At Strong Automotive, we live our core value ‘Optimize’ by embracing bold experimentation. This spirit shines in our First Four employees—Tara Kirk, Reeves Parrish, Amelia Bennett and Josie Green—who will travel over 30 hours to volunteer in Kenya with Hope for Kenya.

Led by our good friend Philip Coltart, the team will support Joy Schools International in Ndhiwa, contributing to classroom projects and vital community efforts like drilling wells for fresh water.
Tara is our Office Manager, going on 5-years with the company. Growing up in the small town of Hartselle, AL, she describes herself as a ‘country girl’ and shared her thoughts on this big world adventure:

What was your “I’m going to do this!” rationale for answering the call?
Lately I feel I haven’t been as grateful for my blessings as I should be. I have all the comforts, we have no debt, and everything you can want is so convenient by a click of a button. It was not so much as “I’m going to do this,” as “I need to do this.” I need to witness and be involved in a life-changing opportunity in order to be more appreciative of life and all the blessings I’ve been given. I need to be out of my comfort zone and be inconvenienced.

What do you most look forward to?
Everything!! Interacting with the children, working on projects, visiting the schools, and really learning about their culture and the journey they’ve taken so far.

Did you ever imagine yourself doing this?
Never. This is such a rare opportunity, so I do feel blessed I was chosen.

Gotta ask, any fears?
Not really. The only thing I’m concerned about are all the flights and crying too much.

To you, Tara, I share the observation of author William P. Young: “Don’t ever discount the wonder of your tears…sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak.” I cannot wait to hear the stories after 12 days in Kenya.

God bless the First Four!

At Strong Automotive, we live our core value ‘Optimize’ by embracing bold experimentation. This spirit shines in our First Four employees—Josie Green, Tara Kirk, Reeves Parrish and Amelia Bennett—who will travel over 30 hours to volunteer in Kenya with Hope for Kenya.

Led by our good friend Philip Coltart, the team will support Joy Schools International in Ndhiwa, contributing to classroom projects and vital community efforts like drilling wells for fresh water.

Josie, a Google Ads Coordinator, celebrated her 1-year anniversary in May. An Alabama native who grew up on Straight Mountain, she shared her thoughts on this global adventure:

What was your “I’m going to do this!” rationale for answering the call?
After getting to go to the Big Oak Girls’ Ranch to volunteer and getting to see the physical manifestations of our giving, I was eager for more opportunities to get involved in Strong’s outreach. I care deeply about education and believe that every child deserves to learn and thrive – so when John Paul announced that they would be sending a group of ambassadors to visit the Joy School, I knew I had to apply.

What do you most look forward to?
Aside from spending time with the kids at Joy School, I’m most excited about seeing Kenyan culture firsthand – especially music and dancing! I’m also really looking forward to our safari days and exploring the habitat, and hope we see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo)! I love big cats

Did you ever imagine yourself doing this?
Honestly, no, at least not in my twenties! I am so grateful for this opportunity from John Paul and the gals that are joining me. The closer it gets, the less real it feels!

Gotta ask, any fears?
Shockingly I’m not scared of anything (as of now), but I haven’t flown in 5 years and have never gone out of the country, so thinking of the airport is nerve-wracking!

To you, Josie, and your hopes to see the Big 5, these words of caution from author Hunter S. Thompson: “You can’t play city rules when you live in the jungle.” I cannot wait to hear the stories after 12 days in Kenya.

God bless the First Four!

At Strong Automotive, we live our core value ‘Optimize’ by embracing bold experimentation. This spirit shines in our First Four employees—Amelia Bennett, Josie Green, Tara Kirk, and Reeves Parrish—who will travel over 30 hours to volunteer in Kenya with Hope for Kenya.
Led by our good friend Philip Coltart, the team will support Joy Schools International in Ndhiwa, contributing to classroom projects and vital community efforts like drilling wells for fresh water.

Amelia, our Digital Project Manager in her fifth year at Strong, shared her thoughts on this journey:

What was your “I’m going to do this!” rationale for answering the call?
At first, I answered the call by becoming a donor to Hope for Kenya. However, when the chance came to be part of the work directly, I realized my role needed to be greater. Living in NYC and working at Success Academy opened my eyes to the privilege I carry and how unevenly opportunities are distributed. I believe we have a responsibility to help open the door for others. Joining Hope for Kenya allows me to move from supporting change to being present in it.

What do you most look forward to?
Aside from helping with some handy work, I’m looking forward to sitting down with The Joy School scholars, chatting while we make bracelets, and learning some new dance moves!

Did you ever imagine yourself doing this?
Not at all! I travel and fly often, but have little experience traveling internationally. I can’t express my gratitude to John Paul and Strong Automotive for this opportunity.

Gotta ask, any fears?
I have arachnophobia, my only genuine fear; I even avoid places that I assume will have spiders. Other than running the risk of seeing a massive spider, I’m pretty stoked!

To you, Amelia, I offer these words from Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do one thing every day that scares you!” I cannot wait to hear the stories after 12 days in Kenya.

God bless the First Four!

As a man of faith, I believe nothing happens by coincidence.

Four years ago, while visiting a client in western New York, I met Philip Coltart—a talented cinematographer with a British accent and a heart for service. Philip quickly became our go-to for dealership videos, but his deeper passion lay in a mission called Hope for Kenya.

In 2003, Philip connected with Peter and Rachel Midolo, native Kenyans seeking support for their school. That school became Joy Schools International in Ndhiwa, Kenya, then serving over 150 children, and today, over 1000. By 2006, Hope for Kenya was established as a U.S. nonprofit.  Philip would become its U.S. Director, leading his first group of volunteers to Kenya in 2009, helping build dorms, water towers, and wells for surrounding communities.

Earlier this year, Philip shared his story with our team and invited volunteers to join him as a volunteer for a trip to Kenya. The response was overwhelming.

On Wednesday, September 24th, the First Four employees selected—Amelia Bennett, Josie Green, Tara Kirk, and Reeves Parrish—will board a flight to serve at the Joy School. They’ve stepped beyond their personal silos to embrace our core value: Optimize—thinking beyond yourself to improve the whole system.

We’re proud to support these four as they challenge the status quo and serve as builders and fixers for Hope for Kenya. Over the next few days, we’ll feature each of them here, sharing their hopes, fears, and reasons for going. Josie said it best: “The closer it gets, the less real it feels.”

It’s real. And it’s no coincidence.

Today, under Birmingham’s clear blue skies—just like that morning 24 years ago—we pause to remember 9/11 and honor the lives lost.

This week, we also celebrate the life of Mike Molstead, a good friend of our agency, who passed away on Monday after a 24-year battle with cancer.

At 23, Mike began managing his first dealership in Waterloo, Iowa. A knee injury redirected him from a potential pro football career to the automotive world. In 1995, alongside his wife Paula, he opened his own store in Charles City, Iowa. Mike Molstead Motors grew to include Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM. His children now continue the legacy.

What stands out to me is how Mike exemplified our core value: Optimize—using each day to improve life for others, even when you have your own obstacles to overcome.

Diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2001, Mike lived fully for 24 years despite numerous surgeries and treatments. His journey was chronicled in Paula’s blog “Eat Pray Breathe,” a testament to resilience.

Mike gave generously during his battle —coaching youth sports, donating thousands of dollars to schools, and helping build a gymnasium. He was active in the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, and more. He never let cancer define him, tattooing Jim Valvano’s challenging words on his forearm: ‘Don’t Give Up, Don’t Ever Give Up.’

Named Iowa’s TIME Dealer of the Year in 2021, Mike said, ‘I intend to live with hope and love, putting faith over fear and running full force until the sand runs out.’

Let us live with that same intent. But even more fitting are Paula’s words from her blog titled ‘Hospice’ this past August:
“Mike’s favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap, if we do not give up.” This verse is perfect for Mike, because he has always tried to do good and to help other people.”

God Bless Mike, his family, and many friends.

When we chose ‘Optimize’ as a Core Value, I explored its roots and found it shares Latin origins with ‘optimist’—both meaning ‘best.’ This connection reinforced my belief in the power of a positive mindset in business.

Optimism is more than attitude; it’s a leadership trait. According to selfpause.com, optimistic leaders are better at overcoming challenges and finding solutions. These qualities—leadership, resilience, and problem-solving—are essential for growth.

Gallup reports that only 35% of U.S. managers are engaged, costing billions annually. An optimistic manager, however, motivates teams and reduces stress. Mark Cuban emphasizes that reducing stress is a top value in any employee. Being a problem-solver who stays calm under pressure is invaluable.

Research also shows that those with a ‘positive stress mindset’ are more productive and focused. They see stress as a challenge, not a burden.

Charles Swindoll said, ‘We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.’ This resonates deeply in business.

To us, ‘Optimize’ means simplifying complexity and constantly improving how we work and what we deliver.

There’s only one way to do that: through the Power of Positive

Optimize is the next company Core Value in our STRONG acronym, building on Self, Team, and Respect. Derived from the Latin ‘optimus,’ meaning ‘best,’ Optimize means making the most effective use of any situation, opportunity, or resource. This principle is deeply embedded in our culture and daily operations.

Our Culture Club’s Core Values booklet captures this ethos perfectly: ‘We’re builders and fixers. We challenge the status quo, simplify complexity, and constantly find ways to improve how we work and what we deliver.’ This spirit of innovation and collaboration is evident in every corner of our organization.

The Optimize page outlines key practices that guide our approach:

– Question outdated methods and seek better alternatives

– Present data, ideas, and solutions—not just problems

– Identify ways to save time, money, and reduce frustration

– Embrace experimentation, even when it leads to failure

– Adopt best practices that enhance our performance

One powerful reminder is highlighted: ‘Use each day as a chance to make our product better!’

We don’t settle for one-time success. Every service, product, and process we create reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence. Optimize is not just a value—it’s a mindset that drives us to continuously elevate our standards and outcomes.

What We Do…for the company, for clients…Do Best!

College Football kicks off this weekend—and it’s not just another season. “Not so fast, my friends!” This one marks the end of an era.

On ESPN’s “College GameDay,” the legendary Lee Corso will make his final mascot pick. At 90 years old, Corso’s last headgear moment will be a tribute to a man who helped shape the soul of Saturday football. My bet? He’ll go with the Buckeyes over the Longhorns.

Corso’s legacy goes beyond his 67% pick rate. He brought energy, humor, and heart to the set for over 30 years. One of the best behind-the-scenes stories comes from his first audition, when he told Tim Brando, “Sweetheart, I am here for the duration.” And he was.

In my own career, I’ve seen people freeze in front of a camera. Corso never did. He leaned into the moment, made us watch, and made us care. That’s what tradition looks like.

As fans, we’re more than spectators—we’re part of the culture. The word “fan” comes from “fanatic,” and this season, let’s channel that passion with respect. Remember Roosevelt’s famous quote: “The credit belongs to the man in the arena… who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly.”

So whether you’re cheering for the Tide, the Tigers, the Buckeyes, the Longhorns or your favorite school—respect the game, the players, and the tradition.
I’m ready for football.

Respect is a value that transcends titles and roles. One day, I plan to write a book entirely dedicated to this principle. Each chapter will highlight individuals who have earned respect through their character and leadership. These are people whose actions speak louder than words and whose influence is felt across all levels of an organization.
At our company, Respect is a Core Value defined as ‘Honoring the Purpose.’ It’s not just about kindness—it’s about integrity, doing what’s right even when no one is watching. It’s a full-time commitment that recognizes contributions from every level of the company.
Recently, we had the honor of working with Jim Bernstein of the Milton Ruben Group in Augusta, GA, during his nomination for the TIME/Ally Dealer of the Year Award. Jim received the award from the GADA, and it was well-deserved.
As part of the nomination process, we interviewed employees for a video. Whether they had worked with Jim for decades or just joined the team, one theme was consistent: Jim’s embodiment of Respect.

Here are a few quotes from those interviews:
“Whatever your role is here in the dealership, he has a unique ability to engage with you on that level and bring you along.”
“It makes you work harder once you see the owner willing to put in the extra effort; it makes you stay in the fight.”
“Sometimes you have to remind yourself he’s the owner because he talks at a level that you talk to your best friends at.”
“Every time I talk to him, I take it as a treat because he takes that one-on-one time to look you directly in your eye, make that connection, and it makes me feel special.”

Respect is not reserved for special occasions—it’s a daily practice that touches clients, coworkers, vendors, and oneself. It’s a value that inspires and uplifts, and it’s certainly worthy of a book. If I were to title a chapter, I might borrow from Nike: Just Do It!

As the owner of this company, I’ve come to realize that Respect is more than just a value—it’s a way of life. It’s something that has grown increasingly important to me over the years, and as a company core value, Respect is essential to our success and happiness.

Respect begins with Self – our first core value. As an individual, we must understand our strengths and weaknesses and appreciate what others bring to the table. It’s about being aware of our surroundings, how we walk, how we talk, and how we interact with everyone, from our colleagues to the night cleaning crew. A simple ‘thank you’ or picking up a piece of trash as you walk into the office reflects the Respect you have for your environment and the people you share it with.

I used to think Respect was something that had to be earned. But I’ve learned that it must be given first. Only then can we expect it in return. This shift in perspective has brought clarity and a stronger foundation to my personal and professional life. It’s not always easy—especially when opinions clash—but respecting others’ viewpoints is crucial to growth and collaboration.

Keeping Respect top of mind doesn’t just improve relationships; it makes us better people. It opens doors to future opportunities and fosters a culture of kindness and understanding. Make the effort to lead with Respect, every day, in every interaction. Give it freely, and you’ll find it returned in ways that enrich your life and the lives of team members around you