GET TO KNOW TOM…
If you came back in your next life as an animal, what would you be?: Golden Retriever. Dexter has the life!
If you could go back in time, where would you go?: 1960, to see the world I was born into
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: To be able to talk to animals
“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard”
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?: Relaxing at home
Before getting into the car business Tom spent 30+ years growing potatoes on his family farm. Bishop Potato Farms produced chip potatoes for the likes of Frito-Lay, Shearers Snacks and Anheuser-Busch. During that time Tom was appointed by Governor John M. Engler to serve on the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and the National Potato Council. Tom left farming behind in 2001 to embark on a career selling cars for the same dealer he purchased his first car from, Roger McIntosh, at his Chevrolet dealership in Linwood, MI. Over six years and 900+ satisfied customers later, Tom decided to buy into a Chevrolet and Buick dealership located in Reese, MI. As Co-Owner and General Manager, Tom spent seven years growing every aspect of the dealership, improving processes and accountability and hiring in and coaching key personnel. In April of 2015, Tom purchased Jim Wernig Cadillac-GMC of Cheboygan, MI from Jim Wernig and Gene Skiba and thus Bishop GMC Cadillac, Inc. was founded. Immediate success and immense community support in Cheboygan quickly opened the doors for expansion. In December of 2015, Rogers City Chevrolet Buick of Rogers City, MI was purchased from Thomas Vanderhyde and Bishop Chevrolet Buick, Inc. was opened for business.
Tom and his wife Jan have three children, four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and four grand-puppies. And if you ever need any Spreadsheet help, see Tom, as he holds a Black Belt in Microsoft Excel.
