HOOKSETT — Talk with Robert Singer and an observer will notice he’s a man who measures his words, appears to be thinking constantly of the next big thing – or perhaps 50 things at once – or a way to help someone, fix something or welcome the never-ending list of things on his ‘to do’ list.

As he speaks, a buzzing cell phone, chiming e-mail inbox, and a voice-mail tone on his business phone all fight for his attention, yet fail to interrupt his thoughts or concentration in his second-floor office at Merchants Automotive Group.

That amount of electronic interaction might seem daunting at 7:45 a.m., but to Singer, it represents an opportunity to fix something, help someone, offer counsel or perhaps do what he hopes the business does every day with any customer in any of the various operations. It’s a theme that’s repeated under the main roof: add value.

“I love to do what I do,” said Singer, smiling easily to underscore the sentiment. “I truly can’t wait to get to work and get going each and every day. I begin each day by opening hundreds of emails that I receive and reply to personally. I do this because being timely and giving a personal response is important to me and my business,” Singer said.

“I can’t wait to make a deal and succeed. I always have, from the time I used to sell cars off my father’s dealership,” recalled Singer of his family’s business, which began in 1962 on a small lot on Valley and Willow streets in Manchester.

Singer became only the third president of the company, succeeding his brother Stephen, who retired after 22 years at the helm in December 2011.

“I’m very honored and proud to be the president,” Singer said in his office. “The board of directors approved me unanimously. To be the new president is humbling and gives me the chance to keep growing the company. I’m all about the growth and the success of the company.”

Can a man be humbled with his appointment to a post in his family-owned company?

“Yes,” Singer says.

“Was I surprised? No, not really,” he acknowledged. “It’s an appreciation and recognition for all of the changes and evolution of the business and the growth and expansion that has taken place.”

It is the expansion of the rental and fleet business that has made Merchants Automotive Group the 10th largest fleet management company in America.

“Primarily, we’re really a leasing company,” Singer said. “Although most people in the community know us for our retail car dealership in Hooksett, the fleet leasing division has doubled within the last five years, currently reaching over 16,000 vehicles throughout the country.”

Merchants aspires to hit 25,000 vehicles in the next few years. “To keep it growing, we’ve invested millions of dollars in new technology infrastructure,” Singer said.

A professed problem-fixer, Singer loves to look at problems or challenges and find a way to turn it around.

“I like to take some risk, look at a plan, see how it works, how I can maybe make it work better and turn it around if need be,” Singer said. “I love a good challenge and I do believe that adversity presents an opportunity to succeed.”

Tom Coffey, Merchants Leasing vice president of sales and marketing, spoke of Singer’s nature. “On behalf of both Merchants and our customers, I have seen Robert ask for and successfully negotiate deals that in my 30 years in this business I had not seen done anywhere else. He has no fear of being told ‘no.’ Robert relishes the statement as a starting point to a mutually beneficial outcome.”

ZipCar, a Boston-based national car sharing service, is one example. Early in the company’s development, Singer was contacted in regard to Merchants’ willingness to participate in financing ZipCar’s fleet. Liking what he saw, Singer helped with some creative solutions, provided oversight and helped turn the business plan into a successful one, a plan in which Merchants contributed more than 4,000 vehicles to Zipcar’s fleet in the last several years.

“I like the hunt and the chase,” Singer said, smiling. “I’ve always loved that and enjoyed it since I can remember. “

Early on, Singer’s father taught his children the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need.

His philanthropic teachings were the foundation for the formation of the Singer Family Community Service Team, which supports the community through financial donations and volunteer work.

Leading by example, Singer fosters a corporate environment that encourages employees to be active in the community.

Email gmiles@unionleader.com