As we close out 2025, I find myself slowing down a little more than usual and thinking about the people who made this year possible. In the rush of daily deadlines, breaking news, radio clocks, and inboxes that never seem to empty, it’s easy to forget how many hands are involved in any blessing we enjoy. Christmas is a good time to stop, look around, and say thank you—out loud and from the heart.
First, I want to thank our Car Pro dealer affiliates across America for doing something that is harder than it sounds: living up to the promises I make on the air every single week. Without you, there would be no Car Pro Show. You take care of my listeners with honesty, patience, and respect, and you help families fulfill the dream of getting into the right vehicle at the right price without games or gimmicks. That trust means everything to me. You represent the best of this business, and I am grateful for each and every one of you.
Behind the scenes, there is a team most people never hear but could not do without. Producing, directing, coaching, editing, scheduling, troubleshooting, and keeping the website running smoothly is a full-time effort, and then some. My sincere thanks to the staff at Acuity Strategy, headed up by Tom Haynes, who handle the business side of the show and keep all the moving parts moving in the same direction. Our Executive Producer, car reviewer, and resident taskmaster, Amy Plemons, is simply incredible. Her talent, work ethic, and attention to detail raise the bar every day. I also want to thank Tom Wilson, my longtime pro bono proofreader, who has faced some serious health challenges this year. Tom, your dedication, friendship, and non-stop correcting me is truly appreciated.
2025 brought the one year anniversary of my co-host, Todd Chambless. Todd has been part of the show for over 20 years now, but a year on the air with me has been terrific. I will never forget my trusty sidekick, Kevin McCarthy for sitting next to me for over 23 years. Thanks to both these guys for taking some of the load and letting my voice rest a little during my 5 hour stretch of talking each week.
Our producers and call screeners do an outstanding job making sure your voices are heard and your questions get answered. Many thanks to Lee Riza, Duane Sedge, and Garrett Harris. At my home station WBAP, where I’ve been blessed to work for 24 years, I thank Bruce Collins and Dan Bennett of Cumulus for always giving me the space to record commercials each week and for allowing us to broadcast the national show from their studios. That kind of support is never taken for granted.
To our radio affiliates across the country and the people who put us on the air every weekend, thank you. We are fortunate to be carried by some of the best stations in America, and I never forget that each one chose to invite us into their communities.
I also want to pause and express deep gratitude to those who serve others when the rest of us are celebrating. Our military, veterans, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and all who keep us safe deserve more thanks than we can ever give. The same goes for the people in the medical profession. Illness doesn’t take holidays, and neither do the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who show up anyway.
To our listeners and newsletter subscribers, and to our friends on Facebook, Instagram, and X, there is no show without you. The trust you place in me—week after week, year after year—is humbling. Your encouragement, loyalty, and kindness are the fuel that keeps this going. The support you showed to help me realize a lifelong dream of being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for believing in me.
And finally, my family. Most especially my wife Kelly, who has walked beside me through the loss of a child, cancer, and congestive heart failure. She encouraged me to pursue my dream of getting into radio after owning car dealerships for many years. I know many people who are not fortunate to have someone back them up.
As Christmas arrives, I hope you find time to be with the people who matter most. Mend rifts. Say the things that need to be said. Hold your family a little tighter and a little longer. Check on your neighbors. Love your pets, and if you don’t have one, consider adopting one. Be grateful for your blessings, no matter how big or small they may seem.
And remember this, especially on the hard days: no matter what you are facing, someone else has it worse. Perspective doesn’t erase pain, but it does help us carry it.
This is not the year to wish for more presents. This is the year to count your blessings.
Thank you for listening to the Car Pro Show and being part of the family that means so much to me.
Sincerely,
Jerry Reynolds
The CarPro
Photo Credit: Olga_Prozorova/Shutterstock.com