Matthew Bredemeier
Grand Forks Subaru Kia
Grand Forks, North Dakota
“Along my career path, I have had the opportunity to work for some outstanding mentors. I learned so many different things from them and was always taking notes so I could put those experiences to work in my own dealership. There isn't a day that goes by that I do not try to learn something new.”
(New York, NY, October 18, 2022) – The nomination of Matthew Bredemeier, owner of Grand Forks Subaru Kia in Grand Forks, North Dakota, for the 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME.
Bredemeier is one of a select group of 48 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 106th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Dallas, Texas, on January 27, 2023.
The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Bredemeier was chosen to represent the Automobile Dealers Association of North Dakota in the national competition – one of only 48 auto dealers nominated for the 54th annual award from more than 16,000 nationwide.
“Along my career path, I have had the opportunity to work for some outstanding mentors,” nominee Bredemeier said. “I learned so many different things from them and was always taking notes so I could put those experiences to work in my own dealership. There isn't a day that goes by that I do not try to learn something new.”
A 1994 graduate of Mayville State University in Mayville, North Dakota, where he earned a B.S. in business administration, Bredemeier was just 15 years old when he developed a passion for the retail automotive industry.
“I worked at a dealership as a lot attendant in high school,” he remembered. “I eventually moved into the detail department and transitioned to the parts department before starting to sell cars once I was in college. Right then, I knew how much I loved this business.”
After college, Bredemeier continued his career path by moving into finance and working as an F&I (Finance & Insurance) training representative for a warranty company. He eventually made his way back to the retail automotive side of the business and worked in sales management, always wanting to own his own dealership. In 2006, Bredemeier partnered with a previous employer in a new dealership and today, he is the sole owner of Grand Forks Subaru Kia.
“I am very appreciative of the position that I have as being a new-car dealer and business owner,” he said.
Bredemeier has put his substantial experience to work for the good of all dealers in the state and currently chairs the board of the Automobile Dealers Association of North Dakota, “The association works diligently to protect the interests of dealers on the state and national level,” he said. “As a board member, I see firsthand how the group advocates for dealers on a wide range of issues relating to manufacturers, consumers and state and federal laws.”
A multiple recipient of the Subaru Love Promise Customer & Community Commitment Award, Bredemeier’s dealership has been recognized for its commitment to customer service and for being a positive force in his community.
“I think being able to help others is the most rewarding aspect of my retail automotive career,” he said. “Partnering with Subaru and helping our hometown charities every year during the Subaru Share the Love Event has been very fulfilling. The money that Subaru contributes and then the money we add to that has made a tremendous impact in our community.”
Some of the organizations that have benefitted include Circle of Friends Animal Shelter; Make-A-Wish; Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office Shop with a Deputy (Christmas gift program); North Dakota Museum of Art (sponsor of Concerts in the Garden series); Altru Health System (delivered fleece blankets and notes of support to cancer patients); Grand Forks Park District (planting trees on Arbor Day); GF Senior Citizens Center Meals on Wheels, United Way Backpack Program (providing food for the children in our community), Disabled Veterans, Sunshine Hospital Home, and Hope Inc. 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 12th 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.
“For over 50 years, TIME has been committed to recognizing the impact of automotive dealers on their communities with the TIME Dealer of the Year award," said Edward Felsenthal, editor in chief and CEO, TIME. "We are proud to continue the legacy of honoring these works of service with our partners at Ally.”
Doug Timmerman, president of dealer financial services, Ally, said, “Auto dealers across the country who are nominated for this award each year are committed to not only doing it right and leading in a rapidly changing automotive industry but to strengthening their communities through giving back. The TIME Dealer of the Year program celebrates dealers who are the role models of the retail auto industry for their continuous efforts to lift up and support their employees, customers and communities.”
Bredemeier was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Matthew Larsgaard, president and CEO of the Automobile Dealers Association of North Dakota. He and his wife, Michelle, have one daughter.
