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Style Magazine

Ron Thompson

Nov 02, 2012 05:53AM ● By Style

Photos by Dante Fontana, © Style Media Group.

Most people know Ron Thompson as a successful businessman, happily married father, and grandfather.

Few people know he understands what it’s like to be poor, and to not have things like Christmas presents or birthday parties. Raised by a single mother in Sacramento, Thompson was forced to quit school in ninth grade in order to work and help support his mom and brother.

Despite such obstacles, Thompson was intent to make something of himself; he quickly found his niche in the automotive industry, where he began by driving a parts truck, eventually working his way up to positions in management. Now the owner of three dealerships and an automotive service center, Thompson is determined to give back to those in need. He is a member and former president of Placerville Rotary Club, and an active participant in the Toys for Tots program. His current pet project is completing the renovations at Rotary Park, which is in the process of being refurbished and made more accessible to the disabled. He’s also the owner of Foothill 7 TV (foothill7TV.com), a local television station that donates 50 percent of its airtime to local charities. Yet Thompson remains humble about his motivations for such activities. “With the good fortune I’ve had, it’s time to give back,” he says.


For more about Ron Thompson and other local happenings and information, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style – El Dorado County Foothills edition. Click on the Get Your Copy link on this Web site for some of our newsstand locations; click on the Subscribe link on this Web site to become a regular subscriber, or to order a copy of this issue or one of our back issues, please email  [email protected], or call 916-988-9888.