David Cochran announced early last year that 2022 would be his last year supporting DMS, as he planned to retire to spend more time at the lake with his family. That declaration became a reality in December 2022.
David is well respected throughout the Dealer community and has had a positive influence on every facet of Dealer Connect. We want to thank David for his devotion, enthusiasm, and unique way of supporting the Dealer Connect team and the entire DMS process. Below are some of the team’s thoughts and fond memories of working with David:
“Through his vast experience and knowledge spheres, David Cochran contributed invaluably to the creation and honing of Dealer Connect. Of all his innumerable, distinguished accomplishments and career successes, we could not be more fortunate for the treasure of his involvement in TMHNA’s industry-changing DMS. Thank you, David!” – Darren Reighard – Senior Manager, Dealer Systems
“David has a gift that he generously shared with all of us. He has the ability to take complex topics and simplify them into layman’s terms. This was especially beneficial to those of us new to Dealer Connect which certainly reduced the intimidation and learning curve factor considerably. David is a wise, generous, and patient teacher who always created a safe environment to learn in, and that ability will certainly be missed.” – Rusty Tomlinson – DMS Learning Experience Designer
I am not sure if my favorite David saying, which I have written down numerous times because it is so true, is appropriate: “If you torture the data long enough, it will confess to anything.” “David is one of those people who makes me feel like I don’t have to take everything so seriously while still being one of those people who gets things done. It is a unique talent, and he will be missed!” – Tory Beiting – Product Owner
“I will miss his voice” – Julie Underwood – IT Application Support
Three things to say about David: 1) His thought process is always analytical, logical, rational, and forward-thinking. 2) I’m grateful for the knowledge transfer talks and meetings we’ve had since I started here. 3) What I admire most is his consistently calm and respectful demeanor. – Anthony Dossier Data Migration Specialist
“His wit is spot-on, and his self-deprecating humor is masterfully done. We all have benefitted from his incredible depth of industry knowledge, and this has enabled him to provide insight and perspectives that only come from having lived in the Dealer’s shoes”. – Laura Hefferan
“David has been an invaluable advisor and mentor to me personally during his time at TMH. I’ll forever regard his countless wisdom, guidance, and stories over numerous late evening phone calls and Dealer visits. His passion to make Dealer Connect game changing for our Dealers was apparent in every action he took. He has a unique ability to handle any situation with his dose of ‘southern charm.’ As he would say, “Laugh or cry, it all pays the same.
Thank you David for your huge contribution in making Dealer Connect a reality!” – Chad Crouch – Dealer Systems Manager
“David’s Dealership experience along with his years of participating in the development of Dealer Connect has been of great value not only in transferring this knowledge to the newly formed Dealer Connect team but in coaching and guiding as well. Without this, the Dealer Connect team would not be where it is today.” – Al Sayler – Dealer Systems Project Manager
“Best coach and mentor I have ever had. Great storyteller. Great friend. Thank you for your patience with me as I got my feet under me.” – Brad Klosinski – Dealer Engagement Manager
In closing David, we all just wanted to say: “Goodbye tension and hello pension!”
Whatever life delivers next, may it bring you the same joy and fulfillment as you brought to all of us.