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:
Carolinas
Steve Wetmore
McAdenville Motors
Gastonia, North Carolina
When asked about being in the car industry, Steve Wetmore provides a quick response to what he loves about it.
“We keep the world moving,” he said.
He also enjoys building relationships with his fellow dealers, vendors and the auction employees.
It was at Christmas time in 2003 that a lot caught his eye when out looking at Christmas lights. A year later, he saw an ad in the paper and it turned out to be that lot. He’s been there ever since growing his dealership.
The dealership prioritizes customer service, earning page after page of positive reviews from customers. As he said, if there’s an issue, he’s going to help the customer through it.
Wetmore is always willing to give back to the community and the industry. Wetmore previously served as the past president of the Carolinas Independent Automobile Dealers Association.
Colorado
Dario Arnautovic
Urban Motors
Denver, Colorado
As a high school student, Dario Arnautovic was hired for sales at Emich VW. The hard worker quickly found a mentor who helped him move up at the dealership and foster his passion for customer service and cars.
In December 2014, Arnautovic started a salvage lot As-Is Auto after convincing a friend to give him a one-year lease on a trailer. From the beginning, he was dedicated to customer service and honesty with his customers. Within the first year and a half, he was able to acquire a larger building with a showroom, repair/recon shop and a larger lot. Through the transition, the inventory changed and the focus switched to all Colorado-based vehicles, primarily focusing on Toyota, Jeep, Ford and anything off-road.
His rule has always been never put a customer in a vehicle you wouldn’t put your mom in. He said it’s not just about selling any car that anyone will buy, he wanted to make sure his customers are happy with their reliable car.
Within six years, he was able to expand to three independently owned, licensed stores and produce approximately 200 happy customers per month.
Read about all the finalists here.
