Right Stuff - Part 1
From yesterday we have this "car guy" that has an innate understanding of cars and the car business. Lets continue our conversation...
Q- When Sam Walton started Wal-Mart wasn't he looking for individuals with passion to run his stores?
A- In the pre technology days, everyone was looking for individuals with passion, fire, confidence, fortitude,and not afraid to put their behinds on the line. That's what made an dramatic difference in the level of success a business experienced.
Q- Can you give us examples?
A- Briefly...in the late 1960's Detroit was the place for cars on the planet, GM was the company for cars, there were several people at GM that had the passion, fire, self confidence, and in some cases egos to make it happen at that time. Look at Detroit Iron from the late 60's which today is 40 years old....its a reflection of those folks with the passion.
Q- More examples please...
A- Manufacturer's wanted individual dealers, they wanted the individual with passion, fire, self confidence that would put his behind on the line....
Q- Are you saying that this passion, fire, self confidence was pervasive across the entire automotive industry?
A- Not all...but it was pervasive enough to create an image and personality for the "car guy", lets be candid there were different versions of the "car guy".
Q- You are saying that these car guys had the Right Stuff or were the Right Stuff!
A- Overall yes...like everything else not all of them...some had better aptitudes than others, some had more insight...there was always a level of passion.
Q- How widespread was this "right stuff" phenomenon?
A- In the late 50's and 60's when the Japanese were attempting to create a presence in North America one barrier was access to these "car guys/right stuff" which were all taken by the established manufacturers.
Q- Are you saying that at the time securing people with the "right stuff" was a crucial element for success?
A- Absolutely! There is a reason for the pool ball photo!!!
We will continue....
Strada Auto Store
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