dinner at the Grand Del Mar Hotel. Managers from the other departments at the dealership were in a endance, along with Rick and I. It was such a special evening. We all sat there and reminisced and told stories from over the years. The Powells had the most wonderful, powerful, things to say about Rick such as all he has done for their store, how he was such an important part of bringing Jasen and Jasmine up into the business as their mentor, sharing in watching our girls grow up, how we are family,and more. I have always felt so honored for being accepted and welcomed into this work family. I never felt so proud as I sat there and listened to everyone telling their stories and memories of Rick. I admit it, I had plenty of tears. Then to top it off we were treated to a 2 night stay at this same Grand Mar Hotel! Now this hotel is a thing of beauty! And as I walked around admiring the architecture, and the beau ful grounds, I felt so thankful for this incredible gi . What made it even more special is that when Jasen was talking to Rick about how they came up with the idea, he said they were thinking of different gi s and so on, and Jasen said they really wanted Rick and I to have an experience. That right there lets you know that they really know Rick! As many of you know, Rick is all about the adventure, the drive to wherever it is that he decides to go, making memorable memories, the experience! I thought this was the most awesome thing ever! And it just really meant so much to both of us. I am thankful that we have spent the last 30 years with a dealer owner who honestly thinks of us as family. Thank you, Jack Powell. Another exci ng event was this year’s NADA Conven on! Whoohoo! A er 2 years we were finally all able to meet up in Las Vegas. It was so good to see everyone! We just spent hours si ng around cha ng. There were many of you that I felt like I didn’t get enough me with, and I am sorry about that. Continued on Page 63
Mopar Masters Guild Magazine
