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:
Texas
Rick Maroney
Maroney Auto Sales
Houston, Texas
Rick Maroney has more than four decades of experience in the auto industry and some of his customers have been trading with him the whole time, dating back to his time working at a franchise dealership.
After 22 years of working for a franchise dealership, he founded his Maroney Auto Sales on March 1, 1997.
The dealership has grown through the years, selling 562 vehicles last year. He attributes the dealership’s success to his loyal staff. He’s also maintained the same business philosophy since the beginning: “Treat your customers like family. Work hard and stay engaged with your employee. Treat everyone with respect. You do these things and your business will grow.”
Maroney is an active member and usher of St. Dunstans Episcopal Church. He’s been involved in missionary work and trips.
A longtime member of the Texas IADA and NIADA, he’s held numerous positions on the Houston IADA board, including serving as president.
Virginia
M’lissa Dunn
Dunn-Rite Auto Group
Kilmarnock, Virginia
M’lissa Dunn’s path to the automotive industry was unique. She was a paralegal planning to attend law school after earning her business degree when she found herself on a different path.
When her husband, Randy, a mechanic and service manager, started his own business, she took time off to help him get it up and running. She and Randy have now celebrated 25 years of success in the industry as the owners of Dunn-Rite Auto Group.
The Dunns faced tough times, balancing multiple jobs while raising their children as they started their business. But their resilience paid off. Initially focused on mechanical services, the business evolved into car sales when customers started inquiring about the vehicles parked outside the shop.
Starting Dunn-Rite Auto Group, their goal was to create a better life for their family.
Dunn credits her success to treating everyone – employees and customers – like family. The business is deeply rooted in its community, with mechanics who have worked with them for over 15 years and a customer base built on loyalty and word of mouth. They go above and beyond, providing free oil changes and inspections for life with every car sold and even offering personal rides to customers in need.
Dunn Rite Auto Group supports local charities, youth teams, law enforcement, church and civic organizations. Dunn is Vice President of District 2 in the Virginia IADA and has spoken at numerous industry events.
Read about the all finalists here.
