How Bob Costas Changed My Life.

By Jeff Wheeler

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Have you ever had anybody make a huge impact in your life without even realizing it? Bob Costas has changed my life and here’s how: Integrity and morals. It sounds pretty simple but let me explain. My name is Jeff Wheeler, Manager of Hollywood Motor Company in St. Louis Missouri. Now I know what you’re thinking, used car dealers are not known for honesty, morals and integrity. I agree most used car dealers are nothing more than clever shysters trying to get as much money out of your pocket as they can but not all of them.

Just over eight years ago I stopped drinking. I used a 12 step program to help me through recovery. One thing I learned very early in the process is recovery would not be an option unless I adopted a path of living my life with honesty, morals and integrity. Lying to myself and others could no longer be an option in my life. I have to live life to the fullest and treat each day like it is the only day. Through my 12 step program, honesty, and positive role models in my life I remain sober today. Bob Costas is one of those role models.

I never realized how much Bob Costas affected my life until I saw him interview Jerry Sandusky about the Penn State abuse scandal. As disgusted as I was that the man had air time I was amazed how well composed Bob remained throughout the interview. He is always steady like a rock and always asks the tough questions. This brought something to my attention that I was unaware of: Bob Costas has been a role model for me for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Connecticut with my dad I can remember watching and listening to Bob on various different sporting events. The Olympics stand out to me because my family watched the Olympics from start to finish. He always remains calm and you never hear about him involved with any controversy. I now live in St. Louis Missouri. Bob has a huge presence here and is very involved in Charity Events throughout the region. He is also a Honorary Trustee of Webster University here in St. Louis. I have never met the man but I can tell you I am a better person today because of him. Doing the right things in life can be cool and no one says that better than Bob Costas.

I now work for Ken Grayem at Hollywood Motor Company. Ken is the reason I work here. He runs his dealership with the same values I see in Bob Costas. I can live my life with the values I have been taught and still do what I love: Manage a car dealership. Thanks Bob for helping me through life one day at a time and helping me understand there are still a lot of good people in this world that do the right thing everyday!