Page 29 - Laker Connection Fall 2010

As an alumnus and long time sup- porter, Hugh “Tim” Crawford, just re- cently turned his support into volunteerism with the Clayton State Board of Trustees. Crawford became involved with the Foundation in 2007 and is now serving his second year as board secretary and treasurer.
Currently, he is president and co- owner of Heritage Cadillac Saab in Morrow. Despite his current dedication and interest in the auto industry, this was not always the case. Right out of high school, his mother came to him and said those seven little words most parents utter, “son, you have to get a job.” His mother helped place him as a janitor at the dealership where she worked.
“After three years in the auto busi- ness, I hated it and enrolled myself in night school at Clayton Junior College. I worked my way through school, so that I could pay for the tuition. Once I was done, my sole intent was to be- come an accountant. I was getting out of the auto business,” laughs Crawford.
He was raised to give 110 percent, and because of his strong work ethic, he received repeated promotions. He has held practically every title one can in the auto business, including spend- ing half of his 33 years in the auto in- dustry as a controller. It was seven years ago that Crawford and his wife became co-owners of Heritage Cadillac Saab.
By Erin Fender
“I have made it all the way to the top, but I still find myself taking care of the lot, pulling weeds if needed and even cleaning up. I do anything and everything around there. It’s important to me to take care of my business and make sure that if anyone comes to our dealership that it is a positive and in- formative experience,” says Crawford.
He also says he is fortunate to share this experience with his wife Sabrina, “she is the best partner one can ask for in business and in life. We enjoy working together and her outgo- ing and giving spirit makes it a joy.”
The family atmosphere does not end there. Daughter Meagan, a 2010 graduate of Clayton State’s School of Business, recently joined the dealer- ship full time as a business develop- ment manager.
“We have been very fortunate to have great kids; my oldest, Mandy, is a 2009 Clayton State alumna. Then we have Jennifer, who is expecting our first grandchild, and we are just really ex- cited. Our youngest, Clay is a sopho- more in high school. They are all passionate, and we all stay active in charity and volunteer work.”
Tim and his wife are actively in- volved in charities that revolve around children. Offering his time back to the community is very important. He is a member and volunteer for many organ- izations including a board member of the Keith Brooking Children’s Founda-
tion. In addition, he and his wife give their time to Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.
“As someone who has experi- enced success in many aspects of my life, I consider it a responsibility and a privilege to give back to others who are less fortunate,” says Crawford.
“It really means a great deal to be involved with Clayton State. As an alumnus, I really understand that my degree has helped me get where I am in life. I have obtained so many great friendships here, and I have two daugh- ters with solid educations from this Uni- versity. Any part I can play in helping others achieve an education means a great deal to me,” he says.
Heritage Cadillac Saab was recog- nized as the 2007 Clayton County Business of the Year. A 1984 Clayton State graduate, Crawford was recog- nized as 2009’s Alumnus of the Year.
Tim and his wife reside in Dou- glasville. They both try to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“I want to stick around for a few more years and continue to give back. I am just so grateful for what I have achieved in life; it’s very important to continue giving back,” he says.
Tim Crawford
Giving back to his alma mater
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trustee profile