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Ed Gazzillo asked me to welcome you to today’s event for a number of reason: Yes, I’m
dealer who employs young men and women like you. I am also a Board Member of the
Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association and Chairman of the Association’s
Education Committee, but most importantly, he asked me because I am a former technician,
or mechanic, as we used to be called.
[Nick’s story]
Why you chose to be a technician (family members, etc.)
First job
How you move from technician side of the business. Were you nervous?
Who helped you? Importance of mentors? Make sure you mentor as you get more
successful.
Love of learning new things/training
Your first management position. How did it feel?
Where you are today. Head of a huge multi‐million dollar company that employs xxx, sells
xxx cars a year, services xxx cars, oversaw the construction of the new mega‐facility.
How starting as a technician gave you insight that others do not have.
Not all of you will want to leave the service side of the business, like I did, some of you will
take a different path altogether. But, what I really wanted you to think about is the fact that
whatever path you chose, the skills that you have learned in the ‘shop’ will help you
throughout your career and a world of opportunities are open to you if you work hard, train
and re‐train, and embrace change.
You have all reached an important milestone by being in this competition and you are all a
great example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Whether you
plan to study further, or enter the workforce, you have a bright future ahead of you.
Well done.
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