Local General Motors dealer Mike Harper has a lot of which he is proud. Not only did his two dealerships get the thumbs-up from the automakers to continue operation, he is doing it under a new title: Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) Dealer of the Year.

Each year, the LADA Board of Directors accepts nominations from the 330-plus new car and truck dealers in the state.  Nominees are selected by their peers based on exceptional performance in their dealerships and distinguished community service.  By secret ballot, the board chooses an overall winner, who is not disclosed until the annual convention.

Harper received that distinction as a surprise during the LADA’S 71st annual convention in Destin, Fla. on June 1.
“First you’re nominated, then, it’s all done by secret vote,” Harper said. “Only two people in the LADA office know about it.”

Harper said he was nominated by long-time friend and fellow dealer Gary Blackmon of Deridder.

Harper said an artist from Baton Rouge puts together a caricature of the winner that shows the things that are important to him, such as family, hobbies and business.

“That’s when your spouse and family find out,” Harper said. At that point, Harper’s wife, Whitney, knew as well as his two children, Marshall and Catherine.”

It was also necessary to let his family know, so they could attend the presentation at the convention. Only Harper was out of the loop.

“My kids were there and some friends who had driven in from St. Louis,” he said. “They were in the back of the room, so I didn’t see them. Then they opened the envelope, like the Academy awards, and read the winner. It was just really neat and fun the way they did it. It was a nice surprise for me.”

Harper admitted he is a unique winner for a couple of reasons. He was a first-time nominee and won. And in 2003, his business partner, Julian Foy of Julian Foy Motors in Many, took the honor.

“This is the only dealership in the state to have two winners,” Harper said. Unfortunately, Foy died later the same year he won.

As winner of the state award, Harper is now eligible for the national award, sponsored by TIME Magazine and Goodyear and currently held by George Fritze of Red River Chevrolet in Bossier City. Harper said it is the first time a Louisiana dealer has won the national honor.

“It’s a big production,” Harper said. “They’ll announce the winner at our national convention, which is in Orlando next year.”

Harper began his automotive career in 1963 at age 12, working for his father, Jud Harper, as a lot porter on a used car lot in Shreveport.  He then worked during summers and part-time at various dealerships in the area.  He served in the United States Army and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge while stationed in Vietnam in 1971-1972.

After 1976, he was hired by Rountree Olds-Cadillac, and the automotive industry has been the only business he has ever known.  He graduated from LSU-Shreveport in 1976 and Dealership of Management Development School for General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan in 1979. Harper and his father founded Harper Motors, Inc. in 1983. 

He also became co-owner of Julian Foy Motors, Inc. in 1998 and is currently the owner-dealer.

Harper Motors has been recognized numerous times for excellence in sales and service. The Minden store is consistently in the top 15 percent in sales effectiveness.

Harper has served on numerous boards of various automobile-related organizations, including LADA Board from 1989-2000, chairman from 1998-1999, and is currently a member of the LADA-SIF Board of Trustees. He served as president of the Minden Auto Dealers Association and is a board member of Diversified Dealers Association, Inc.   
He has served on boards of numerous civic organizations.  Co-Founder and President of the Minden Charity Foundation, the organization has raised and distributed over $144,000 to help 96 Webster Parish families deal with catastrophe.  

In 2002, he was honored as the Minden Man of the Year.

For more than 20 years, Harper has worked on the Minden St. Jude. He currently serves on the Board of MBL Bank.
Harper is proud of his contributions as a civic leader, but he is equally proud that he has been able to operate a successful dealership for 35 years.

“ … Particularly the last few years,” he said. “Luckily, both of these dealerships are to continue with GM.”

Married to Whittney since 1979, they have two children, Marshall and Catherine.  Both children are graduates of LSU.  His son, Marshall, serves as the general sales manager at Harper Motors, Inc. His daughter Catherine works for Ash-Lor Petroleum in Shreveport as a Landman.

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved