When you’re in a position to help others, and you choose to act, the question of ROI still matters. Is the group you’re supporting authentic? Do they walk the walk?

We recently sponsored four employees—Tara Kirk, Reeves Parrish, Josie Green, and Amelia Bennett—to serve with Hope for Kenya, a foundation introduced to us by our friend Philip Coltart. Their two-week mission supported Joy Schools International in Ndhiwa, contributing to classroom projects and vital community efforts like drilling wells.

Many prayers were said for their safety and success—and they were answered.

Reeves shared, “Saying goodbye to the children, I’ve cried more in the last two days than I ever expected. The relationships built here are real and raw. I’ve made lasting connections, and I’ll do whatever I can to return.”

Josie reflected, “There are very few things that could provide the kind of personal growth I got from this trip. Nothing you can watch, read, or hear prepares you for what you see with your own eyes.”

Tara expressed, “I feel at peace. I feel like I could stay longer. I don’t feel like I had enough time, but there’s always more chances to come back. I found a purpose that will grow.”

Amelia said, “I feel like I’m taking home a lifetime of change and friends for life. My sponsored child wants to be a pilot, and I’m excited to help him chase that dream. This experience has changed my attitude toward life in ways I never imagined.”

I urge you to view their attached ‘exit’ interviews. We are proud of how our First Four walked the walk and lived the words of John Bunyan: ‘You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.’

Support Hope for Kenya, you will be empowering success, the purest definition of our core value, Nurture.

You can watch their full testimonials here:

Reeve’s Testimonial 

Josie’s Testimonial

Tara’s Testimonial 

Amelia’s Testimonial 

This month, our core value focus is NURTURE, and to me, it truly embodies the essence of what we do at our company. Our Culture Team defined nurture as: “We take care of our people and our clients. We grow trust, loyalty, and results by showing up consistently, building relationships, and creating value every day.” This philosophy is not just a statement—it’s a way of life for us.

Reflecting on our journey, I think back to Ross Downing Chevrolet, the very first client Mike and I signed. That memory prompted the mindset of a farmer. You begin by preparing the soil, planting the seed, watering it, and fertilizing it. From that effort, something magical and special grows from seemingly nothing. This is the same nurturing process we apply to our relationships with clients and our team.

Nurturing is not about instant results. While we have the tools and technology to generate traffic quickly, the real magic lies in the consistency and care we provide daily. It’s this steady, full-time effort that builds confidence and sets us apart. Just like farming, we nurture through the good times—when the sun shines and the rain balances out—and through adversity. Ross Downing in Louisiana has weathered storms like Francine, Isaac, and Katrina, as well as industry challenges like inventory shortages. Yet, through it all, something truly special has grown.

Nurture is a team value. It’s about caring for our people, as well as the men and women of the dealerships we support. When you take care of the team, they take care of everything else, including the client. Growing is a full-time job, and nurturing is the heart of that growth. Let’s continue to plant, water, and grow—together.

One of the phrases we use to describe our core value, Optimize, reads, “constantly find ways to improve how we work and what we deliver.” Complementary to that is the phrase, “Use each day as a chance to make our product better.” These words have taken on new meaning for me recently.

Without any external pressure, I made a simple yet powerful change: rising 30 minutes earlier each day. This small shift—just 2% of the day—has brought clarity and purpose. My morning now begins with Bible study, grounding me in faith and sending a positive tone. I also take time to review emails and reflect on the previous day’s time-blocking notes, reprioritizing what matters most.

The biggest benefit of this practice is prioritizing—time with God, time reviewing, and time preparing for the day ahead. All in just 30 minutes, it’s proven to be a real blessing. In a world filled with noise and negativity, this sunrise exercise simplifies complexity and helps me attack the day with confidence.

Great athletes often say that during exceptional performances, everything slows down. While I’m not becoming bigger, stronger, or faster in these moments, I am starting my day with intention and clarity. This practice helps me feel better about myself and sets the tone for a well-utilized day—all 1440 minutes of it.

I measure exceptional people by a standard I call the 2%ers. Ironically, 30 minutes of 1440? You got it, 2%. And that 2% is making all the difference.

In life, we are blessed with the friendship of rare individuals who embody the very best of humanity. Mary Ann Martin was one of those people. Her passing on September 20th at the age of 94 leaves a profound void, but her legacy of beauty, grace, and strength will live on in the hearts of her family and countless friends.

Billy and Mary Ann married in 1950 and launched their agency, Martin & Associates, in 1959. When Mike joined in 1973, he and Billy quickly rose to prominence by focusing on automotive advertising. Behind their success stood Mary Ann—steadfast, sharp, and always watching over the business. Even into her late 80s, she ran the office and kept a close eye on the finances.

Together, Billy and Mary Ann built one of the most respected automotive agencies in the country. Today, Martin Retail Group serves thousands of dealerships nationwide. Their legacy is not just in business, but in family. They raised three successful children, including David Martin, who hired me in 2002 and became my first mentor. In those early days, it was Mary Ann who checked in on me daily, making sure I stayed on track.

Her obituary captured her spirit perfectly:

“Mrs. Martin worked tirelessly with her husband to keep the companies running smoothly and successfully. Her most significant contribution was a genuine love for her employees and their families.”

Mary Ann and Billy were blessed with 7 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. As her obituary beautifully stated:

“‘Mimi never lectured or raised her voice, but gently admonished, always with love… The North Star of a tight-knit family, she treasured nothing more than keeping family close.”

That North Star metaphor couldn’t be more fitting. Mary Ann loved the Lord and lived her faith with quiet strength. She was the rock of her family and her organization, always giving her best to help others become their best.

Prayers for the family, peace and joy as they celebrate Mary Ann and Billy —reunited again, forever.

At Strong Automotive, we live our core value ‘Optimize’ by embracing bold experimentation. This spirit shines in our First Four employees— Reeves Parrish, Amelia Bennett, Josie Green, and Tara Kirk – 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.

Reeves is a Senior Account Coordinator, and November marks 3 years with Strong. She has been to Africa before, and was excited to share her thoughts on going back:

What was your “I’m going to do this!” rationale for answering the call?
I’ve always been drawn to learning about other cultures. This seemed like a great opportunity to not only go serve with a team doing great work in Kenya and represent Strong well, but to have my worldview expanded and build relationships with people I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet otherwise.

What do you most look forward to?
I’m most looking forward to meeting the team at Hope for Kenya and the students they serve and learning more about their stories. Learning about the experiences of others can provide new perspectives. I’m excited to be able to give my full attention to the team there and learn more about their “why” as an organization and how we at Strong can continue to be involved with their mission.

Did you ever imagine yourself doing this?
There was a time in my life where I saw myself living in another country with a ministry as an English teacher, so this experience is something near to my heart. I still have a passion for working with kids in any capacity that helps them grow to love learning and continuing their education.

Gotta ask, any fears?
Honestly, no. I’m looking forward to whatever Kenya brings! My faith is a large part of who I am and I’ve had an overwhelming peace about this trip since I submitted the interest form.

To you, Reeves, I share this most positive thought: “Inner peace is the greatest success. It makes your world a paradise.” 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—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.