By Carlo Cuccaro

It seems that whenever I drive through “Anytown USA”, I see closed automobile dealerships.  I work in Fulton and when I drive to my job, I see closed dealerships.  I drive down Route 31 in Clay and I see more closed dealerships.  In fact, I recently came across a graphic that illustrates the dramatic drop in dealerships over the last decade.

While many companies have been hard hit by the tough economic times, car dealerships have taken it “on the chin.”  So, what does it take to run a successful car dealership - in Oneida, NY, no less?  I think I have found the answer and he is a runner named Frank Duck.  Although something tells me if I asked Frank about his success, he would quickly talk about his partner, “Biff Wilber”, their employees, quality cars from GM, and the wonderful community of Oneida. He will probably also mention his family and maybe even his oldest daughter, Danielle.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I was born in Syracuse. I went to VanDuyn, Clary, and Corcoran schools I went to OCC and SU for college and have a degree in Criminal Justice and Family Development. I’ve been married for 40 years and have 4 children. I ran track in Jr. High school. I started running again 30 years ago after not liking racquet ball; I always lost. Before that I had a brief career as a pro boxer that kept me in good shape.  I had a record of 33-3 as an amateur and 4-2 as a pro.

Tell us about the Wilber Duck Mile:

The W-D Mile was started on a long run with Dave McSally and Bruce Bush. We thought it would be good for the community and a fun race. This is a big year for the event.  We really need a lot of runners or walkers. All of the proceeds will go to the Oneida United Way and the North Broad Street School. We hope to have enough money to pay for the end of year party for the entire school with a water slide!!; a BIG task.

Tell me about your kids.  Do any of them work in the family business?  Any runners? 

My oldest daughter Danielle works with me. All of my kids run, and they are good.

What do running and running a business have in common? 

Both require discipline and structure.

Favorite Running Shoe? Asics

What do you do in your spare time?  Sell cars!!!!! Life is GREAT!!!

For a little different perspective, I contacted Frank’s daughter Danielle to ask her for some “inside scoop” on her dad.  After all, she knows him as a dad, runner, and boss. 

Danielle, of all the things your dad is; a business owner, volunteer, father, etc., where does running fit into your thinking about him?

I feel running is something that enhances all that he does already. He is a very driven committed person in all that he does. I think that running is his way of doing something other than all of his other responsibilities. He has run for many years and I think that his running has made him stronger mentally and physically in all the responsibilities he has. It is his activity that makes him feel good. After a long run I always see him calm, relaxed, and smiling,,,the stress is gone.

What might some people be surprised to learn about your dad?

He is humble. As much as he is successful and his personality stands out in a crowd he never boasts. I often discover things he has done for families and the community in helping them totally unrelated to the car business. So as he does these acts of kindness he never tells anyone which I find very admirable. He also is a person of great faith. My Father Frank Duck inspires me!! But I never ever tell him. He is a person that believes anything is possible. He shared a quote with me one time and since then it has changed everything in how I approach my life.
"It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one then not be prepared for an opportunity and have one!"

How is it working for your dad?

Well,,,, do you want me to be honest or do you want me to be honest???? It is the hardest job I have ever had. My dad does not cut me slack because I am the daughter. He is always reminding me to stay focused and follow his lead, which is hard at times. I trust his work ethic. As I watch him I realize how talented my father is.  Working for him has stretched me in ways that I have never had to do before. He is the most talented and gifted salesperson I have ever seen. One can only aspire to be like him. But then again there is not another Frank Duck.

There is also only one Wilber Duck Mile.  It is on Friday May 18th at 6:45 in the evening.  For 12 bucks, you can push yourself, be done in minutes (not hours!) and donate to a good cause.  You can find a race application here: