Each year, NIADA presents the National Quality Dealer Award to one dealer who has exemplified a commitment to quality and excellence in the industry, as well as outstanding customer service and community service.
NIADA will crown the 2025 National Quality Dealer of the Year on June 24 during the Awards Luncheon at the Convention and Expo at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
Here’s a look at this week’s two finalists:
Florida
Michael Fernandez
ABC Motors
Tampa, Florida
As a third-generation dealer, Michael Fernandez, along with his sister Miranda Jones, carry on the family legacy with a dedication to customer service.
The dealership was started 36 years ago by their father Michael and grandfather Eddie, who was the Florida Auto Dealer of the Year in 1974. After their passing, the new generation carried the family torch, running the business since 2011 and officially becoming the owners in 2023. They bought Drew Brother’s First Auto and continued to grow the business into one of the most profitable independent automobile dealers in Florida.
They operate behind the philosophy “treat everyone with respect and they will do the same.” Along with the dealership, they operate 10 subsidiary companies.
Michael Fernandez served as the president of the Florida IADA in 2023 and is currently the chairman of the board. A former college baseball player at the University of Tennessee, he supports several local organizations, including youth sports.
Georgia
Jack Carter
Turn and Burn Motors
Conyers, Georgia
Jack Carter’s journey began with a love for cars and a vision to create a dealership that served more than just profit margins, it served the community.
After years of working in the auto sales industry, he saw too many customers struggling to get financing through traditional lenders. Determined to make a difference, he took a leap of faith and started Turn and Burn Motors in September 2013, focusing on in-house financing to help people get the vehicles they needed.
Starting with just a handful of cars and a strong work ethic, Carter built his business from the ground up. Through dedication, creative marketing and a focus on customer relationships, Turn and Burn Motors grew into a trusted BHPH dealership.
Carter continues to expand his business, offering in-house financing, reliable vehicles and a dealership where customers feel like family. Carter has more than 30 employees and shows no signs of slowing down, striving to improve his processes through education, compliance training and listening to his customers.
Turn & Burn Motor’s goal is to change the way used car dealers are seen.
Carter gives back to the industry, serving on the NIADA Board of Directors and being an outspoken advocate on a variety of issues.
Read about all the finalists here.
