Richards is former football standout who went on to play fullback for the Wildcats of Northern Michigan University. He spent his time on the field blasting holes in the defense so his teammates could move the ball. Richards’ personality fit the position perfectly. He was willing to work hard and compete, but his role throughout his football career was to help his teammates. Conner, Richards’ “coach” on the Bill Marsh team, noticed that mentality has carried over into his car salesman career.

Prior to joining the Bill Marsh team, Richards worked in home improvements. He traveled door-to-door selling such items as windows, doors and siding. About three and half years ago, Richards decided to stop traveling and join the Bill Marsh Automotive Group. He attacked the business full force, the same way he would a middle linebacker. His first month on the job, and with little car knowledge, Richards sold 18 cars and, as Conner put it, “has never looked back.”

He is Bill Marsh’s top salesperson two years running and is making a serious case for a three-peat. Richards sold 272 cars last year and has set his sights on 300 for 2007. Over halfway into the year, Richards is over halfway to his goal. In early August, he was resting on 174.

Consistent. That’s how Richards describes himself, and he believes “that is the secret to my success.” He hasn’t had a single month that stands out dramatically over any other – neither good nor bad. “I’m never too high and never too low,” he said. “I’m almost always between 24 and 26. It’s almost automatic.” 

Richards isn’t just consistent with his monthly totals. His performance year-to-year is consistently improving. His finished his “rookie year” at Bill Marsh with a total of 215 sold. That improved to 235 in year two and to 272 in his third year. If that holds true, Richards will have no problem accomplishing his goal of 300 in his fourth year.

His teammates at Bill Marsh aren’t the only ones who recognize Richards’ selfless attitude. “For a guy who has only been in the business a short while, his repeat and referral business is unbelievable,” Conner said. Customers of Bill Marsh respect and enjoy the effort that Richards’ puts in on their behalf. He builds relationships and continues to develop those long after the customer drives off the lot. “I’m a big believer that there are a lot of people that are good salespeople when they’re trying to sell a car,” Richards said. “But a true salesperson makes a difference after the sale.”

Conner has recognized this ability as well. “He makes the customer feel special,” he said. “That’s the character that I don’t think you can train or just make people do.”

Dedicated. Is a fitting description for Tim Richards. His one fault, he would say, is that he “is a bit of a workaholic.” He hasn’t missed a day of work in 10 years, spanning back to his days on the road selling home improvements. “I’ve had enough crappy jobs to know that I have a great one here,” he said. “I really appreciate and feel blessed that I work for such a great, family-owned company.

Born and raised in Michigan, Richards has been a life-long Detroit sports nut. “I’m a huge Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings fan,” he said. He’s shown how dedicated he is by supporting the Lions and Tigers through some rough times. He continues to stand by and remain optimistic about the Lions, despite the fact the have been one of the worst franchises of professional sports in recent memory.

Richards’ dedication is perhaps most evident when it comes to his family. He and his wife Maria have four children, and he spends his free time at home with them. All the hard work and effort Richards puts in everyday is with his family in mind. “My objective here is to grow my business so I can work by appointments only,” he said. “I want to generate the same success but work fewer hours, so I can have more free time to spend with my kids.”   

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