Robert L. McDorman is a meticulous hands-on, goal driven "car man" and he is insistent on extraordinary personal customer service. He believes and proves by example that acceptance of change and responsiveness to innovation, such as progressive computer applications, data research, recorded evidence to support statements and an open-minded approach can make a business grow, and that good concepts and loyal employees make for success. He has provided his customers in the past with numerous services that are not traditional, but are responsive to their needs and convenience. For several decades, Robert has been a leader in the automotive industry. Robert has achieved his automotive retail success through strong customer satisfaction emphasis, day in and day out, that can be measured by factual data recorded and analyzed to create a thriving Customer Relationship Management System.


2000 McDorman Motors
Beaumont, Texas

In April 2004, Robert L. McDorman pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and a restitution amount of $350,000 to be paid to South Trust Bank. In addition, he also agreed to a non-criminal restitution order of $3.3 million to Mauriceville National Bank. This plea resulted in a sentence of 33 months and a five years supervised release period.

Robert self surrendered to the Federal Correctional Institution at Big Spring, Texas, a medium/low facility on November 1, 2004.

On September 29, 2006, Robert was transferred to the Satellite Camp located adjacent to the Federal Correctional Institution at Big Spring, Texas.

On December 27, 2006, Robert was released to the Bannum House located in Beaumont, Texas.

In prison, inmates found him to be a go-to guy for good advice. They appreciated his positive outlook which dealt with the truth for what it is. His personal struggles and his success in giving advice to inmates on all aspects of their problems revealed that he had a knack for handling problems and interacting with all religious groups, cultures and races.

Over the years, Robert observed that defendants and their families were not getting the help they needed. Lawyers, busy and focused on legal issues, often were unwilling or unable to explain side issues to their clients. Clients were often intimidated, and felt too rushed and stressed to express their concerns. Life changing legal decisions were being made by clients without understanding the context of the issues at hand, and most of all the effect these decisions would play on their future. Robert decided to reach out and use his expertise and prior experience to help others, who would be facing the same kinds of questions he has had to deal with and overcome alone.

Prior to incarceration, Robert had a successful automotive consulting business, and for the years 1999-2001 was one of the top independent used car retailers in Texas, and was consistently one of the Top 3 Lenders in the Golden Triangle of Pre-owned vehicles. Robert was awarded by the Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association as the State Quality Dealer of the Year for 2000. Robert was voted by the professors at the accredited Northwood University as the 2001 National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, National Quality Dealer of the Year. Later in 2001, Robert was nominated and awarded as a finalist for the coveted Torch Award by the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas.


2000 McDorman Motors
Beaumont, Texas



August 2005
Big Spring, Texas

During his incarceration, Robert successfully represented himself through a multi-party, lengthy and complex multi-million dollar R.I.C.O. (racketeering) lawsuit against formidable adversaries such as G. Robert Blakey. This lawsuit was brought forth by the directors of Mauriceville National Bank, one of the banks listed in his plea agreement as a non-criminal offense.  After a lengthy trial, the jury found the former directors of Mauriceville National Bank guilty of racketeering and awarded Robert as well as the other defendants a 'take nothing' jury verdict. Upon closure of the trial, a final 'take nothing' judgment was entered as well as reimbursement ordered of Robert's expenses as well as the other named Defendants. Shortly after the entering of the final judgment the former directors of Mauriceville National Bank, now convicted racketeers, requested a new trial. Shortly after the court denied their request for a new trial and the Order Denying Motion For New Trial was entered. The convicted group of racketeers known as the former directors of Mauriceville National Bank appealed the final judgment. The jury verdict is currently on appeal by Mauriceville National Bank. Robert has retained David J.Schenck along with

David L.Horan of the prestigious law firm of Jones Day in Dallas, Texas to represent him in the appeals process and defend his jury awarded 'take nothing verdict'. All Parties' Briefs are on file in the United States Court of Appeals For the Fifth Circuit awaiting a ruling.

On March 18, 2008, The United States Court Of Appeals For The Fifth Circuit published their opinion. McDorman's appeal was affirmed on all counts.

Robert turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one. Robert  has expanded his successful automotive consulting career and is now using his legal expertise, personal mistakes, misjudgments, experiences and incarceration experience to help others. First to aid people to avoid prison by using and practicing business ethics, and second, for those facing prison to transition successfully to prison life by adjusting their expectations to the realities of life in federal prison. His help also extends to the families of those caught in the legal system’s web. One of the most neglected aspects of incarceration is the families of the imprisoned and the tragic changes that will occur upon the inmate's incarceration to both the inmate and their family members. Along with the gradual social change and emotional turmoil, the families will experience throughout their loved one's incarceration; it is crucial and important to being aware of and understanding the inevitable changes the incarcerated loved one is being forced to make for sheer survival. Robert’s love for people and interest in consulting is a reflection of his true concern, matched with his realization that he can help.  

Biographical Information

Robert L. McDorman
170 West Tram
Vidor, Texas 77662
robert@mcdorman.org
Robert's Blog

•Born June 30, 1960 in Pasadena, Texas
•1978 Graduate of LaPorte High School


2001 McDorman Motors
Beaumont, Texas

Business Philosophy

Robert's business philosophy is straightforward: “Do what you say you will do! Your word is your honor. Follow through  with commitments to customers, employees and business allies – without exception.” He takes pride in making himself available to every customer and business associate. Essentially, he tries to step forward and do the right thing in each situation. Robert believes that the first commitment is caring enough to offer your time to reach out. Time can be offered by anyone, it is more important than money, and is a value that can be rendered within a company, as well as a personal level. Those who have resources and caringly devote time to others, or to a cause, will more often than not, also contribute to their resources.

Robert L. McDorman is a meticulous hands-on, goal driven "car man" and he is insistent on extraordinary personal customer service. He believes and proves by example that acceptance of change and responsiveness to innovation, such as progressive computer applications, data research, recorded evidence to support statements and an open-minded approach can make a dealership grow at a rapid, monitored and charted structure, and that good concepts and loyal employees make for success. He has provided his customers in the past with numerous services that are not traditional, but are responsive to their needs and convenience. The key to success in today's market is without a doubt an owner sensitive and disciplined Customer Relationship Management System.

Automotive Dealership History and Back Ground

•1974-

               

 

Robert was 14 years old when he took his first job in the car business. He was hired by Allen & Kerber Auto Parts in LaPorte, Texas to do stocking and later counter sales. During a three year period, he actually worked two jobs. Allen & Kerber was closed on Sundays. On his days off he worked sales at Standard Auto Parts in Clear Lake, Texas.

    •1978-

    

      

Graduate of LaPorte High School. After moving to another auto parts store as a salesman, Morgan Auto Supply in  Pasadena, Texas. Robert also started to work for Jay Marks Chevrolet dealership in LaPorte, Texas part time and then full time as a service order writer. He was promoted to Service & Parts Manager and assisted in sales and financing during evening hours and on weekends.

•1980-

         

 

With money from savings and a loan, Robert bought B&B Auto Supply in Dayton, Texas. B&B had been in business for 28 Years and had two employees. The gross sales averaged $21,000.00 a month. When he lost the business, he had 16 employees, monthly gross sales averaged $116,000.00. The store burned completely in  March 1984.

    •1984-    

Robert was employed by Landmark Chevrolet in Houston, Texas. He worked as a salesman and was promoted to assisting in the Finance Department.

•1985-

          

Robert attended and graduated from the Ryan & Associates School for Automotive Finance and Insurance Specialist in Chicago, Illinois. Upon graduation, he received his certification as a Certified Automotive Business Manager.

•1985-        

Robert was approved by and licensed by the Texas State of Board of Insurance to sell Group 1,2, and 3 insurance coverage in the state of Texas.

•1986-


          

Upon graduation from Ryan & Associates, gaining certification as a Certified Automotive Business Manager and obtaining license to sell Group 1, 2 and 3 insurance in the state of Texas, Robert accepted a job at Caraway Motors in Beaumont, Texas as Business Manager. Mr. Caraway passed away in his fourth month of employment. Robert felt uncomfortable with the new ownership management style and went to work in sales at Kinsel Motors in Beaumont, Texas.

•1986-


The former General Manager of Caraway Motors also relocated. Through this connection, Robert was offered and accepted the job of Business Manager with Morris Moore Chevrolet. Later in the year, Robert was promoted to Director of Pre-Owned Sales.

  •1987-      

Robert rejoined Kinsel Motors working as Sales Manager, Business Manager and Used Car Manager.

•1990-          

Mike Smith Autoplaza in Beaumont, Texas offered Robert an excellent advantage as Director of their Multi Franchise Used Car Operation and he accepted.  

•1992-















        

          

        

        

        

           

Beaumont Dealers Auto Auction offered Robert the General Manager position. Robert accepted the job. Within three months of placement in the General Manager Position, Robert was successful in increasing the weekly consignment of cars and trucks by over 40%, along with a staggering increase of net sales per week in excess of over 30%. During his ongoing contact with dealers to promote the dealer-to-dealer auction, he also achieved a higher customer satisfaction for the company during
routine dealer-to-dealer contact to promote the auction. During Robert's dealer-to-dealer contact, he was approached by the owner of a small independent used car

operation in Vidor, Texas operating under the name Easy Auto. The existing owner expressed his discomfort with the production of the operation and showed an interest in selling the struggling company to Robert.  After several months of negotiations with the owner, a deal was reached for Robert to buy the company

 


1992 Easy Auto
Vidor, Texas

and change the name. Upon the training of new management of the auto auction, within several months, a smooth transition for Robert and Beaumont Dealers was achieved and Robert became the new owner of Easy Auto.

•1992-































        

 


1992
1st Choice Auto Sales
Vidor, Texas


Upon purchasing the struggling used car facility including inventory and existing customer installment contracts, Robert renamed the car lot to 1st Choice Auto Sales. Upon restructuring the business, he was the Principal Partner and General Manager.



In the beginning, the business he took over was averaging 14-15 car sales per month. (In the year 1998, the Vidor location was averaging 60 car sales per month.)


1998
1st Choice Auto Sales
Vidor, Texas

•1993-
































1993
1st Choice Auto Repair
Vidor, Texas

In concert with the automotive sales operation, Robert formed and opened 1st Choice Auto Repair. A complete automotive and light duty truck repair facility. He was the Principal Partner and General Manager. During the years 2000-2001, the facility had grown to a 16 bay operation with eight


A.S.E. Certified technicians, driveline, air-conditioning, electrical drive ability specialist, and engine repair.  As well as a complete, detail operation. During the years 2000-2001, 1st Choice Auto Repair averaged in excess of over 1400 flat rate hours in billable service work completed per month.



1998
1st Choice Auto Repair
Vidor, Texas

•1994-

 

     

With the automotive sales, finance operation and 1st Choice Auto Repair, Robert formed and opened Texas Auto Recovery, a complete asset recovery operation, towing service and state licensed vehicle storage facility. During the years 2000-2001, the company averaged repossessing over 40 cars, trucks, trailers, boats, motor homes, equipment and travel trailers per month, along with an average of over 100 outside tows per month, and thousands of dollars in storage fees and wrecker fees per month were generated from the wrecker fleet and staff.

•1999-













       

 


2000
McDorman Motors
Beaumont, Texas

In July, under the banner of McDorman Motors, Robert opened a second pre-owned vehicle operation in Beaumont, Texas. Starting with zero sales, the monthly sales for this facility in the year 2000 were averaging 80-100 registrations per month. He was the Principal Partner and General Manager.


•1999-


























                

 

 

 

 


2000
McDorman Motors
Nederland, Texas

In December, a third pre-owned vehicle facility was opened in Nederland, Texas, under the banner McDorman Motors. At this location, the monthly average in 2000 was over 90 registrations per month. This operation included a full service, parts, and after market sales facility, along with an 18-bay retail automotive repair facility.



During the years 2000-2001, the facility employed nine full time A.S.E. Certified technicians specializing in automatic transmissions, driveline, air conditioning, electrical, drive ability specialist, engine repair, detail operation as well as a complete paint and body shop. The years 2000-2001 the fixed operations department of the Nederland location of McDorman Motors averaged in excess of over 1600 flat rate hours in billable service work completed per month.


2000
McDorman Repair Facility
Nederland, Texas


•2000-


                   

Robert formed and opened RLM Motor Company. The company's principal operation was located in Deer Park, Texas. He was the Principal Partner and General Manager. During the years 2000-2001, RLM Motor Company averaged wholesaling over 100 units a month and employed three full time employees.

          •2000-






               

The three vehicle facilities in Vidor, Beaumont and Nederland in which Robert
had major ownership and personally managed, collectively was the number one retailer of late model pre-owned vehicles in the three county area of Jefferson, Hardin and Orange Counties, known as the Golden Triangle. The McDorman Group of dealerships was also ranked each month as being in the Top 3 Lenders in the Golden Triangle. The company was able to retain a higher than normal customer retention rate through continuous sales research and customer tracking through a concept Robert developed.

•2000 - 2004-

Robert served as an expert consultant to various Auto Dealers, Dealer
Associations, Attorneys and Law Firms, as  well as public speaking engagements.

•2001 - 2006-


































                    

                    

Consolidated the McDorman Motors affairs and operations including four
dealership facilities, with over 150 full time employees. There were over 1,000 dealer controlled auto loans with contractual repair and maintenance agreements included with each loan. Robert was also faced with the winding down of the company lending facilities, liquidate and collect dealer controlled loans, represent and navigate company, personal interest and personal exposure in a Pro se legal position through numerous multi-party complex, voluminous corporate litigation affairs, which included, but not limited to a lengthy multi-party racketeering lawsuit brought forth by the directors of Mauriceville National Bank in which McDorman was the prevailing party against formidable adversaries, the likes of 
G. Robert Blakey.


During the lengthy consolidation
and winding down of the McDorman operations, Robert was able to maintain and protect all customer exposure and loss, which can be exemplified and observed  by monitoring the Better Business Bureau
of Southeast Texas at 1st Choice Auto Sales. (www.bbbsetexas.org/search.html   Company name: 1st Choice Auto
Sales, click search, click 1st Choice
Auto Sales for the Reliability Report) 
Upon the monitoring of the B.B.B.
website, he is proud to state there is
'zero' customer complaints.


2000
Robert L. McDorman

This was his primary focus and priority while undertaking the consolidation of the McDorman operations back in early 2001. This same customer care and compassion for his customer base is the nucleus that excelled him to be one of the leaders in pre-owned automobiles and trucks for the years 2000-2001, month after month being ranked as one ot the Top 3 Lenders in the Golden Triangle. Ultimately voted by the professors at the accredited Northwood University as the 2001 National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, National Quality Dealer of the Year and later that year being awarded by the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas as a Torch Award finalist.


•2004 - 2006-                
  










            



               

































On November 1, 2004, Robert self surrendered to the Federal Correctional Institution, Big Spring, Texas. Robert was offered and accepted a position in the Education Department as an instructor in the following classroom settings:

  • Pre-GED Qualification Tutor
  • GED Qualification Tutor
  • A.C.E. Education Coordinator
  • A.C.E. Education Tutor
  • English as a second language Tutor
  • Various release preparations class Tutor
  • Employment Center Coordinator

    During Robert's involvement and employment at the Big Spring's Education
    Department, he assisted and helped over 80 men complete and graduate from
    the accredited GED Program and was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation 
    for his dedication as an education tutor. Robert also authored and submitted
    for approval to the Director of Education, several A.C.E. Classes, which 
    were approved based on the outlined curriculum. Authored by him and later
    successfully taught with over 30 men graduating and receiving a diploma for
    certification from the courses.

    After teaching 3-4 classes per day for over a year, the Big Spring Post Release
    Advisor requested Robert to assist and help implement inside the Education Department. An Employment Resource Center, aimed at working with inmates
    to write and structure personal resumes, job intervention, etiquette pointers,
    and dress attire. Surrounding the initial job interview and follow-up interview
    as well as help with structuring letters to future employers seeking to possibly hire the inmate upon release. Assist in pointing out and outlining needed
    education and/or training necessary for the inmate to make a successful transition
    to the career of their choice help stress and show the critical importance of
    continuing education to all inmates. Help inmates and families with outlining
    and addressing various services and resources that are available to
    them and their families. As of September 8, 2006, the Employment Resource Center was so well received, it was necessary for Robert to train two inmates
    to assist with the workload and tutoring of inmates.

    • During his incarceration, Robert devoted every waking hour to advancing his
    education and helping other inmates with their legal questions, research
    knowledge, legal procedures and possible remedies available to them, when
    and if there were available causes of action. Whenever asked, which was
    almost daily, Robert assisted in the drafting of letters to B.O.P. staff, child
    services departments, consulates, attorneys and various other legal entities as
    well as government agencies. This one-on-one interaction with inmates of all
    walks-of-life, and real life interaction with literally 1,000s of inmates with
    almost every criminal offense known to man, gives Robert an overwhelming
    real life expert overview on the inter-working of the criminal mind and
    mindset, along with how to deal with these types of humans and survive.
    Robert offered extensive consultation and hands on advice to inmates
    concerning B.O.P. policies and the inmates' administrative remedies if any
    as they applied to each individual situation. Robert was a go to guy at the
    Big Spring Prison Facility for sound legal advice, B.O.P. policy issues and
    inmate etiquette issues.

    •2006 - Present                        
                    

     
           



                


    Robert McDorman specializes as an expert
    consultant     on Customer Relationship Management  as well as all other areas of the  Automotive Industry, Pre-Sentence, and Post-Conviction legal areas. He also engages  in Seminars and public speaking engagements on Automotive issues, Ethics, legal issues, Life in Federal Prison and Prison issues whenever called
    upon.





    2001 McDorman Motors
    Beaumont, Texas

    2000

    2001

    2001

    2002

    TIADA

    NIADA

    BBB

    NIADA

    QUALITY DEALER

    QUALITY DEALER

    TORCH AWARD FINALIST

    CERTIFIED MASTER DEALER CERTIFICATION


    AREAS OF EXPERTISE

    • Automotive Industry
    • Mystery shopper program
    • Senior management consulting
    • Company financial analysis and response
    • Financial allies and relationship program
    • Consumer financial programs
    • Inventory control and floor planning
    • Indirect financing analysis and response
    • On-site purchase and payment program evaluation
    • Financing portfolio analysis
    • Factory relationships
    • Departmental productivity analysis and response
    • Used vehicle program analysis and response
    • Business development programs
    • Leadership and operations training
    • Competitor research
    • Marketing programs
    • ID marketing
    • Sales staff analysis and response
    • Advertising efficiency programs
    • Consumer research and relations
    • Used vehicle purchase and selling practices
    • Fraud Detection
    • Fraud Prevention
    • Internal and external auditing
    • Pre-Sentence
    • Post-Conviction
    • Family Awareness
    • Ethics
    • Consulting
    • Prison Issues
    • Life in Prison
    • Day to Day Prison Life
    • Public Speaking


    2001 McDorman Motors
    Beaumont, Texas

    DEALER ASSOCIATION SERVICE AND RECOGNITION

    • 1992-2002 Member and active supporter of Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association (T.I.A.D.A.)
    • 1992-2002 Member and active supporter of National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (N.I.A.D.A.)
    • 1999-2002 Supporter of INDEPAC
    • 2000 Sponsor of TIADA Convention and Trade Show
    • 2000 Recipient of NIADA Double Eagle Award, Membership Development


    January 2001
    Feature Story

    *This article is currently not online. You may contact us directly for a pre-paid issue of this magazine if needed.


    June 2001
    Feature Story

    • 2001 Better Business Bureau Torch Award Finalist
    • 2001 Served as Chairman of TIADA Education Committee
    • 2001 Opening Speaker, “Where Our Industry is Headed” and
      “Compliance Issues,” National Special Finance Conference
    • 2001-2002 Member of NIADA Membership Development Committee
    • 2001-2002 Served as TIADA Vice-President-at-Large
    • 2001-2002 Member of NIADA Education Advisory Council
    • 2001-2002 Served as Vice Chairman of NIADA Quality Dealer Council
    • 2002 Awarded NIADA Certified Master Dealer Certification
    • 2002 National Independent Dealers Association Annual Convention and Trade Show Guest Speaker

    SUPPORT OF STATE, CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

    • Consumer Credit Commission
    • Better Business Bureau
    • Lamar University
    • Texas Tow and Storage Operators Association
    • Texas Highway Patrol
    • Texas Motor Vehicle Task Force
    • Beaumont Police Department
    • Vidor Police Department
    • Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
    • Orange County Sheriff's Department
    • Ridgewood Church of Christ
    • South Park Church of Christ Student Center
    • Vidor High School Vocational Department
    • Vidor Little League Baseball Association
    • Chamber of Commerce
    • Boles Home for Children
    • Cathedral Christian School
    • Kelly High School
    • Boys' Haven
    • Girls' Haven

    ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

    CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS 

    April 18, 2001  

    		National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Managing &
    Maximizing Profits In Your F&I Department Workshop Certificate

    July 13, 2002  

                                

    National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Certified Master Dealer Graduate

    January 18, 2005  

    		Marriage and Family

    January 19, 2005  

    Spend Wise

    January 21, 2005  

    		Checking Accounts

    January 26, 2005  

    		Parenting Lessons

    February 11, 2005  

    		Natural Phenomenon

    February 17, 2005  

    		Workforce Investment

    February 18, 2005  

    		Job Hunting Skills

    March 2, 2005  

    		World War II History

    March 15, 2005  

    		Life Skills

    March 22, 2005  

    		Business Math

    March 24, 2005  

    		Auto Sales

    May 4, 2005  

    		Basic Fitness & Nutrition

    May 30, 2005  

    		Civil War History

    December 16, 2005  

    		Tutor Training Class

    February 22, 2006  

    		Basic Fitness & Nutrition

    June 7, 2006  

    		Introducing Japan

    June 7, 2006  

    		Discovering Germany

    June 16, 2006  

    		Journey Across Russia

    June 16, 2006  

    		Introducing South America

    June 30, 2006  

    		Introducing China

    June 30, 2006  

    		Africa: Continent of Contrasts

    June 30, 2006  

    Role of a United States Probation Office

    July 28, 2006  

    		Brazil: Heart of South America

    August 23, 2006  

    		Workforce Network

    August 29, 2006  

    		Blackstone Career Institute

    September 8, 2006  

    		The American Civil War

    September 8, 2006  

    		Exploring The Rainforest

    September 15, 2006  

    		Money Smart Financial Program

    September 19, 2006  

    		Certificate of Appreciation: EducationTutor

    September 25, 2006  

    		Technical Statistics

    October 13, 2006  

    		Basic Home Repair

    October 13, 2006  

    		Agriculture: America's Most Crucial Industry

      November 21, 2006  

    		Business Finance

    November 29, 2006  

    		Certificate of Appreciation: GED Classes

    December 22, 2006  

    		Breaking Barriers - Choices & Consequences

    Revised February 19, 2007.