Overview
David Wright, president of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru in Hiawatha, Iowa, was named the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year on Feb. 5 during a National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) show ceremony. The award, sponsored by Ally Financial, recognizes franchised new-car dealers for business performance and community service. Wright was selected from 47 nominees nationwide. A University of Michigan Tauber Institute panel reviewed candidates and chose one finalist from each of NADA’s four regions and a national winner. Ally will donate $10,000 to the winner’s chosen charity, $5,000 to each regional finalist’s charity, and $1,000 to each nominee’s designated 501(c)(3).
Regional finalists
- David Kull, Burns Honda (Marlton, N.J.)
- Jamie Cobb, Gwatney Buick GMC (North Little Rock, Ark.)
- Bert Lindsay, Lindsay Honda (Columbus, Ohio)
- Mario Hernandez, Teton Toyota (Idaho Falls, Idaho)
Wright was nominated by Bruce Anderson, president of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association.
Career path and leadership
Wright described an unconventional route into auto retail. After battling cancer in college and being called up for Operation Desert Shield, a banker suggested he “go see the local car dealer.” He entered the business, then seven years later bought half of a struggling Ford store, learning the operation “front to back.” He purchased his own dealership in 2004 and has led Dave Wright Nissan Subaru since.
Culture, recognition, and philanthropy
- NADA reported the store has been recognized 12 times on Automotive News’ Best Dealerships To Work For list, the only Iowa store to reach that mark and one of three nationally.
- Partnerships with Goodwill of the Heartland and To The Rescue support employment for individuals with disabilities; families credit the jobs with providing routine, purpose, and connection, the association said.
- Support for the Boys and Girls Club of the Corridor exceeds $50,000 annually, with holiday meals for more than 200 children and families, according to NADA.
- Additional efforts include donating shoes and socks to children, backing teachers with a summer writing contest and cash awards, and providing books and supplies to area schools.
Facilities and operations
NADA said Wright consolidated two older buildings (about 18,000 sq. ft. total) into a 45,000-sq.-ft. campus in December 2015 on five acres with interstate access, assembled by acquiring 15 homes, a city street, and a water station. The dealership later added an on-site car wash with eight detail bays, two acres of paved parking, and 4,000 sq. ft. of service capacity, with plans for a standalone Nissan facility while dedicating the current building to Subaru.
Employee benefits and pandemic response
- Paid time off, including mental health days.
- Up to $75/month reimbursement for wellness expenses (gym memberships, programs, equipment).
- Regular wellness and team-building events; funded professional development.
- Paid volunteer hours for store-sponsored events and matched charitable giving.
During the pandemic, Wright said he guaranteed no layoffs, implemented safety protocols and outdoor briefings, shared regular video updates, launched confidential wellness surveys and counseling, and adjusted inventory strategies to manage tight new-vehicle supplies.
Training and recruiting
Over the past 18 months, the dealership introduced Tech120 and Sales120 programs outlining training steps, pay progression, and rewards (including tools) with a target of $120,000 annually for qualified team members. NADA reported simplified technician recruiting (meet-the-team approach) and redesigned onboarding with cross-department time, resulting in a significant rise in entry-level technician applications and hires and about a $200,000 monthly gross lift.
Customer service and recognition
Wright highlighted a service example: staff quickly changed a flat tire for an older driver on a Friday night at no charge. Internal recognition programs—“Dave Buck” and a monthly “Impact Award”—celebrate such actions.
Community outreach
- Work with the Iowa Giving Crew to provide Thanksgiving meals; Wright and his family help deliver more than 2,000 complete dinners each year, according to NADA.
- Partnership with the Heritage Area Agency on Aging, including cash support and sponsored holiday meals for seniors with employee volunteers.
- Multiple local honors for philanthropy and induction into Hiawatha’s Hall of Fame for leadership, innovation, and civic values, the association said.
- “Show You Care” initiative (15th year): buys TV airtime to feature local nonprofits, organizes seasonal drives (coats, Thanksgiving), and supports a teacher-of-the-month program. NADA credits the effort with helping raise significant funds, recruit volunteers, and share messages that aid people in need.
- Donation of a three-acre dog park to the City of Hiawatha, with ongoing maintenance support.
Sponsor note
Ally, the award’s exclusive sponsor for the 14th year, will recognize all 47 nominees with contributions to their designated charities and fund donations for the regional finalists and national winner. More about the 2026 nominees and their philanthropic work is available at TIMEdealeroftheyear.com, according to NADA.
Selected quotes
- “We have the best jobs in the world. I get to work with good people, provide a service, solve people’s problems and make people happy every day.”
- “I swore [missing payroll] would never happen again and learned the business front to back.”
- “Serving others is a core value here.”
- “Human capital is our rarest resource.”
- “I fell in love with this business because it lets us serve.”
