Jim Cooley, owner of the Dandy RV Superstore in Oxford, shared how the people of Leeds helped shape his business philosophy during the Leeds Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday, April 17.Cooley, better known to most of Leeds as Jim Dandy, said the people of Leeds put him where he is today as the top RV salesman by a 2-1 margin in the state.
He said his first loan came from Hayes Parnell, even if it was only for $1,200 to $1,300. Parnell also gave him valuable advice to wave in greeting to all the bankers every time he made a payment on his loan, which he still follows today.
Cooley also mentioned his head coach who helped him realize his flair for business and gave him football advice he uses in his business as well.
“Coach always said to mind your own business and work and not to worry about the competition,” Cooley said. “He said to just worry about yourself and get your position set before you worry about others.”
That coach also advised Cooley that if he went into business he could be a millionaire by the time he was 40 with his work ethic.
Cooley began his RV business by selling one trailer at a time out of his house. Cooley now owns the largest RV dealership in the state with a more than 80,000 square foot facility, 28 acres of property and 80 employees.
Cooley has been in business for 31 years and has never been sued because he followed advice to treat every customer the way he would want to be treated if it was him purchasing an RV.
“Doing things right will pay off when the economy is in trouble,” Cooley said. “You have to look at the positive side of life. You can delegate all the authority you want, but you can’t delegate responsibility for your actions.”
Cooley finished with advice he learned from Mrs. Parnell, saying when writing down goals, people should go ahead and write dates next to them so they can strive for and reach those goals.
Also during the luncheon:
O Cleanup Campaign days were announced set for Saturday, April 19 and Saturday, April 26, starting at 8 a.m. near the Leeds First United Methodist Church.
O A chamber golf tournament was announced for Tuesday, May 20 at the Trussville Country Club.
O Farmers Markets for every Friday starting June 13 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. and possibly lasting through August or September were announced.
O Chamber President Kelly Love thanked the directors of the Welcome Centers of Alabama for attending the luncheon.
O James Owen, a sixth-grade science teacher at Leeds Middle School, received recognition as the teacher of the month.
