Inside the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, one of the nation’s biggest car communities

The Mercedes-Benz Club of America is one of the country’s biggest car communities.

Many car brands have dedicated clubs that attract legions of loyal fans.

But one of the biggest is the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.

So we recently caught up with editor Rubin Howard to get an inside look at life running the club.

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A look at The Star magazine from its editor

Howard is the current editor of The Star, the official magazine of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.

If ever there a person who lives and breathes all things Mercedes-Benz, it is Howard.

This makes Howard the obvious choice to find out about the club.

Our first topic of discussion was centered around his passion for the car brand itself.

“My connection to Mercedes-Benz runs deep — it’s part family legacy, part destiny”, Howard explains.

“[My grandfather] always said a Mercedes wasn’t just a car — it was the car.”

That belief manifested when Howard was just a teenager.

“When I was 14, I had really begun taking an interest in vintage Mercedes-Benz.”

The editor recalls coming across an online listing for a 280SE 4.5 that was in California.

“I negotiated for it myself via my mother’s email.”

Of course, Howard’s mother wasn’t thrilled when she found out.

“The seller told my mother he wanted me to have the car because he felt I would be the proper custodian,” he continued.

“That 280SE became more than a car — it was a continuation of my family’s story and the start of my own Mercedes journey.”

Being able to obtain early editions of The Star Magazine only fuelled a young Howard’s passion for the brand.

“As a part of my adolescence, I remember the heart-warming feeling and excitement of receiving The Star magazine in the mail,” the now-editor explains.

“I would immediately open it up and read it front to back.”

It was that early-found passion that set Howard firmly on his career path.

“I became editor of The Star after nearly a decade of involvement with the Mercedes-Benz Club of America,” he explains.

“Ultimately, I naturally progressed to become the president of the Atlanta chapter.”

Howard explained that, during this time, he had begun writing behind-the-scenes for The Star.

When the opportunity eventually arose to become editor, Howard says it was ‘a natural next step’.

“One of the greatest honors of my career”

So what does serving as editor of The Star mean to Howard?

“It is one of the greatest honors of my career,’ he began.

“The Star has been around since 1956 — it is a publication with a heartbeat, chronicling the history, artistry, and community behind Mercedes-Benz.

“Professionally, it’s about upholding a legacy while also evolving it. Personally, it’s deeply meaningful.”

He added: “From time to time, I like to sit down and dwell/study previous issues throughout the years and really understand the people who made The Star so great in the first place.”

Mercedes-Benz Club of America is as varied as it is popular

After discussing what The Star means to him, Howard explains what an average day in his life looks like.

And, as you might have guessed, no two days are the same.

“One day, I might be interviewing an automotive icon such as James May or speaking to the Maybach family.

“The next, I’m overseeing photo layouts with my designer, editing articles, or coordinating with my associate editor, David Wommer.”

Variety is clearly a part of the role that Howard embraces.

And the Mercedes-Benz Club of America hosts a variety of events as well.

Howard offered us a fascinating insight into the sheer variety of get-togethers the club hosts.

“Everything from concours and rallies to tech sessions, track events, and lifestyle gatherings.

“It’s where collectors, racers, and young enthusiasts can all connect. We also collaborate with major events like Pebble Beach, Moda Miami, and The Bridge in the Hamptons.”

Of course, with such a far-reaching club, we had to ask one question.

What is Howard’s favourite Mercedes-Benz of all time?

“It is too difficult to pinpoint just one specific model,” Howard points out.

“What I love to be able to say is that a CLK GTR and a W123 diesel both share the same three-pointed Star.”

A vision of the future for Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Lastly, we discussed Howard’s vision for the future of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.

And he offered a very insightful and philosophical answer.

“I see the younger version of myself as the future of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America,” he says.

“[It should be] a place where young enthusiasts can find the people who understand their interests, celebrate their enthusiasm, and encourage them to follow their passion.”

It is the focus on the youth that makes Howard’s approach so interesting and refreshing.

“I believe that passion is at the cornerstone of living a truly fulfilled life, and teaching youth at a young age to embrace their passion will teach them resilience, strength, and leadership to prepare them for the life to come.”

Make sure to check out The Star for more.