Leadership @7000ft
Trent Olson - Executive Manager | Flagstaff Nissan Subaru
For the last ten and a half years Trent has partnered with the Ridel Group, who finances dealerships while the buy down converts to sole ownership.
In October, Trent, a Greater Flagstaff Chamber Board Member announced to the Chamber Board that he is now the full owner Flagstaff Nissan & Subaru with no partners.
The Chamber would like to thank Trent for his Chamber leadership and the entire team at Flagstaff Nissan Subaru for their contribution to the Flagstaff economy and community.
FC: How did you choose your profession and how long have you been in your industry?
TO: I started in the automotive industry selling tires at a store chain in the Midwest called Tires Plus. At that time car dealerships did not sell tires, so I sold tires to several of the local dealerships in my hometown of Grand Forks ND. Eventually I was recruited by the local Ford dealership. I’ve been in the industry for 32 years.
FC: What has been your biggest workplace thrill or accomplishment?
TO: Watching people grow in their careers and personal lives and achieving their dreams both personally and professionally.
FC: What’s worse to you than failure?
TO: Everyone is going to fail at things they set out to do. I would say not trying at all to accomplish your goals.
FC: From whom do you seek business advice?
TO: I have several mentors that I’ve worked with over the years that I call on often for advice. I also lean on my employees for advice and answers to problems we have.
FC: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?
TO: Always remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Too
many young people switch jobs way too often. The happiest people I know
have stayed at the same job for several years.
FC: What do you do for fun?
TO: Watch dirt track racing, go to the lake back in Minnesota, run, and occasionally
golf, hopefully someday a lot more golf.
FC: What inspires you?
TO: Watching my people and business grow. It motivates me to see people
accomplish their dreams.
FC: What about Flagstaff makes it the best place for you to live?
TO: The weather and the proximity of the town, so close to so many cool sights and
places.
FC: To what do you attribute your business success?
TO: My mentors motivated me to do what I do and of course, it's always about the
people. I have 85 employees and without them I would never have been able
to be successful. I always say it’s always about the people..
FC: What is more important for you today than 10 years ago?
TO: My health and mental wellbeing. Also, my people's successes are because the
more successful they are, the more successful I will be.
FC: My number one rule when striving to be greater is…
TO: Lead by example, don’t ask anyone to anything you wouldn't do yourself.
FC: In 10 years, I hope to be...
TO: Not working as much as I do now but still be involved in the business and watching my employees continue to grow the business.