It has been said that if you do what you love, you’re bound to be a success. I have always had more than a mere interest in cars, trucks, and the automotive industry. But my decision to run a successful dealership came more by way of default than any kind of formal career planning.
My professional life began at the age of 21 when I went to work for a large, new-car franchise shortly after returning home from serving two years in Argentina as a full-time missionary for my church. I was excited about the idea of getting paid to talk to people about cars—one of my greatest interests—and to work in such an exciting, ever-changing industry. I had great confidence in the vehicles I was marketing, and thoroughly enjoyed the customer service aspect of my job. After just 6 months, however, I found myself less than enchanted with the kind of salesman, and person, my superiors had hoped I would become.
I desired to continue my formal education, while acquiring some real-world business experience, so I went to work for a leading mutual fund company. This company helped pay for my tuition, provided me with an excellent opportunity to learn, grow and generally polish my skills as a business professional. For seven years I enjoyed a rewarding career in the investment and retirement services industry.
In that time, I managed to take the man out of the car business, but found it hard to take the car business out of the man. While still working full-time for the investment firm, and with the support of my lovely wife, in May of 2003, I decided to organize Specialties Automotive Group, LLC. I was determined to buy, sell, and yes, drive all the vehicles that I know and love, and run a profitable car business in so doing. We must have done something right, because car deal by car deal, customer by repeat customer, business continued to head in the right direction. It goes without saying that if you treat others the way that you yourself would like to be treated; your efforts will be rewarded, and rewarding. Consequently, I became more and more occupied with my car business, and it became increasingly difficult to do both. With the help of my wife, Rebecca, in March of 2005, I began running Specialties Automotive Group on a full-time basis.
It is great to do what you love and love what you do. I look forward to going into work each day, and our business premise remains the same. At Specialties Automotive Group, LLC, we Specialize in quality, clean, higher-end pre-owned vehicles that don’t need reconditioning. Many used car dealers have earned their reputation rightfully, and unfortunately, manage to provide the automotive sales industry with an unfavorable public opinion. At Specialties Automotive Group, LLC, you will find us to be entirely different, and you will appreciate our straight forward approach to the used car buying experience. We look forward to doing business with you and have every intention of earning your business this time, next time, and every time you need a quality pre-owned vehicle.
I appreciate your interest in doing business with us, and wish you the best in all your automotive endeavors.
Jared L. Thompson
