Dealers from across the nation traded best practices and tips with each other over the four days of the NIADA Convention. The conversations carried on through the Expo Hall, in the hallways and through the Dealer Rounds.
“Dealers like to talk to each other and share information. We’re not really competitors. Dealers like to help dealers,” said Mark Anderson of Anderson and Sons in Newton, Illinois.
Dealers gained impactful knowledge in marketing, management, BHPH, retail and compliance, in breakout education sessions and panels led by successful dealers and industry experts.
“There’s plenty of knowledge in the building to help you,” said Lawrence Breaud of Autos of Forney in Forney, Texas.
Jack Carter, owner of Turn & Burn Motors, in Conyers, Georgia, was named the 2025 National Quality Dealer of the Year during the NIADA Awards Ceremony. He was one of 12 finalists for the honor.
“This is one of the most humbling things that’s ever happened to me,” Carter said. “Being backstage with those guys. It’s just an amazing group of guys that deserve it as much or more. Everybody’s so passionate about what we do and just really thankful. I can’t imagine winning this.”
Amy Bennett, the Georgia IADA Executive Director, was named the AEC of the Year. Adam Moule received the $10,000 NIADA Northwood University Scholarship presented by Cox Automotive.
Fifty dealers and guests sped around the track at Speed Vegas as part of the NIADA Super Car Driving Experience sponsored by AutoZone and ALLDATA.
“It was great,” said Guy Thorpe of Thorpe Automotive in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Rick Wagner of Livingston, Texas, captured the sporty BMW 335i xDrive, with 68,500 miles donated by Manheim, a Cox Automotive company, with a bid of $25,500 during the NIADA Foundation Auction.
“I liked the car and the cause. It was a good time to give back to the industry. The business has been good to me,” Wagner said.
Mike Widhalm of Reds Auto and Truck in Longmont, Colorado, and Fahad Sayani of Car Corner in Memphis, Tennessee, provided winning bids totaling $9,500 for paintings by Matt Nagy of ACV.
Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann enthralled the crowd during his Keynote Address. Theismann provided advice to car dealers on adapting to change, which he had to after the career-ending injury suffered on a sack by Lawrence Taylor.
“Never stop dreaming, working hard and believing,” Theismann said. “Every day, take advantage of the opportunities. There’s no guarantee about tomorrow.”
From the grand opening of the Expo Hall with Joe Theismann through the Foundation Auction at the close, the largest expo hall in the used vehicle industry was filled with excitement throughout.
Dealers met with vendors to learn about business solutions, while also taking part in numerous contests.
“It brings us what we need, and we’re able to talk to several people,” said Matthew Struble of Cavender’s Auto Sales in Durant, Oklahoma.
2026 NIADA Convention & Expo will be at The Gaylord Rockies Colorado!
