PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The nomination of George Haddad, dealer principal at Haddad Toyota in Pittsfield, for the 2025 Time Dealer of the Year award was announced by Time.

 

Haddad is one of a select group of 49 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 108th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in New Orleans, La., on Jan. 25, 2025.

 

According to a press release, the Time Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry's most prestigious honors. The award recognizes the nation's most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Haddad was chosen to represent the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition — one of only 49 auto dealers nominated for the 56th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide.

 

"From watching my father build a dealership to now owning multiple stores, my career has been fueled by a passion for the industry, dedication to my community and employees, and a commitment to growth and customer service," Haddad said. "I'm proud of what we've built, and I look forward to what's next."

 

Haddad, a 1981 graduate of Saint Michael's College in Colchester, Vt., has always worked for his family's dealership group. The business was originally founded by his grandfather, George, in the 1940s with a single Pontiac store and his father, Louis, later shepherded the company and oversaw impressive growth.

 

"My grandfather emigrated from Lebanon and worked tirelessly running a grocery store before entering the auto industry and building a successful business," he said. "In 1970, my father had the vision to add a Toyota franchise, which proved to be a great decision."

 

Haddad spent weekends helping at the dealership and sold his first car at age 15 before he was even able to drive. After college, he worked in every department to learn the inner workings of the operation. He entered management in 1984 when his father acquired a store in Bennington, Vt. As the business grew and expanded, Haddad took on greater responsibility.

 

Today, Haddad leads the Haddad Auto Group, owning and overseeing successful dealerships in Pittsfield and Adams, Massachusetts, as well as a location in Saint Albans, Vt. The group represents Toyota, Subaru, Hyundai and GMC.

 

"I've been fortunate to get where I am today thanks to luck and the wisdom passed down from my grandfather and father," he said. "Over the years, I've worked hard to hire the right people, provide a positive work environment, and ensure that our employees see a future in the business."

 

His Toyota store has been a recipient of numerous awards from Toyota for sales, customer satisfaction and overall operational excellence, including earning Toyota's coveted President's Award 15 consecutive years and counting. Haddad also supports his industry as a member of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association and a participant in regional and national dealer councils for Toyota and Subaru.

 

"Serving as a dealer council representative has given me the opportunity to raise crucial issues and drive meaningful change at both the regional and national levels," he said. "The highlight of my work has been leading efforts to improve Toyota's auto tech program, which is vital for retention as well as bringing a new generation of skilled technicians into dealerships."

 

He is proud to be a longtime supporter and board member of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires, where he has served on many committees and still runs the annual golf tournament.

 

"I chaired the insurance committee, successfully reducing costs while maintaining essential coverage," he said. "I have also sponsored the club's annual golf tournament, which raises $60,000 annually and is near $1 million in donations to date."

 

Haddad is also proud of his partnership with Soldier On, a Pittsfield organization that provides transitional housing and supportive services to veterans experiencing homelessness. For every car sold during the month of November, Haddad Toyota donates $200 to the organization. He honors veterans by hosting an annual community event at the dealership on Veterans Day, featuring local radio broadcasts, employee participation, and educational sessions presented by Soldier On.

 

"We've also helped nearly 500 veterans gain reliable transportation by providing vehicles to Soldier On at a substantial discount," he said.

 

Haddad currently serves on the boards of the Lake Onota Preservation Association, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (Chairman of the financial council and Co-chairman of the Capital Campaign). He is also an advisor to Taconic High School's automotive technology program which he helped create in collaboration with Toyota, making it the first program of its kind in the country. Other groups and events his dealerships support include Live on the Lake (summer concert series); Strong Little Souls (childhood cancer foundation); Berkshire Humane Society; Toys for Tots; Christian Center Pittsfield (coat and food drives); Rise Together Walk for Elizabeth Freeman Center (helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence); local youth sports teams; Jimmy Fund (supports the fight against cancer at Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) and many others.

 

Dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. A panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists will receive $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner will receive $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally.

 

In its 14th year as exclusive sponsor, Ally also will recognize dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 to each nominee's 501(c)3 charity of choice. Nominees will be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of Time Dealer of the Year nominees.

 

"At Time, our commitment to recognizing the exceptional contributions of automotive dealers remains as strong as ever," said Jessica Sibley, CEO of Time. "The Time Dealer of the Year award continues to celebrate those who not only excel in their profession but also make a meaningful impact in their communities. We are thrilled to continue this legacy in partnership with Ally."

 

Doug Timmerman, Ally president of Dealer Financial Services, said, "Auto dealers are the backbones of their communities, providing civic support and significant business leadership. Ally is proud to recognize the unwavering commitment these Time Dealer of the Year nominees are living every day through their volunteerism, sponsorships, and support of charitable causes. They are the epitome of community heroes, making important and positive impacts in the lives of the people they serve."

 

Haddad was nominated for the Time Dealer of the Year award by Robert O'Koniewski, executive vice president and general counsel of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association. Haddad and his wife, Shari, have two children.