Each year, during the annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, TIME Magazine selects one standout dealer from a national pool of nominees who exemplifies exceptional business performance and deep community involvement.
And this year, that dealer is Dave Wright, president of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru in Hiawatha.
Driving the news: The 57th annual TIME Dealer of the Year award was given to Wright on Thursday, February 5, in recognition of “his remarkable leadership in the automotive industry and his longstanding dedication to community service,” award sponsor Ally Financial said in a news release.
After serving in the military, Wright entered the industry at the age of 22 on the advice of a banker.
He later bought into a down-on-its-luck dealership, and with determination and a strong support system, turned the business around.
How it works: He was chosen from 47 other nominees by a panel from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan, representing the Central region among four other finalists for his combination of customer satisfaction, workplace culture, market share, and charitable contributions.
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Wright joins a prestigious hall of fame which includes past winners like Rita Case, John Bergstrom, and John Pohanka, among others.
The other 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year finalists included:
Jamie Cobb, Buick GMC, North Little Rock, Ark.
Mario Hernandez, Teton Toyota, Idaho Falls, Idaho
David Kull, Burns Honda, Marlton, N.J.
And Bert Lindsay, Lindsay Honda, Columbus, Ohio
Looking ahead: Wright continues to support organizations including Goodwill of the Heartland, To The Rescue, the Boys and Girls Club of the Corridor, Heritage Area Agency on Aging, and the Iowa Giving Crew through ongoing program sponsorships.
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