NADA Show 2019 promised to save the best for last and the automotive industry event of the year truly delivered. NADA Show 2019 closed out four days of education, networking and one-of-a-kind event programming with a morning inspirational session with fighter pilot, PGA professional, philanthropist and author, Major Dan Rooney (USAF) and an afternoon closing session featuring bestselling author, TV personality and successful entrepreneur Bill Rancic.
Rooney: “Inspiration Without Action is Meaningless”
Maj. Rooney started Sunday morning by calling on everyone to unplug and “celebrate God and country.” Rooney spoke on the importance of personal accountability, working together and ultimately having the backs of your team when you are on the line. “Our life is defined by what we do when things don’t go our way,” Rooney told the audience.
He also spoke about his life’s mission—the founding and running Folds of Honor—a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of military service members disabled or killed in action. Rooney noted that Tulsa auto dealer, Jim Glover Auto Family, has been a dedicated partner to Folds of Honor, donating more than $203,000 since 2013. To see more inspiring video of auto dealers giving back, watch this recap of Saturday’s ADESA charity auction, which raised more than $74,000 for the NADA Foundation and Canine Companions for Independence.
#WomenInAutomotive winner: “Equality Built Literally Into the Foundation”
The Social Connection Zone served as the backdrop for one of the most exciting announcements at NADA 2019—the winners of the second annual #WomenInAutomotive video contest. From more than 60 entries, NADA choose nine winners and one grand prize winner--Certified Service Technician Lisa Kowite of Johnson Lexus of Durham, North Carolina. Kowite will receive a $1,000 gift card and free admission to the NADA Professional Series.
Michelle Primm, NADA Vice Chairman, Region III and managing director of Cascade Auto Group in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio helped announce the winner and said she was impressed by the number of submissions the contest has received over the last two years. “I was overwhelmed by so many people responding,” she said. She outlined the benefits of an automotive career, including great pay and benefits, workplace flexibility, and on-the-job training. “Put the automotive industry on your list of career options,” Primm said. “And don’t forget to share your stories with us.”
How to Succeed in Business and Life With Bill Rancic
While it was hard to top Saturday’s General Session with comedian and actor Dana Carvey, NADA Show 2019 kept the entertainment rolling with a Closing Session featuring serial entrepreneur and TV personality Bill Rancic.
Rancic is a highly sought after motivational speaker who speaks to businesses and organizations around the world on motivational and business topics. At NADA Show 2019, the Chicago-native shared his entertaining and practical lessons gleaned from his varied business endeavors, starting with the pancake business he started with his grandmother at age 10 to his current ventures as small business spokesman, restaurant proprietor, and real estate developer.
Missed any of the action? Read recaps of day one, day two and day three.
See all the sessions, recaps, photos and videos with our official daily show recaps and be sure to revisit all things NADA Show on social media using the hashtag #NADASHOW on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
