Steve Neary, born on February 21, 1969, in Connecticut, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background in manufacturing and automotive industries. Raised in a family deeply rooted in Greek immigrant values, Neary’s early life was shaped by the tenacity of his pioneering mother. He attended the University of Massachusetts, where he co-founded a military subcontract manufacturing company that flourished during Desert Storm. After selling his shares, Neary transitioned to the automotive sector, becoming the President of Oneiro Holdings, Inc., and a respected dealer in South Florida. Known for his innovative business strategies and community involvement, Neary is dedicated to his teenage son, embodying the values of resilience and familial commitment. His personal and professional journeys are testaments to overcoming adversity with perseverance and a strong sense of community.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days begin early with a quick workout to clear my mind. Then it’s straight to the dealership, where I engage with my team and customers, ensuring operations run smoothly. I make my day productive by prioritizing tasks and maintaining a hands-on approach in my business, which keeps me connected and responsive to my team’s and customers’ needs.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas come to life through collaboration. I value the input of my team and often hold brainstorming sessions to refine ideas. From there, it’s about taking decisive action and implementing these ideas quickly to adapt to market demands.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The trend towards more sustainable automotive technologies excites me. As an automotive dealer, the shift towards electric vehicles and the evolution of automotive tech means new opportunities for growth and innovation.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Staying physically active. It helps me maintain mental clarity and focus, which are essential for making day-to-day decisions in a fast-paced business environment.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be fearless and trust your instincts. Your unique path is shaped by taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone, which leads to greater rewards.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe in the underestimated value of face-to-face interaction in the digital age. Despite technological advances, personal connections drive business success.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Reflect daily. Taking time each day to reflect on what went well and what could be improved helps maintain a growth mindset and keeps you moving forward.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a step back and go for a drive or spend time with my son. This helps reset my perspective and brings me back to what matters most.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong community ties. Engaging with the community has not only helped in building brand loyalty but also in creating a network that supports both personal and professional growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I overextended my resources on a project that didn’t pan out. I learned the importance of thorough research and more conservative financial planning. Resilience and adaptability were key in overcoming this setback.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app that helps automotive dealers manage customer relationships and after-sales service effectively. Integrating AI to predict customer needs and service reminders could revolutionize customer service in the automotive industry.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
CRM software. It helps me keep track of customer interactions and manage leads efficiently, which is crucial in a customer-centric business like automotive sales.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu has been influential. It offers timeless strategies on conflict resolution and strategy that are applicable in both business and personal life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching “Ford v Ferrari.” It’s a fantastic portrayal of passion, innovation, and resilience in the automotive world—qualities that resonate with my personal and professional life.