Virginia’s Emily Marlow Beck, president of Marlow Motor Company and third-generation owner, has been named her state’s nominee for the 2026 Time Dealer of the Year, the first female nominee from Virginia since 1998. On today’s episode of Inside Automotive, she shares insights on managing a family-owned dealership, fostering employee engagement, and navigating the changes surrounding the automotive market.
Located 60 miles outside Washington, D.C., Marlow Motor serves a customer base heavily tied to government employees and contractors. While economic uncertainty and recent federal shutdowns have affected decision-making, the dealership’s operations and inventory remain robust, according to Marlow Beck.
Upon receiving the nomination, Marlow Beck said she was “surprised and excited,” reflecting on the loss of her father last year and the dealership’s long family legacy, which has operated for 75 years. “We’ve been through a lot, but there’s confidence in the roots that got us here,” she said, noting the importance of family continuity amid industry consolidation.
As a former attorney, she is attentive to challenges facing traditional dealerships, including discussions around direct-to-consumer sales. Marlow Beck highlights the role of dealer associations, such as the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), in protecting franchise operations and advocating for dealerships’ value to customers.
"[People coming into the industry] want to feel like what they do matters and they want to feel like they're making a difference."
A cornerstone of her leadership is the CARES Committee, which allows employees to voice ideas and influence dealership culture. Initiatives like the grassroots 75 Acts of Kindness program have strengthened morale, improved engagement, and helped reduce costly turnover, she said. “It works better if I let them tell me what they care about and I can get behind them,” Marlow Beck explains.
Looking ahead, she is open to growth opportunities but currently focused on operational excellence rather than acquisitions. She also encourages industry peers to attend the upcoming NADA Show in Las Vegas, noting the value of networking and professional development.
