The Car Guy
How many times do you think about your car? If you are like me, it’s not very often. My husband Pat was “the car guy,” and managed all of our family vehicles. I had the luxury of not having to worry about it that much.
And then Pat was killed in a car accident, and all of the car stuff landed in my lap.
Ugh!
The death of a spouse impacts so so so many areas of everyday life, but this is an everyday issue that often needs attention.
Fortunately for me, my husband also raised our sons to be “car guys.” Our son, Jesse, had only turned 16 a month before his dad died. Pat and Jesse were big truck fanatics and together had built a racing engine in my husband’s Ford F150. Jesse’s love for trucks and all vehicles started young and blossomed as he grew into adulthood. He ended up studying and working in the car industry, building his expertise until he felt called to open his own auto dealership, called Iron Lantern. I’m so proud of what he’s accomplished and how his talents and interests have merged to create this business. He is the person I turn to when I have an issue with my vehicle.
But that’s not why I am sharing this with you. I tell you this because when I lost my husband, Jesse lost his dad—at a heartbreakingly young age. This trauma could have buried or distracted him as a teenager. But not Jesse. Losing his dad so young, and watching our family struggle through the grueling years to follow, really impacted him. He has supported me in my work with Paisley Project, and he has a special place in his heart specifically helping widows with their auto issues.
Many widows feel the need to decide what to do with their husbands’ vehicle after their passing. Do they keep it? Do they sell it? Do they decide that now would be the time to switch to a more dependable vehicle, as their husband had been maintaining something that required more work?
Auto dealerships don’t typically have good reputations for being straightforward or honest. Many don’t always operate with integrity. A newer widow can struggle with overwhelm and decision-making, and knowing where to look for help is a challenge.
Today I’m telling you that my son Jesse McKendry can help. His promise and passion is to be light in what can often be a dark industry. His company name and logo are intended to represent that light. His missions statement reads:
At Iron Lantern we believe brighter roads are driven together. We aren't meant to work alone (Iron Sharpens Iron). We are here to shine light in the darkness. Our mission is to raise the standard for the automotive industry with how customers are treated, and we won't stop until it becomes the expectation of everyone in the market. This starts with every single honest transaction.
He works to sell the best vehicles at the fairest price, and there is no need to haggle or bargain to get more for your trade in. He has has an amazing team that he hand-selected to be the kind of business he’s committed to.
I know I sound like a proud mother, and I am. But I am also the director of a non-profit dedicated to helping widows, and this is an important resource. I believe whole-heartedly that you can trust Jesse and his entire staff to love and care for you through your needs in this arena.
Let him help you!