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It’s been over a month, and I still struggle to find the proper way to write about my friend, mentor, and business partner Dave Sinclair. He died on Friday, September 25th, 2009. I learned more about life from this man than most
 - Mr. Sinclair was always “teaching” – this time to his son David
will ever know. He gave me the opportunity to become someone, but warned I should never forget my roots. He never did, that’s for sure. I learned how to work, how to manage, how to treat people, how to appreciate people, how to pray, how to love, how to ride a horse, and of course, how to use a paper plate as something to write a note on.
A newspaper columnist interviewed me the day after his passing, and asked how I would best describe him. My answer was immediate, “He was John Wayne and Ronald Reagan all in one”. The columnist said “Wow, had you ever met John Wayne or Ronald Reagan?” and I said “Yes I had, and his name was Dave Sinclair”.
Lots of folks looked at this man like he was bigger than life, and although he was, he never thought he was. He was bigger than life to me, I would not be here without him. People would ask him at various events “do you know Mike Kehoe?” and Mr. Sinclair would say “yes I do, I taught him everything he knows… which is only half of what I know”. That response is typical of the classic things he was made of.
The Sinclair family has done many things for me, including teaching me how to sell Fords, introducing me to Claudia, and always keeping a watchful eye on my Mother. I miss him every day, and I know his family and wife (I call her “Mrs. Big”) do as well. He was referred to as Dad, or “paup” by his kids and grandkids, and most who knew him and worked for him just called him Dave, but for some reason, I always called him Mr. Sinclair, and he will always be that to me.
 Mike Kehoe and Charlie Kruse, Missouri Farm Bureau President, with the F-150 Tour of Missouri Truck We were honored to partner with our friends at the Missouri Farm Bureau for the second year in a row, by providing a 2009 F-150 Super Crew to use as the lead truck of the 2009 Tour of Missouri bike race. Farm Bureau is a major sponsor, and they needed a tough, reliable truck to perform the task – the ALL-NEW 2009 F-150 Super Crew fit their needs perfectly. But, Farm Bureau and I wanted more, so we had a local shop “wrap” the truck with a new look. The truck looks fantastic, and folks from all over the state got to see what Ford Motor Compny does best – build great vehicles. I have driven trucks since I was 16, and this new truck from Ford is awesome. Period!
 The all NEW 2010 Ford Taurus For almost a year, the automotive press and just about every major newspaper has been touting the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus. When I say “touting” I mean they have been in love with this car. Well, it’s time for you to come find out about all the excitement. We started getting the 2010’s in over the last few days, and you wont believe this car – it’s not anything like what you would think as far as styling when you hear the word Taurus, but is is all about the reliability, safety, and durability you think when you hear that name. And styling - I predict this car will win all of the major awards for “cool”, “awesome”, & “incredible” that the world can give out. Gas mileage is 28 on the highway – that’s unbelievable, the Ford exclusive Safety Canopy is standard, and the price is THOUSANDS lees than the other cars in its class. Of course, the class is about to be left behind. You will want to come in and check this out – i would suggest Mike Kehoe Ford, 807 Southwest Blvd., Jefferson City MO, or at www.mikekehoe.com
Welcome to Mike’s Paper Plate – I hope you enjoy seeing and reading what I’m up to including hot topics at the dealership, community events, and maybe a opinion post here and there.
But first – why in the heck do I write notes on paper plates? My automotive career started at Dave Sinclair Ford almost 30 years ago washing cars and trucks for Mr. Sinclair as a teenager. The big guy never really needed a clear way to communicate with people, when he spoke, you listened, and so did others. But, to keep track, Mr. Sinclair would scribble notes on a paper plate – he liked them because you could always see them on his desk, in his truck, or in his pocket. I quickly learned that having a paper plate in my pocket gave me an “in” with the managers at the dealership because they thought I had a note from Mr. Sinclair. I eventually started using the plate for notes myself, and well, I never stopped. Even my Blackberry can’t replace the basics I learned with Mr. Sinclair – write it down, do it, scratch it off.
This site is in appreciation to all the people I have met in life who have helped me out – there have been many, and everyone needs folks to give them a chance. Not everyone gets to have a Dave Sinclair in their life, and for that, I will always be greatful. I hope you enjoy this blog!
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About the Paper Plate… Why in the heck do I write notes on paper plates? My automotive career started at Dave Sinclair Ford almost 30 years ago washing cars and trucks for Mr. Sinclair as a teenager. The big guy never really needed a clear way to communicate with people, when he spoke, you listened, and so did others. But, to keep track, Mr. Sinclair would scribble notes on a paper plate; he liked them because you could always see them on his desk, in his truck, or in his pocket. I eventually started using the plate for notes myself, and well, I never stopped. Even my Blackberry can’t replace the basics I learned with Mr. Sinclair – write it down, do it, scratch it off.
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