Industry News & Trends

I’m making a career change

Alex Snyder
Posted onMay 14, 2010 at 8:42 AM

In fifth grade I scratched my name in a desk and had to buy a new desk for school; it was $93.  My grandfather picked me up every Saturday and I washed cars at our BMW store until that desk was paid off.  My punishment launched a desire to make money and eventually led to a career at my family’s business.  That was in 1989.

Checkered Flag has been unbelievably good to me.  It taught me the value of money, how to work smart/be organized, and showed me the key to success is staying successful.  It will always be a part of my life – it is in my DNA.

I am excited to say that I am going to continue my automotive education at a new learning institution.  I will miss Virginia Beach, my friends, my family, and Checkered Flag (even though we’ll still be very close).  However, the excitement of getting to know a new place, new group of people, and taking a big career turn is going to be a lot of fun!

I am thrilled to say I am taking a job with Dealer.com in Burlington, Vermont!

To the DealerRefresh Community –
If I were staying on the dealer side I would not mention a move on DealerRefresh with a blog article, but since I’m going to the vendor side I thought transparency was best.  I want you all to know that I am not leaving DealerRefresh.  I will not become an advertising platform for Dealer.com either.  You will find me to be the same person I was before this move.  I will be happy to help anyone with their Dealer.com needs as things are brought up on DealerRefresh, but I promise not to solicit you.  I might ask for your advice from time to time though – I may need your help for a reality check on a project or two.

What will I be doing at Dealer.com?
I am going to help them put a dealer’s spin on things….and of course to take over the world!  They are creating a new position that allows me space to be creative and work with a number of different people.  The funny thing is, this isn’t a change at all.  9 years ago, when Checkered Flag asked me to answer some Honda leads, it was a leap of faith too….and the last 9 years have been quite rewarding.  I’m looking forward to doing some of the same things, but on a whole new level!

Alex Snyder
Who knew an argument with Jeff Kershner, in 2005, would lead to Alex becoming a partner with him on DealerRefresh. Where will the next argument take ...
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    Matt DoCampo
  • May 14, 2010
Congratulations and best of luck Alex!
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    Gerald
  • May 14, 2010
Alex-


That is terrific news. I am sure you had long thoughts about the change, and I hope it is for the best. I know you will be wildly successful there.


In the mean time, I for one am glad to hear you will still be on the staff here at DealerRefresh.


All the best!
E
WOW.


Awesome...huge congrats to you Alex. What a great match; Dealer.com is lucky to have you.


I look forward to seeing the new ideas & changes you can bring to the table for them.


Please keep us posted - would love to be among the 1st to try out whatever you have up your sleeve!


Best of luck man!
M
Dealer.com is very lucky to have you, congratulations Alex!
G
Alex


Congratulations. I know how hard it is to move from a job where family was involved. I wish you nothing but continued success and Dealer.com will be lucky to have you on their team.
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    Jeff Kershner
  • May 14, 2010
Alex, not that I need to say anything here on the blog, since we speak all the time of course and I knew this coming, but... CONGRATULATIONS.


I'm truly excited for you. I'm looking forward to the interesting dynamic this will bring to DealerRefresh.


Dealer.com is very lucky to get someone of your caliber as a part of their team. I have no doubt you will help direct this already powerful vendor onto another level.
M
Alex,


Congrats and I'm happy to hear that you will still play a huge role in the Dealer Refresh community. I'm actually really happy for you, this type of change in your life will inspire you and motivate you to continue your success. Dealer.com is very lucky to have you. Lets do lunch before you take off up north?
E
Congrats Alex! Not sure if you are a skier or not but definitely you should check out Killington Mountain in Vermont - <a href="http://www.killington.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.killington.com</a>

If ever you are in Wisconsin we have our own mountains to tackle.. - <a href="http://www.skisunburst.com/sunburst/" rel="nofollow">http://www.skisunburst.com/sunburst/</a> over 100 FT. of Vertical!!
D
Congrats Alex! Be sure to let us know how you&#039;re liking it, and I&#039;m pleased to see you haven&#039;t given up on your goal for world domination!
Alex Snyder
Thanks everyone - I&#039;m very excited!


It is going to be tough switching from surfing to snowboarding, but I&#039;ve been told it is more about leaning on your forward foot than back foot.


Mike - we can catch lunch before I move.
R
Congrats Alex!!


Very exciting opportunity....Vermont is steller.
A
Alex,


Congratulations and best of luck. I look forward to making a trip up to Vermont to see you and the rest of the great crew at Dealer.com!
K
Great place to live, you will be very happy there, and the team at Dealer.com is first class. An all-around great decision Alex - we are proud of you, you will do fantastic!
V
Great opportunity, Alex, for you and Dealer.com! Your talent, experience and work ethic that led you to this pivotal moment in your career are admirable. What an exciting time for you! Congratulations on your career change!!
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    Chip
  • May 14, 2010
Hey Alex, congratulations!!


Enjoy the maple syrup and skiing.
J
Good for you, Alex. Making the jump away from the retail side is a big one, but one I feel you will relish. Congratulations to Dealer.com for scoring a big guy with bigger ideas like yourself. I definitely see a mutually beneficial relationship there. Enjoy.
L
Alex...big move, bold decision. You must always follow &amp; weigh the opportunities presented to you and then follow your instinct. Fortunately, you are young, eager, mobile and adaptable to this exciting opportunity; which, will more than likely take you to a whole different level, in a new direction in your vocational playing field. I applaud your courage and your determination to be true to yourself, and desire to make a positive difference in the business world. Best of success, Alex, and do stay in touch.

Uncle Louie
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    Stefan
  • May 14, 2010
Congrats Alex!
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    Paul Jimenez
  • May 14, 2010
Alex,


I wish you all the best!!! Burlington just got themselves a Super Star!!! Make sure you buy a heavy parka. All the best pal!!!!!!
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    Andrew Wright
  • May 15, 2010
Way to go buddy! Good luck in the new gig! Congratulations! Cheers!
M
I wish you all of the luck in the world. As you know I&#039;m a big fan of Dealer.Com and love having a Dealer pushing them in new directions!


Good luck!
T
Major Congrats on the move Alex... I second all of the previous posts in that you will be a great addition to Dealer.com... Just don&#039;t forget what its like on our side of the trenches... Best of Luck and Congrats again!!!


Tom
V
The best to you and your family, Alex and also congrats to dealer.com in adding such a valuable player into their team.

How do we say in Germany in wishing only the best &quot;toi, toi, toi&quot;
B
Alex


I can&#039;t wait to see what you and Rick put together over the next year. The two of you working together should put a chill through some of Dealer.com&#039;s competitors.


I am also gald that you embraced change in your life and the learning that will be had at DDC will be invaluable.


Brian
K
Alex,always exciting to change careers (I&#039;ve had several). Best of all good things for you and yours. Vermont has so many quaint towns and places-enjoy !
B
Best of luck Alex. As with the others wishing you well, I too look forward to what you will accomplish at Dealer.com.


The cream always rises to the top!
E
@Alex -


I give you 30 before you&#039;re Mayor of the entire state on FS. Heh.
G
Alex, who said you have to stop surfing??? <a href="http://www.wakesurfVT.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.wakesurfVT.com</a> :)
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    Jason Ezell
  • May 18, 2010
Congrats Alex, welcome back to the trenches!

DDC is fortunate to have you, and the dealers will benefit greatly from your expertise.

best of luck!


Jason
A
Thanks again everyone!


Eric - I think I still hold some Vermont mayorships from my last trip up there. You&#039;re right - I&#039;ve got to own that state - lol


Greg - I&#039;m in!
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    Mark Bailey
  • May 24, 2010
Alex, again, congrats on both the decision, and the courage to make this move. You are the super star, and I know you will be very successful in your new endeavors. You have all the tools, and talent to continue towards the path of an incredible leader in business. In fact, my bet is your path will lead to much higher places, and I for one, can&#039;t wait to see how it all turns out.


&quot;May you live as long as you like,

And have all you like as long as you live.&quot;



&quot;My heart is as full as my glass,

When I drink to you, old friend!&quot;



&quot;Here&#039;s to you and here&#039;s to me,

Friends may we always be!

But, if by chance we disagree,

Up yours! Here&#039;s to me!&quot;


Mark
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    Alex
  • May 24, 2010
Congrats and Good luck Alex!
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