The Journey from Notre Dame to Capital Automotive: A CEO Tribute
Capital Automotive (CARS) commissioned a One Of A Kind tribute to honor their CEO. A titan of commercial, automotive dealership and real estate finance with 44 years of experience, the CEO paved the way for his career at the University of Notre Dame. A strong supporter to this day, it was important to capture the alum’s passion and favorite memories. A vignette dedicated to the Fighting Irish on the left side of the art includes 3D sports-themed miniatures and a shamrock pin among other memorabilia.
A timeline, created as a winding road, curves its way through the collage. The road begins with Notre Dame’s fall foliage and continues ever onward. It follows the CEO’s journey from university to influential years working at Comerica Incorporated to the many milestones achieved with Capital Automotive. At the beginning and end are treasured quotes from the CEO and his yellow Ferrari driving into the distance.
A contemporary black frame surrounds the 31” x 24” x 3” art. Satin silver inner sides feature over 30 logos from the brands represented in the CARS portfolio. Company values are photoengraved on either side of the dedication at the base. The CEO’s office nameplate rests on a steering wheel above the message. A blue backdrop features a car outline taken from an annual report.
Personal vignettes add color to the bottom corners. Favorite books, including those instrumental to the industry, are shelved on the left, with some created as 3D miniatures. Family portraits, framed in silver, and collectibles, such as cars and rocks, complete the right.
The story generally follows the road, beginning in the top left and flowing counterclockwise. Career accomplishments, communicated through photos, awards, and miniature 3D objects, are celebrated throughout the piece.
3D items include: a Notre Dame oar, tennis racket, soccer ball, shamrock pin, Vail pin, hard hat, CARS pin on steering wheel plaque, United airplane, Italy pin, red Ferrari, yellow Ferrari, and racing flags.
Capital Automotive is the first company to solely focus on providing highly tailored sale-leaseback capital to the automotive retail industry. Established in 1998, they assist dealer groups in various capacities including growing their organizations, acquiring new locations, and upgrading existing facilities. The CEO joined CARS in 1999 as the Director of Acquisitions and has used his vast industry knowledge to prepare CARS for the road ahead.