CARY, N.C. -

I’ve been in this journalism racket for 11 years now, nine of which has been spent covering the auto industry. But I’m not sure I have seen a year quite like this past one. 

There is a certain routine to my job (and for most any journalist in the car business): sales/earnings calls happen every month or quarter, conferences and conventions are typically held at the same time each year and much of my workday is based on an annual editorial calendar and a weekly enewsletter schedule.

That’s not to say it’s boring. Far from it. And having a routine, largely, is a good thing.

But every once in a while, a day, a week, a year can throw you a few curveballs, for better or worse. 

I think a lot of people would say that about 2016. 

For me, it was simultaneously the most challenging and the most rewarding year I’ve ever had, professionally. 

It was also a year of firsts.

First time inside a vending machine. Yes, it’s as weird for me to write that as it is for you to read it. But it’s true. In September, I visited Carvana’s vehicle “vending machine” in Nashville, Tenn. 

Now, I’m kinda (read: VERY!) scared of heights. And here I was riding an open, elevating platform to the top of a five-story glass structure. 

But it sure was cool. 

First in-person, sit-down interview with Cox Automotive president Sandy Schwartz. I had interviewed Schwartz by phone before and attended press conferences where he spoke, but this was my first one-on-one, in-person chat with him. 

I enjoyed how candid, sharp and disarming Schwartz was, but my favorite part of the interview was this: to illustrate the differences in people’s car-buying preferences, he brought up his own approach to buying groceries and golf clubs. 

When he stops by the grocery store, Schwartz said, he likes a low-touch experience. Get the packaged turkey instead of hitting the deli, run throughout self-checkout and leave. When it comes to golf clubs, though, Schwartz wants to go in the store and test them out for an hour. A new set of irons is not something he wants to buy online.

First time as a conference panelist. I’ve been lucky enough to moderate several panel discussions over the years at our Used Car Week workshops, but a ShipCarsNow forum this summer was my first time actually sitting on the dais. After years of peppering him with questions about the used-car market, the tables were turned and moderator extraordinaire Ricky Beggs got to fire away some great questions my way. 

First time presenting solo at an auto industry event. I had the good fortune of meeting Josh Carr, a Raleigh-area NextGear Capital account executive, for coffee during the holidays last year. That chat turned into an opportunity to make a brief presentation on top used-car market trends at a local networking event for Cox Automotive employees this summer. 

First time in San Antonio, Nashville and rural Missouri, which were among the places my work travels took me this year. 

First time moderating a car-shopping Twitter chat. And looking forward to chat No. 2 this January! 

First time co-anchoring a video show (Used Car Week Live). Well, except the time I got to be Wiley Elementary School’s morning announcement anchorman in fifth grade.

First time(s) officiating a wedding. Got my license online from the Universal Life Church last December and officiated my first two weddings: my brother’s and then a best buddy’s, both of which were in May. 

Oh, this has nothing to do with my job. Just saying that if you need a part-time preacher man with a knack for writing, the current going rate is cheap (read: free). 

Cheers to a year of firsts in 2016 and for all the best wishes to you and your loved ones next year. 

As they say in my late-grandma’s beloved Ireland, sláinte!