The Legacy of Jeff Martin

Iwouldn’t want to be in your shoes.” I’ve heard that statement a number of times over the past couple of weeks. I’ve also heard, “You’ll never find another Jeff.” I’ve answered each one of these inquiries — predictably aimed at the rapidly approaching future of TIADA — with the same answer: “you’re right about that, but we have an excellent foundation and are confident that we will find a highly qualified replacement. The association also has one of the most seasoned and professional staffs we could possibly ask for.”

I was a guest recently on the Texas Edition of The Independent Dealer Podcast and answered a question concerning my new role as TIADA President, and my long-time connection with Jeff. I remember clearly stating that I would not want to fill this role without Jeff Martin at the helm of TIADA. Well, unleash the jinx! With all of the positive advances we are currently working on at TIADA, Jeff leaves behind a strong legacy as Executive Director and we will continue to operate as the well-oiled machine and work to exceed our members’ expectations.

The good news is he’s not going far. Although the shoes I’m wearing aren’t very comfortable, and we all

by Ryan Winkelmann BJ’s Autohaus (Houston) TIADA PRESIDENT

know that we will not find another Jeff, we do have his complete and total involvement in locating his replacement. Jeff has also put numerous processes in place that will help ensure a bright future for the association. I’d say a more fitting statement concerning his departure is that he is, in fact, leaving some extremely large shoes to fill. Speaking on behalf of myself and the board of directors, we are thankful that he’s assisting us in this process.

His much-needed leadership and earned position as the new CEO for NIADA will not only benefit NIADA but also each and every state association and independent dealer in our nation. Austin, Texas, is his home. TIADA is where he has spent 16 years building arguably the strongest, most influential, and most devoted association benefiting Texas dealers.

When Jeff was hired in July of 2006, TIADA had 3 full-time employees and 1 part-timer on staff, all housed in an 836-square-foot office space, in which one employee’s desk was located in a makeshift break room. We now have 8 full-time employees and a 2500-square-foot office condo in Austin, that we own debt-free! His inheritance of our association with just 850 members at the time and some pretty