Dan Johnson named National Quality Dealer of Year winner

Dan Johnson, the owner of LiteHouse Auto, in Lakewood, N.Y. is the 2023 National Quality Dealer of the Year winner.

Johnson was honored Thursday in the closing ceremony at the NIADA Accelerate 2023 Convention and Expo.

“What an absolute honor. I’m humbled. Everyone who was a finalist deserves this award,” Johnson said. “I’m truly humbled to be the recipient.”

Johnson was one of 14 finalists for the award recognized.

Johnson is the Vice President of the NYIADA and is Region I VP for the NIADA Board of Directors. He also serves on numerous civic boards and groups. He was named the Volunteer of the Year by the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County in 2021. He is the 2023 NYIADA Quality Dealer of the Year.

“Dan is an inspiration to all the dealers in New York, not only for being a terrific businessman but his integrity,” said Dana Bress, President of the NYIADA.

Johnson, a lifelong New Yorker, traces his entrepreneurial spirit to his parents, who operated a custom countertop and cabinetry business.

While working at a local bank he met Rod Weidner, the owner of LiteHouse Auto, at Bible study. Johnson went to work for Weidner in 2002 and rose to general manger in 2009. After looking to start his own dealership and not being able to land a property, a conversation started with Weidner, who was looking to retire. Johnson bought the dealership in 2013.

The dealership now averages $4.7 million in retail sales and $2.68 million in wholesale.

“My wife and I, and our entire team works hard to build a dealership to serve our community and that is transparent to our customers,” Johnson said. “This award is a culmination of all that hard work.”