Rahim Hassanally

Automotive industry entrepreneur Rahim Hassanally takes a brief look at the history of NAMAD as the advocacy organization approaches its 40th year in operation.

Established in 1980, the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers is America’s leading organization centered around advocacy for diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the nation’s automotive sector. Collaborating with manufacturers and policy-makers alike to establish meaningful, equitable, and sustainable business protocols for minority entrepreneurs and employees within America’s automotive industry, veteran NAMAD member Rahim Hassanally provides a closer look at the organization’s background.

“Collaborating with local, regional, and national policy-makers and domestic and international manufacturers, the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers has been dedicated to establishing business protocols which are meaningful, equitable, and sustainable for America’s minority automotive industry entrepreneurs and employees since 1980,” explains Hassanally, himself a seasoned and well-respected automotive industry entrepreneur based between Texas and California.

The automotive industry has, he says, grown to become one of the single most important industries in the United States. “A recent report carried out by the Center for Automotive Research credits America’s automotive sector with contributing up to 3.5 percent of the nation’s overall GDP annually,” reveals Hassanally.

America’s automotive industry, he further goes on to explain, directly employs more than 1.7 million individuals across engineering, design, manufacturing, and the supply of components and parts to assemble, retail, and subsequently service new motor vehicles. “Unfortunately, however,” adds Hassanally, “minority representation in the industry has not maintained pace with changes in national demographics and consumer purchasing trends.”

This, the automotive industry veteran believes, applies particularly to the number of minority-owned dealerships currently operating in the United States. “Accordingly, the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers was established—and continues to thrive in its role—as a collaborator and advocate focused on sustainable business protocols tailored toward minority automotive industry entrepreneurs and staff throughout America,” reveals Hassanally.

“It’s an important consideration,” he continues, “when accounting for the U.S. Census Bureau’s recent projection that, by 2043, the nation’s current majority demographic will, in fact, become the minority population.”

Elsewhere, research carried out by NAMAD indicates that today, around 30 percent of all new vehicle purchases in the U.S. are made by minorities. “Despite this,” adds Hassanally, “only five percent of the nation’s automotive dealerships are minority-owned.”

The growth of minority-owned dealerships, suggests automotive industry expert Rahim Hassanally, has still yet to return to the rates of growth seen in the early and mid-2000s, prior to the global economic crisis.

“Much work still remains to drive diversity and inclusion higher across the automotive industry in America today,” he adds, wrapping up, “and, almost four decades on, NAMAD continues to take a vital leadership role in this ongoing process.”

Entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist Rahim Hassanally celebrates more than ten years with NAMAD and offers a closer look at the organization.

After more than ten years of NAMAD membership, Rahim Hassanally remains a leading advocate for the organization’s work and its place within America’s booming automotive industry. Presided over by Damon Lester since 2002, Hassanally shares a closer look at the nationwide network of automotive industry professionals.

“I first became involved with NAMAD more than a decade ago,” he explains, “and continue to champion the benefits of being a part of a nationwide network of professionals, each of whom is dedicated to diversity inclusion across every aspect of America’s automotive industry.”

Headquartered in Largo, Maryland, the National Association of Minority Auto Dealers was founded in 1980. “Growing membership, year on year, has allowed the organization to flourish,” says Hassanally.

NAMAD’s mission statement centers around its commitment to increasing opportunities for ethnic minorities in all aspects of the automotive industry, according to Hassanally. “NAMAD seeks,” he explains, “to ensure the presence of a representative and a meaningful number of minority entrepreneurs and employees in the retail sales, supplier, and service sectors, as well as among the manufacturing ranks.”

“The organization,” he continues, “is committed to working closely with nameplate manufacturers to achieve sound business arrangements intended to create reciprocal trading partnerships.”

Such partnerships have, according to NAMAD, uncovered not only new markets, but also new ideas, new talent, and new capital. “All of this is to the benefit of not just automobile manufacturers and entrepreneurs,” explains Hassanally, “but consumers, too.”

NAMAD membership is on an annual basis. The organization also hosts a popular annual conference. The 2019 NAMAD Annual Membership Meeting was held last month at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Designed in the 1950s, the buzzy, iconic hotel, situated on Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, is less than 12 miles from Miami International Airport, ideal for attendees flying in from across the U.S. for the conference.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach boasts a number of upscale dining options, including a steakhouse and an Italian eatery, a spa with ocean views, three elegant ballrooms, plus trendy bars and lively nightclubs.

A keen philanthropist, NAMAD member Rahim Hassanally has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities such as Susan G. Komen in recent years. The automotive industry professional, entrepreneur and family man has also raised further funds for local, national, and international disaster relief efforts.

In addition to being a long-standing member of NAMAD, NADA Dealer Academy graduate Hassanally is also involved with the American International Automobile Dealers Association and is a Governor of California appointed Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board member.

“I’m proud,” adds the entrepreneur, wrapping up, “to be in a position whereby I’m able to give something back to the industry and to support worthwhile nonprofit organizations and other good causes both locally and across the U.S. and overseas.”

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Rahim Hassanally looks toward this year’s upcoming National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Promoted each October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is held annually across the United States to raise both awareness and funds for vital research into breast cancer causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and a cure for the disease. Also observed internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and breast cancer awareness advocate Rahim Hassanally provides insight into the global public health initiative.

“With only around eight weeks to go, it’s important that we continue to raise awareness about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the United States,” says Hassanally, “as well as corresponding overseas initiatives held elsewhere around the world.”

These include the Canadian Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Breast Cancer Society of Canada’s Dress for the Cause, Breast Cancer Network Australia and Cancer Australia’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and, in the United Kingdom, Wear it Pink, the flagship fundraising event of Breast Cancer Now.

In the United States, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities, originally established in 1985 by the American Cancer Society. “National Breast Cancer Awareness Month represents an annual campaign intended to educate the public, particularly surrounding the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection,” Hassanally explains.

“Since its inception,” he continues, “among the main goals of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been to promote the importance of mammography.”

Even today, almost 35 years on, mammography remains the single most effective tool in the fight against breast cancer according to Rahim Hassanally, both in the United States and internationally.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is marked largely by various one, two, and three-day-long sponsored walks across North America, both in the U.S. and Canada. “There’s also the National Race for the Cure,” adds Hassanally, “first held in Dallas, Texas, more than three decades ago.”

While the first National Race for the Cure event attracted around 800 participants, millions now take part each year in more than 100 U.S. cities nationwide, all dedicated to promoting awareness and raising funds to help fight breast cancer.

“Elsewhere, thousands of further, independent fundraising events and awareness initiatives are held and hosted by the medical professional, breast cancer awareness advocates, and more, both here in the U.S. and around the world,” reveals Hassanally.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019 begins,” he adds, wrapping up, “on October 1st, and concludes at the end of the month.”

For more information about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation website at https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/.

Automotive industry entrepreneur and businessman Rahim Hassanally looks into growing rates of entrepreneurship across the United States and what’s behind the boom.

With an estimated 30 million people across America now running or in the process of establishing their own businesses, entrepreneurship is on the rise in the United States. A successful automotive industry entrepreneur based between California and Texas, Rahim Hassanally takes a closer look at growing rates of entrepreneurship and outlines several traits common among the most prosperous individuals in business.

“The number of entrepreneurs is growing every year in the U.S.,” explains Hassanally. In fact, a recent report carried out by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor suggests that today, as many as ten percent more entrepreneurs are doing business in the United States compared to just five years ago.

“This,” points out Hassanally, “reflects the biggest rise in numbers nationwide since the report was first compiled almost 20 years ago.”

Interestingly, Rahim Hassanally suggests that most entrepreneurs share a variety of common traits. These, he believes, include confidence, a love of learning, and open-mindedness. “Adaptability, too, is also important if an individual wishes to succeed as an entrepreneur,” adds the businessman.

Furthermore, success is often dependent upon passion and motivation, according to Hassanally, two factors which he says are driving the current boom. “Any entrepreneur looking to be truly successful must be entirely motivated, and also highly passionate about their planned endeavors,” suggests the expert.

Turning his focus back to the importance of confidence, Hassanally goes on to suggest that, without it, aspiring entrepreneurs are often doomed to fail. “Without confidence in yourself, it’s impossible to instill confidence in others,” he explains.

Of love of learning, Hassanally says that this, too, is important to entrepreneurial success, and a trait shared by many of those who have already achieved their dreams. “A lifelong passion for learning and a genuine thirst for knowledge are often key to success as an entrepreneur,” adds the expert. “Open-mindedness and adaptability,” he continues, “as well as a sense of modesty, are all important too.”

According to Hassanally, an inability to adapt may leave an aspiring entrepreneur stricken, while open-mindedness and modesty are simple traits which regularly prove vital in succeeding in business.

“Remember to remain modest, confident, and keep an open mind,” he adds, wrapping up, “and, while also maintaining a commitment to continued learning, success as an entrepreneur is often well within reach of those with the correct mindset.”

Rahim Hassanally is a Governor of California appointed Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board member, a member of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, and a board member of the American International Automobile Dealers Association. An accomplished sportsman, a keen advocate for breast cancer awareness, and a supporter of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, charities, and other good causes, Texas native Hassanally’s professional accolades include making the Automotive News ‘Top 40 Under 40’ list and receiving recognition as the 18th annual Urban Wheel Awards ‘Urban Dealer of the Year.’

10-year NAMAD member Rahim Hassanally offers insight into the organization founded in 1980 to represent ethnic minority automobile dealers throughout the United States.

Automotive industry veteran Rahim Hassanally provides a closer look at the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers as he marks a decade of membership with the nonprofit organization which represents ethnic minority automobile dealers across America.

“I’ve recently celebrated a decade of National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers membership,” Hassanally reveals.

First established almost 40 years ago, the nonprofit organization, headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area, is still growing, according to Hassanally, a respected automotive industry professional based between Texas and California.

Led by current president Damon Lester, the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers represents ethnic minority automobile dealers across America. “The organization seeks to ensure the presence of a meaningful and representative number of minority entrepreneurs and employees in the automotive industry,” Hassanally explains, “across manufacturing, retail sales, and the supplier and service sectors.”

Headquartered in Lanham, Maryland, NAMAD is currently presided over by Damon Lester. Lester also serves on the board of directors for Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics and Automotive Trade Association Executives. “Damon’s efforts with Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics and Automotive Trade Association Executives,” says Hassanally, “also create additional opportunities for both National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers members, and for dealers across the board.”

Rahim Hassanally, meanwhile, is a Governor of California appointed Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board member and a board member of the American International Automobile Dealers Association. An accomplished sportsman and a keen advocate for cancer awareness, Texas native Hassanally’s professional accolades include making the Automotive News ‘Top 40 Under 40’ list and receiving recognition as the 18th annual Urban Wheel Awards ‘Urban Dealer of the Year.’

Of almost 20,000 new automobile dealerships in the United States, only approximately five percent are owned by ethnic minorities, according to NAMAD.

“NAMAD membership, therefore, has much to offer,” Hassanally suggests, wrapping up, “including access to a nationwide network of professionals, each of whom is dedicated to diversity inclusion across every aspect of America’s automotive industry.”

Membership is on an annual basis. The organization also hosts a popular annual conference, most recently held in Miami, Florida.

The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization committed to increasing opportunities for ethnic minorities in all aspects of the automotive industry. To learn more about NAMAD, or for membership inquiries, visit https://www.namad.org/.

Award-winning entrepreneur Rahim Hassanally opens up about the importance of developing a business-minded nature and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit.

Entrepreneurship is on the rise in the United States, with more people than ever before looking to develop their own businesses and ideas and to become their own boss. An established entrepreneur based between California and Texas, Rahim Hassanally explains the importance of developing the correct mindset and maintaining a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

“A number of key characteristics are essential, I believe, in both fostering and, later, maintaining a high level of business-mindedness, and, with it, a strong entrepreneurial spirit,” reveals Hassanally, “each vital in the pursuit of professional excellence.”

“Absolutely critical, first and foremost, is optimism,” suggests the Texas native, now a renowned and multi-award-winning figure within California’s booming automotive industry.

“People rarely achieve success while harboring negative feelings and emotions, which is why an optimistic approach to business is regularly, and rightly, touted as one of the main building blocks needed for stand-out success as an entrepreneur,” Hassanally adds.

Equally important, he points out, is passion. “Passion, too, is vital if an entrepreneur is to push the envelope of traditional business,” says the expert.

Both passion and optimism, according to Hassanally, are contagious. “Accordingly, they’re vital to fostering not only the right mindset but also to establishing a working environment which is primed for success as a business begins to grow,” he claims.

Self-belief, says Rahim Hassanally, is also important. “The most successful entrepreneurs are true go-getters,” he suggests, “and must believe in themselves and their actions at every step of the way.”

“Along the same lines,” Hassanally continues, “a readiness to take calculated risks is also highly important; something which, often, is only possible with the right level of self-belief.”

Rahim Hassanally firmly believes that an entrepreneur must never be afraid to take a chance. “A drive to act on ideas is central,” says the businessman, “to the success of most entrepreneurs and high-flying executives.”

“It’s my belief that the difference between failure and success,” he adds, wrapping up, “often hinges on being an entrepreneurially spirited, boundary-pushing individual who isn’t afraid to put their best-laid plans promptly into action.”

Rahim Hassanally is a Governor of California appointed Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board member, a member of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, and a board member of the American International Automobile Dealers Association. An accomplished sportsman, a keen advocate for breast cancer awareness, and a supporter of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, charities, and other good causes, Texas native Hassanally’s professional accolades include making the Automotive News ‘Top 40 Under 40’ list and receiving recognition as the 18th annual Urban Wheel Awards ‘Urban Dealer of the Year.’

Businessman, philanthropist, and automotive industry veteran Rahim Hassanally provides a closer look at his charitable efforts and contributions.

From global breast cancer awareness initiatives to his local air force base and homeless shelters, seasoned businessman and entrepreneur Rahim Hassanally is a keen supporter of all manner of charitable organizations, foundations, and other good causes. An almost 25-year veteran of the automotive sector, Texas native Hassanally reveals more about his ongoing philanthropic efforts and charity work.

A keen advocate for breast cancer awareness, Rahim Hassanally has, in recent years alone, helped to fund more than $10,000 in donations to charities such as Susan G. Komen, responsible for groundbreaking breast cancer research and scientific programs both in the United States and overseas.

“I love to give back where I can, to those in my community and to other good causes,” he explains, “and to support organizations such as Susan G. Komen, with the local, Sacramento chapter, for example, having now successfully contributed more than $20 million to breast cancer charities in northern and central-most California.”

Originally from Texas and now primarily based in California, Hassanally is an ardent supporter of those in need, particularly in his local area. “In one instance, a local homeless shelter was robbed in the days prior to Thanksgiving,” reveals the businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, “wherein which thieves stole hundreds of turkeys.”

Right away, Hassanally promptly raised and donated a significant sum of money directly to the shelter in order to allow them to replace the stolen Thanksgiving turkeys and more. “Nobody should have to go without food, especially not during the holidays,” he adds.

Another local organization supported by Rahim Hassanally is his nearby air force base. “It’s something which I’ve been passionate about since childhood,” he remarks.

Elsewhere, the automotive industry professional has also previously raised thousands of dollars to support aid efforts following catastrophic natural disasters. “After seeing the devastation caused by deadly Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, I remember thinking to myself that I needed to take action,” he recalls.

Rallying support from colleagues and others in the automotive industry, Hassanally promptly raised $5,000 to support aid efforts in the Southeast Asian country.

“Within a little over two weeks,” adds the entrepreneur, wrapping up, “I’m proud to say that the total had exceeded $6,000, all of which was immediately donated to essential disaster relief organizations in the Philippines.”

Rahim Hassanally is a Governor of California appointed Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board member, a member of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, and a board member of the American International Automobile Dealers Association. An accomplished sportsman, a keen advocate for breast cancer awareness, and a supporter of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, charities, and other good causes, Texas-native Hassanally’s professional accolades include making the Automotive News ‘Top 40 Under 40’ list and receiving recognition as the 18th annual Urban Wheel Awards ‘Urban Dealer of the Year.’

Businessman and philanthropist Rahim Hassanally looks back on $10,000 donation made to leading breast cancer foundation Susan G. Komen.

Susan G. Komen is the largest breast cancer organization in the United States. In a fantastic show of support, and aided by industry colleagues, businessman Rahim Hassanally has previously pledged an incredible $10,000 to the organization’s Sacramento chapter. Looking back, he reveals more about the generous donation and provides a closer look at the charity and its work.

“Susan G. Komen Northern & Central California serves a total of almost 30 counties across central and northernmost parts of the state,” reveals Hassanally. To date, his local chapter has contributed upwards of $20 million to breast cancer charities in the region.

A keen philanthropist and advocate for breast cancer awareness, Hassanally was determined to help fund ongoing research into the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and cure of the disease. “Accordingly, aided by my colleagues, we fundraised a total of $10,000 for the Sacramento Valley chapter of Susan G. Komen,” adds the businessman, a veteran of California’s automotive industry.

“We did so,” Hassanally continues, “to show our support and to assist those in our local community affected by breast cancer.”

With the funds raised, Rahim Hassanally and colleagues presented a check for $10,000 to Kelly MacMillan of Susan G. Komen Northern & Central California in a gesture which was covered by Solano County’s Daily Republic, part of McNaughton Newspapers, a local family-owned media company which also produces the Georgetown Gazette and Village Life.

Funds raised by Susan G. Komen Northern & Central California go chiefly toward grants made to community organizations and the region’s hospitals to provide cancer screening, treatment programs, and breast health education to local women. Additional funds, meanwhile, support the nationwide Komen Grants Program, responsible for groundbreaking breast cancer research and scientific programs both in the United States and overseas.

Across the United States, more than one million Susan G. Komen supporters partake in sponsored fundraising events each year, while over 370,000 advocates continue to fight for additional breast cancer research and better access to care.

“I’m immensely proud to support Susan G. Komen,” adds Hassanally, wrapping up, “as the organization continues to play a vital part in fighting breast cancer, both here in California and across America, as well as internationally.”

Rahim Hassanally is a Governor of California appointed Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board member, a member of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, and a board member of the American International Automobile Dealers Association. An accomplished sportsman, a keen advocate for breast cancer awareness, and a supporter of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, charities, and other good causes, Texas-native Hassanally’s professional accolades include making the Automotive News ‘Top 40 Under 40’ list and receiving recognition as the 18th annual Urban Wheel Awards ‘Urban Dealer of the Year.’

For more information about Susan G. Komen Northern & Central California, please visit https://komennccalifornia.org/.