HottyToddy.com, with the help of writer Steve Vassallo, will be bringing our readers a series of articles profiling the spouses of highly successful Oxford business owners. The first in this series highlights the involvement and personality of Cheryl Cannon. Cheryl is very active in the Oxford community and can often be seen at the Cannon dealerships on Highway 6. Steve caught up with her recently, which wasn’t easy because of her hectic schedule. Here are Cheryl’s insights into this very successful enterprise.
HottyToddy.com: Cheryl, before we get into the family business, tell our readers a little about yourself as to where you grew up, etc.
Cheryl Cannon: I grew up in Memphis and attended Craigmont High School. I met Michael Joe while at Memphis State and then attended nursing school at UT Memphis.
HottyToddy.com: Was your initial introduction to Michael Joe a fairy tale story of cheerleader meeting football player?
Cheryl Cannon: Kind of. I cheered for three years which I also did in high school. Michael Joe and I met through a mutual friend on the football team. I also danced for the USFL team (Showboats) for a couple of seasons while attending nursing school.
HottyToddy.com: Behind every successful businessman usually is found a dynamic lady and vice versa. Describe your role in the development and growth of Cannon Motors.
Cheryl Cannon: My major priority is having the employee experience at Cannon a positive one. In addition to taking care of routine maintenance issues, I visit with our employees routinely to discuss their suggestions, ideas and any issues of importance to them. I am a good listener and take action accordingly. Our business started really growing in 1986 when our first dealership (Calhoun City Used Car Dealership) took off.
HottyToddy.com: Customer service is always critical to a highly visible and expanding business. Have any of your ideas or suggestions been incorporated into the corporate philosophy?
Cheryl Cannon: Michael Joe is very conscientious in this regard. We discuss many things often in an effort to continue to strengthen the business in the area of customer service.
HottyToddy.com: Cannon’s employees are both dedicated and diverse. You must be proud of the team that has been assembled.
Cheryl Cannon: Our turnover is typically very low. The team that we have now is exceptional. My goal is for our employees to truly love their jobs.
HottyToddy.com: Through the years, is there a recommendation of yours that comes to mind that was a huge hit with the business?
Cheryl Cannon: We are passionate about recycling and not being wasteful. We have a rather large recycling program which includes oil, cardboard, aluminum, plastic and scrap metals.
HottyToddy.com: In the day-to-day operation of the dealerships, describe your role regardless of direct hands involvement or otherwise.
Cheryl Cannon: On a day-to-day basis, I may pick up trash, answer the phone, file deal jackets, order supplies or talk to customers in the showroom. I might need to call a plumber, repair a broken desk, change a light bulb or track down a lead for a car sale. My role is never dull, and my goal is to keep our employees happy and our customers satisfied.
HottyToddy.com: From my own personal experience, I understand the importance of supporting your spouse. Your thoughts on this subject?
Cheryl Cannon: We don’t always agree, but are always supportive of one another’s decisions. In one instance, we had a strategic difference of opinion that has worked out very well. Just the fact that we bounce things off of each other is refreshing.
HottyToddy.com: Do you and Michael Joe think pretty much along the same lines or occasionally share different perspectives?
Cheryl Cannon: Yes, but we do share different viewpoints occasionally. We weigh the pros and cons which usually leads to making a better informed decision.
HottyToddy.com: Cannon Motors is one of Mississippi’s premier companies. At what point did you envision this reality?
Cheryl Cannon: Within the previous five years. I never thought in the 1980’s that we would ever grow to this extent.
HottyToddy.com: With the magnitude of the business, is there still sufficient time for family happenings?
Cheryl Cannon: Always! Our priorities are in this order…1. The Lord 2. Family 3. Work.
HottyToddy.com: Regarding Cannon Motors, describe the day that brought the greatest smile to you and why?
Cheryl Cannon: When our son, Tyler, graduated from Ole Miss and came to work with us in 2014. You cannot have a family business without family! Tyler has always loved the car business (he now lives in Cleveland) and I fully anticipate that our other son, Luke, will one day come aboard as well. Our other child, daughter Morgan, has just accepted a position in Dallas related to the retail industry.
Cheryl Cannon’s sincerity is apparent in whatever she does or believes. She shared with us during the interview why 2001 was such an important and significant year to her. In addition to the 9/11 tragedy, she was baptized that year along with her two oldest children. Also in that year, she lost her mother with whom she was very close. It was in 2001 that the Cannons entered the new car business, and grateful customers, employees and vendors are thankful that they did.
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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