Generationally Speaking – March/April 2015
See what makes us different … and the same!
In this issue of “Generationally Speaking,” we feature Mark A. Clark and Keegan Niccum, service advisers for Chumbley’s Auto Care in Indianaola, Iowa. Chumbley’s Auto Care is owned by Tim Davison.
Mark A. Clark
Baby Boomer
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
Don’t take yourself too seriously!
What is the best decision you have ever made?
To get married and start a family.
Drink of choice?
Southern-style sweet tea!
How did you get into the automotive service business?
I have been doing business with Chumbley’s Auto since we moved here in 1996. I know most of the associates who work there, so when I saw Tim had an opening, I jumped all over it. Tim and his crew have a great reputation, and I wanted to be a part of it!
Best vacation you’ve ever had?
I took my wife to Hawaii for our 25th anniversary. It was absolutely incredible!
What do you drive?
Red 2012 Ford Fusion SEL. Love it, just wish it were a 2015 Tesla P85D.
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
Go visit my awesome grandkids! I love being a grandpa!
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
Pursue your passion!
What do you like most about your work?
Every day is different. I get to help other people, and make sure their vehicle is safe when it leaves our shop.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Brew the perfect cup of coffee.
Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?
We had better be flexible in embracing new technologies. We need to continually educate ourselves on that new technology and be ready to take care of our customers, or someone else will!
Keegan Niccum
Generation Y
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
Always go with your first instinct. Do not second-guess yourself.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
Married my beautiful wife.
Drink of choice?
Roy Rogers (a non-alcoholic mixed drink).
How did you get into the automotive service business?
I was going to college to be a funeral director, and working at my current job part-time. My boss asked me if I would take a full-time position working as a service adviser.
Best vacation you have ever been on?
San Diego.
What do you drive?
1996 Toyota Camry.
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
I would go to the mountains and go horseback riding.
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
Make very high goals and pursue them.
What do you like most about your work?
Knowing, at the end of the day, I have helped someone out.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
I wish I knew how to complete the Rubik’s Cube.
Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?
Based on observing students we have had work in our shop, I believe most young adults do not have the mindset to be the next best technician/adviser.
