DALLAS – Gary Rome, who’s credited with treating folks proper, giving generously and embracing new know-how, is the 2023 Time Dealer of the Year in partnership with Ally Financial.

Rome (pictured, under left), proprietor of a namesake Hyundai dealership in Holyoke, MA, wins the annual honor on the 106th National Automobile Dealers Assn.’s annual conference.

Judges say they picked him due to his credo of treating each workers and prospects like household, embracing new know-how and financially supporting varied causes.

Dealers nationwide have been nominated for quite a lot of optimistic initiatives.

Rome’s state-of-the-art Hyundai retailer is powered by a photo voltaic discipline. He additionally has elevated his funding in electric-vehicle infrastructure and stock.

He was one of many first U.S. sellers to promote a Hyundai battery-electric automobile. He elevated his EV gross sales 38% in 2022 over the earlier 12 months.

Runner-up finalists have been:

• Mark Brickey, Sand Mountain Toyota, Albertville, AL.

• Bruce Daniels, Honda Marysville, Marysville, OH.
• Tim Hutcherson, Downey Nissan, Downey, CA. 

Ally Auto President Doug Timmerman and Time CEO Jessica Sibley introduced Rome because the winner at a conference ceremony that honored all 48 nominees. 

“As the auto industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that auto dealers continue to embrace new technologies that will move the industry forward,” says Timmerman.

“Year after year, we see these auto dealers go above and beyond for their customers, communities and employees,” he provides.

Sibley says, “We are proud to proceed the legacy of honoring these works of service with our companions at Ally.”

Ally will give $10,000 to the charity of Rome’s alternative and $5,000 to every of the nonprofit organizations that the three finalists choose. Ally additionally will give $1,000 to the charities of alternative for every of the 48 nominees. 

Rome is a second-generation seller who owns a Kia retailer in Connecticut along with his Hyundai dealership.

He helps varied charities, together with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund, Hyundai Hope on Wheels and breast most cancers analysis organizations.

He was cited for holding milestone occasions for his workers and group, similar to raffles and themed luncheons.

He additionally hosts an annual program that rewards a deserving Holyoke High School senior with a brand new automobile. 

A college panel on the University of Michigan chosen the award’s winner and regional finalists. Local and state seller teams decide the nationwide nominees.