What Are They Up To?

AutoInc. Profiles Past Chairmen of ASA

Richard "Rick" E. Dube
ASA Chairman: May 1993 - March 1994

Q: What are you doing currently?
A: Bernice and I officially retired last July. Rick Dube Auto Service Inc. of McAllen, Texas, is now a real estate holding company. This transition took several months to accomplish but it has given us time to pursue our other interests and hobbies. Our 34-year legacy in the shop lives on because our three key employees, who had 55 years collectively between them, took over the operation. Our customers, now theirs, seem to love it. We are proud that we could provide them with the opportunities that provided for us so well. We are spending more time at South Padre Island as well as visiting the kids and grandkids. I love the freedom to ride my motorcycle any day that I want and complete lots of projects that I just couldn't get to when I was working.

Q: What advice would you give to ASA members aspiring to serve on the board?
A: I love the saying, "The world is run by those who show up." This is certainly true in ASA. If you want to have an important impact on your world, show up and participate. Your involvement will teach you the skills needed to operate your business while giving back to the industry. It will teach you that you do not have to be at your shop every minute of every working day. I can never repay ASA and everyone who was involved in my development.

Q: What are your best memories and accomplishments as chairman?
A: My best memories were of the involvement of others in ASA. During the year, I attended many state conventions and meetings and was impressed with the collective efforts that I saw for ASA. I had a ball fishing, snowmobiling, attending a hockey game and touring numerous automotive-related businesses with fellow ASA members. I also had the pleasure of presenting my wife with her Automotive Management Institute (AMI) diploma at Annual Convention. Any accomplishments during my year were the result of the hard work of others. I am proud that ASA and AMI have blossomed to become leaders in their field.

Chairman's Club: Recruit Members, Win a Free Trip to CARS or NACE

No one can recruit another shop into your trade association better than you. That's why the Chairman's Club has always been an integral part of ASA's membership recruitment program. For every member application processed at the national office that is submitted by a regular member, that member will earn five points.

The member with the most points on Sept. 15, 2007, will receive one expense-paid* trip to the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) or the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE.) In the case of a tie, a drawing will be held to determine the winner. To be eligible for the trip, you must have a minimum of 50 points.

Congratulations to Tim Cummings of Rick's Automotive in Springfield, Mo., who is the current leader in Chairman's Club points!

In the June and August issues of AutoInc., we will provide a list of Chairman's Club point leaders. For more details on the Chairman's Club, please visit the Members Only section of the ASA Web site.

*Expenses include round-trip airline ticket plus registration to the event and four nights in a hotel. Food and beverage are the responsibility of the winner. All accommodations must be arranged by ASA.