Accident Takes Dealer's Life

Mike Fox was the paragon of the modern auto dealer: a smart and insightful gentleman who was active in community affairs and generous to various causes.

Ward's Dealer Business often sought his comments and observations because he was accessible, understood the auto industry and always had something interesting to say. The owner of Mike Fox Toyota and VW dealerships in Rochester, MI, was candid and diplomatic at the same time, a rare gift.

Mr. Fox died on June 6 pursuing one of his passions: motorcycle racing. He lost control of his vehicle and hit a wall at a track in Gratton, MI. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 48.

“He was a great guy and a very energetic dealer, a real asset to the Toyota dealer lineup,” says Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. spokeswoman Mona Richard.

Sheri Szlachta, office manager for Mike Fox Automotive, says her boss was open to change, shared credit for the success of the business and never took the attitude that “this was just his dealership.”