John Emerson’s father, Les, bought the local Chevy dealership in Lewiston in November 1963 and encountered an initially rocky road.

“There was 10 straight days of rain, then President Kennedy was assassinated, then you walked into the traditional Christmas and post-Christmas, which isn’t typically a real busy time of year,” said Emerson. “Spring couldn’t come fast enough for him.”

Spring arrived and sure enough sales picked up. Now, 50 years later, John’s president of Emerson Chevrolet, the company his father started back then.

He got his own start in the business washing cars on weekends at age 13 and now has his oldest working at the dealership, at work on the third generation.

Name: John T. Emerson

Age: 58

Hometown: Lewiston/Auburn

Did it feel inevitable that you’d join the family business? Toward the end of high school, I was eliminating choices and options. Once I decided on Northwood University in Michigan and their auto program, I was committed.

What was your first sale? I was 17 (March 1973). Two new Honda motorcycles at Lewiston Datsun (Nissan today) Honda on Lisbon Road. Funny thing — the buyer eventually became a used car dealer and still is!

Vehicle feature you couldn’t live without: Windshield wipers. I used to sell many cars without air conditioning back in the ’70s, couldn’t today!

Feature you could take or leave: Heated seats — we’re such wimps!

Longest road trip you’ve ever taken? Maine to Florida with my wife and 6-month-old son. Delivered a new Pontiac Sunfire to some close friends, a white four-door sedan.

Wait. Was the trip all business or some pleasure? The trip back in ’87 was a family vacation.

Dream road trip: Route 66.

Bumper stickers: In your professional opinion, do it or don’t do it? I like truly funny ones. If you have passion for a cause, that’s fine, they don’t hurt anything. Our cleanup people take care of that.

Is there a trick to washing my car in winter and not having the locks/doors freeze? Wait for a warmer day, mid-30s. If you can’t park in some warmth outdoors, below 30 degrees you can’t stop the moisture from freezing!

Please finish this sentence: Our cars of the future will . . . drive themselves! A voice will tell you to take over the remote control for exits and stop-and-go, but cruising highways you will be able to read a book!

kskelton@sunjournal.com