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Skid School Sponsor HonoredMarshall Jespersen, president of International Cars in Danvers, wants to "debunk the stereotype of the car dealer as an uncaring lout." "The truth is that these dedicated professionals do care about, participate in, and contribute to the communities in which they live and work," he said. Jespersen is a shining example. As a trustee of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers' Charitable Foundation, he has been instrumental in getting dealers to sponsor sessions of Skid School, an advanced driver-training program for teenagers. The program teaches skills not usually covered during driver education. It includes panic stops, emergency lane changes, and a slalom course. It also teaches teenagers the dangers of tailgating and how to maintain control in emergencies. Honda North, one of the International Cars dealerships, sponsored two sessions of Skid School in September. Jesperson recently received the Peter K. Rourke Special Achievement Award from the Governors Highway Safety Association at a ceremony in Portland, Ore. A former captain and rocket scientist with the Air Force, Jespersen, 65, began his career in the automobile business in 1989 when he and his family bought the Honda North dealership in Danvers. In 1998, the company expanded by buying three other dealerships and became International Cars. Jespersen's community involvement also includes support of Strongest Link AIDS Services and the American Red Cross. An avid cyclist, he leads the 100-mile loop of Cycle for Shelter, sponsored by International Cars to benefit Emmaus Inc., which operates family shelters in Haverhill. For 10 years, he also has ridden in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, a marathon bicycle race that raises funds for cancer research. Jespersen and his wife, Elena, live in the Byfield section of Newbury. They have five children and two grandchildren. Copyright 2007, The Boston Globe. All rights reserved. |
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