David Jacobson wistfully recalls what he told Rick Haviland, president of MarketSource, years ago. “I told him I wanted to retire from here.” On March 1, 2024, just shy of his 16-year anniversary, David will have attained that goal.
David’s contributions will be sorely missed, but he leaves behind a legacy of success and positive relationships that will surely have a lasting impact. And he, in turn, will miss MarketSource. “This has been such a great place to work. It’s evident the people here truly care about me.”
A true “car guy,” David devoted much of his career to the automotive business. After working his way up the dealership ranks from salesman to ultimately running the department as general sales manager, he decided to make a change. That’s when he found MarketSource.
His experience in the automotive industry has proven valuable within his area of responsibility at MarketSource, where David has served in every role, including managing the entire program for a major auto manufacturer. However, it’s within his gift of mentorship where his true legacy lies. “My dad was a coach, so it must be in my blood,” he says. “From my early days in the Boy Scouts to playing sports and all throughout my professional life, I knew I wanted not just to succeed myself, but help others succeed as well.”
MarketSource emphasizes the importance of building relationships, a value David has relished. “I strongly believe that mastering that skill is key to discovering the ways you’re best served to help others. What do they like and dislike? What do they want and not want? What do they need? Finding the answers to these questions helps me determine where I can make the biggest impact for that particular person.”
“My dad was a coach, so it must be in my blood,” he says. “From my early days in the Boy Scouts to playing sports and all throughout my professional life, I knew I wanted not just to succeed myself, but help others succeed as well.”
And although he’s quick to point out that he’s never the smartest person in the room, David has plenty of great advice to pass along. “Of course, building honest, sincere relationships is so important,” he begins. “But also, hard work, even when no one is watching. Take care of your clients, your teammates, and other colleagues. Also: Open doors—literally and figuratively—for others.”
So…with such a fulfilling career nearly behind him, what’s next for David Jacobson?
“That’s an easy one,” he says, amused. “I’m very excited to move on to the next chapter in the book of my life. People have had various reactions to the news, from wondering if I’ll be bored to offering congratulations and asking what I will do. My answer is mostly, more! More golf, more hiking, more time with the kids and grandkids, more photography…but mostly, more time with my amazing wife, Dawn, traveling and enjoying sunsets around the world. Having had a wonderful career full of twists and turns; successes and failures; unexpected occurrences and great friendships, I feel extremely fortunate to be calling it a day.”
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