During this year’s NADA show in Las Vegas, David Wright, president of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru, was announced as the 2026 Time Dealer of the Year, a distinction honoring his dealership’s people-first leadership, employee culture, and community engagement. Joining us on the latest episode of Inside Automotive, Wright highlights his decades-long career in the automotive industry and the impact his dealership has had locally and nationally.
Wright’s journey in the automotive industry began unexpectedly when he accepted a finance position at a local dealership. Over seven years, he gained extensive experience in dealership operations before acquiring a stake in a Ford dealership in 1998. After selling that share, he purchased his own dealership in 2004 and eventually built a brand known for service excellence and staff-focused leadership.
Building a culture that retains talent
Notably, Dave Wright Nissan Subaru has been recognized 12 times by Automotive News as one of the best dealerships to work for. Wright emphasizes that cultivating a strong workplace culture requires consistent effort, starting with staff commitment to serving both customers and colleagues. This approach has fostered a motivated, engaged workforce that contributes to the dealership’s long-term success.
“You absolutely have to [give back to the community]. Without the community supporting us... We wouldn’t have anything.”
Additionally, the dealership has earned multiple awards for its philanthropic efforts, including support for local organizations and initiatives. Programs such as Show You Care, developed in partnership with a local TV station, provide media support to charities while encouraging community participation. Wright’s team also prioritizes hiring and mentoring individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping integrate them into the workforce and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.
Positioning for the future
Despite recent challenges for the Nissan brand and broader industry uncertainties, Wright remains cautiously optimistic about the dealership’s future. He notes that factors such as housing and auto market trends, fuel prices, and an aging vehicle fleet could create opportunities for continued growth. Wright’s focus remains on maintaining a strong franchise network and resisting pressures from direct-to-consumer models that could undermine local dealerships and their community contributions.
With careful attention to staffing, customer experience, and community engagement, Dave Wright Nissan Subaru enters 2026 positioned for stability and growth. Wright’s leadership strategy emphasizes long-term relationships, employee development, and local impact, aligning dealership operations with both customer expectations and industry evolution.
