MT. LAUREL, NJ – Frank Grochal, vice president, used vehicle sales, will retire from Automotive Resources International (ARI) and Holman Enterprises effective March 31, 2005. Grochal started with ARI as a clerk on June 8, 1953, after graduating from high school. Over the years, he worked his way up to his current position as vice president of used-vehicle sales. During Grochal´s tenure, spanning six decades, he has seen ARI grow from 3,000 vehicles when he started in 1953, to the current 460,000 vehicles.

In the early days of auto auction/leasing company interaction, Grochal put systems in place to be used by both for ease of doing business on a daily basis and refined them throughout his career. He believed that communication, concern, and control were paramount when dealing in the marketplace.

Grochal has been recognized as an industry leader and was one of the first people in the leasing business to be honored by the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) in 1983 when he was inducted into its NAAA Hall of Fame for his major contributions to the growth of the company and the industry.

Last year, in recognition of his 50-year milestone of service to ARI and the auto industry, Grochal was singled out by the NAAA and NAFRD (National Association of Fleet Resale Dealers) organizations and presented with special awards, one of which was the Lifetime Achievement Award from NAFRD. He also received the Humanitarian Award from the Knights of Columbus in 1996. Both awards, along with many others, symbolize a lifelong dedication to his company, industry, family, church, and community, according to colleagues.

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