Auto dealers in Ohio, Florida, and Virginia were recently honored as quality dealers in their states and will be finalists for the National Quality Dealer of the Year award at the NIADA Convention in June.
Mike and Shirley Tinkham of Tink’s Auto Trading Post in Millfield, Ohio, was named the Ohio Quality Dealer of the Year at the OIADA Convention Oct. 12 in Lewis Center, Ohio.
The Florida IADA recognized Michael Fernandez of ABC Autos, Inc., in Tampa, Florida, as the Florida Quality Dealer of the Year during its convention Oct. 6-8 in Orlando. Fernandez had to leave early due to Hurricane Milton’s pending landfall.
Fernandez, a third-generation operator of ABC Autos, is the second member of his family to receive the honor. His grandfather Edward Fernandez was named the FIADA Quality Dealer of the Year in 1974.
“It’s very cool for it to come full circle,” Fernandez said.
He will be recognized during the FIADA November board meeting.
The Virginia IADA named M’Lissa Dunn of Dunn Rite Auto Group of Kilmarnock, Virginia, its quality dealer. Dunn and her husband Randy started Dunn Rite Auto more than 25 years ago and have built a loyal following of repeat business.
“It’s truly humbling,” Dunn said. “The other gentlemen in the running are wonderful dealers. Just to be in the category with them was truly an honor.
“It’s been a journey. I’ve met so many wonderful people, not only other dealers but people in our community. We’ve always been about giving back to our community. We’re in a small community and people need us.”
The winner of the National Quality Dealer of the Year will be announced during the NIADA Convention on June 23-26, 2025, at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Registration will open early in 2025.
Full bios and videos of all the finalists will be released in the spring.
