2 minute read

Dan Johnson named National Quality Dealer of Year winner

June 22, 2023

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.”

NIADA Author

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) is among the nation’s largest trade associations, representing the used motor vehicle industry comprised of some 40,000 licensed used car dealers. Since 1946, NIADA has represented the voice and interests of used car dealers at the federal level in Washington D.C. Coupled with its state association network across the country, NIADA’s grass-roots framework provides a dual layer of advocacy unmatched in the used motor vehicle industry. For 75 years, NIADA has engineered programs and leveraged technology to fulfill its mission to advance, educate and promote the independent used car dealer. NIADA members subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics of duty, honor and integrity, and believe in the advancement of small business in support of the free-market system. More information about NIADA, visit www.niada.com.