Neil McCutcheon

Approaching 54 years in the automotive industry, there is one moment that Neil McCutcheon will never forget.

Neil is no stranger to the automotive industry. A parts director at Hall Automotive, he has always had a love for automobiles. In fact, in 1963 he got his start in the automotive industry at the age of 14. As a teenager, Neil hitchhiked wherever he went and as a result, he was able to meet an older gentleman who eventually offered him a job within Hall Automotive’s parts department. Only a freshman in high school, the job allowed him to gain experience in the automotive industry while still attending high school — and he hasn’t looked back since.

Having amassed nearly 54 years in the industry, Neil wouldn’t change a thing about his job and considers himself lucky to have the opportunity to do something he loves on a daily basis.

“I get to surround myself with good people and watch them grow every day,” Neil remarked.

Although there have been endless positive moments during Neil’s remarkable career, there is one moment in particular that Neil would like to forget. After working in the parts department for 10 years, Neil was promoted to the management level at Hall Automotive. He began working at a new Hall dealership that was still under construction — and consequently included a parking lot filled with dirt and large mud holes.

A naval officer — dressed in the customary all-white uniform — showed up to the dealership and asked for the parts department. Without hesitation, Neil pointed the officer in the right direction. Moments later, all Neil could see was the officer’s hand above mud as the officer had been completely engulfed by the lot’s mud holes. Neil came rushing to the officer’s aid and eventually pulled him out of the mud — but he wasn’t able to do so in time to prevent the officer from resembling “The Swamp Thing,” as Neil recalls. Upset by the incident, the naval officer climbed in his car and left — and was never seen at the dealership again.

Neil said that he learned from this incident and uses it as a valuable experience when dealing with other customers — with great results.

A husband, father of four and a grandfather of seven, Neil prefers spending time with his family over going on vacation. Congratulations on nearly 54 years of great service, Neil!