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Central Houston Cadillac’s Tony McClelland: ‘My Employer Has Embraced Me’ as an Openly Gay Man

Al Torres
Central Houston Cadillac’s Tony McClelland: ‘My Employer Has Embraced Me’ as an Openly Gay Man

Tony McClelland

WHAT'S THE SECRET to running a successful business in such times as these? Being true to yourself and to your guests with 100 percent transparency is crucial. If it truly takes six months to order and receive a new vehicle, be upfront from the start and be forthright. You should never overpromise and underdeliver, no matter what your guests want to hear. They deserve the truth so they can make an informed decision.

What’s unique about your approach? If my guest isn’t in a good financial place to be able to afford a new vehicle now, I am honest with them. I coach on what they need to focus on for a future purchase, whether it is working on their credit, keeping their vehicle a little longer to decrease negative equity, or accruing a larger down payment. In other words, I would rather lose a sale today than put someone in a financial burden. I will gain their trust and eventually gain the sale.

What’s special about your team? Central Automotive Group at Central Houston Cadillac makes me feel very welcomed in the company as an openly gay man. Historically, the auto industry has had a reputation of employing straight males with a macho-man mentality, who tell inappropriate jokes, and whatnot. My employer has embraced me as an asset to our dealership. They ask me to be one of the many faces of the dealership at charity functions, social events and articles, such as this. Central Houston Cadillac is a great place to work.

Who or what inspires you to reach greater heights of success? This may resonate with some, but when I was younger, I lived paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meet. This is my inspiration and motivation each day, to be a little better than I was yesterday, and then to be a little better tomorrow than I was today.

What have you learned about your business and your community? I am currently a Captain Volunteer for Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and a member of Texas Gay Rodeo Association - Houston Chapter. Being out in the community constantly reminds me that there are so many of our friends and neighbors who need help, and I do what I can to support and help raise money for local organizations. Central Houston Cadillac helps by allowing me time off to volunteer, or by lending me a couple of Cadillacs to take to a charity function for sponsorship, or by donating dealership space for a charity to hold an event. I am so happy that Central Houston Cadillac is involved in their community as much as I am.

What’s new for 2022 that you’re excited about? Cadillac’s first ever fully electric vehicle, the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ, will debut sometime this summer as a 2023 model — the benchmark of what a true luxury EV should be. Also, in about a year, Central Houston Cadillac will be moving into our new building on the I-610 South Loop. The building will be state-of-the-art, as the Central Automotive Group will be going “all out,” like they did with the Central Houston Nissan dealership’s impressive building, which will be our neighbor.
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Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

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Sneak Peek: Check Out Houston-Based Foreign Fare’s Spring 2025 Collection

Arianna Vetere

A new look from the soft landings collection

FROM THE OWNERS of popular Montrose haunts Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart is another jetset-focused business. Owners Thy and Matthew Mitchell launched Foreign Fare in the fall of 2023 with long-haul travelers in mind. The pieces are wrinkle-free and designed to be functional as well as stylish. The line was recently featured in Travel & Leisure as a “first class look.”

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1,500 Miles from its OG Property on Nantucket, Palm Beach’s White Elephant Beckons

The lobby of White Elephant Palm Beach

COVERED IN VERDANT vines and flanked by tall palm trees, the entrance to the White Elephant Palm Beach feels like passing into a stately home, rather than one of the island’s newest resorts. The building is 101 years old, and while the original footprint and façade remain, the interior has a decidedly updated, ultra-luxe beach vibe.

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