In this gripping episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam sits down with Clay Watson, a third-generation leader of Mountain View Auto Group, to unpack the wild ride of running a 44-year-old family business, managing over 600 employees, and surviving a helicopter crash that changed everything.
Clay shares his personal story of perseverance, from growing up in the automotive business to expanding the company to 10 dealerships across Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Dalton. Alongside motorcycles, bicycles, and a passion for the outdoors, Clay says, “We might sell cars, but we’re in the people business.”
The conversation dives into what it takes to survive, and thrive, in an industry shaped by economic crashes, pandemics, and rapidly changing tech. From high interest rates in the ’80s to the chaos of COVID-19, Clay talks about keeping employees paid, adapting management through technology, and keeping the focus on customers.
But this episode isn’t just about cars. Clay opens up about a near-death experience that transformed his outlook on life. In 2022, during a helicopter ride over Hawaii with his daughters, the tail rotor broke mid-flight. Against all odds, they survived the crash. That moment pushed Clay to reevaluate his priorities and embrace life fully, from climbing mountains to fly fishing in Patagonia.
Throughout the episode, Clay offers powerful insights on leadership, legacy, and why relationships, within families, teams, and communities, matter more than ever.
Key Highlights:
- How Mountain View Auto Group scaled from 1 to 10 dealerships
- Managing 600+ employees across multiple locations
- The reality of navigating COVID-19 with massive inventory and uncertainty
- Why motorcycles are more about lifestyle than transportation
- How a helicopter crash reshaped Clay’s entire view on life and leadership
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, or simply what it means to lead with heart after hardship.
Listen now to hear how Clay Watson survived the ultimate crash, and came back stronger.
