2026 TDOY Nominee
Johnny Wayne Farris
President of Farris Motor Company
Jefferson City, Tennessee
Johnny Wayne Farris is one of a select group of 47 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 109th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 5, 2026. 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. Farris was chosen to represent the dealers of Tennessee in the national competition — one of only 47 auto dealers nominated for the 57th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide. Farris operates two Stellantis dealerships in East Tennessee — Farris Motor Company in Jefferson City and Farris Jeep RAM Chrysler Dodge in Morristown.
Farris literally grew up in the business founded by his grandfather in 1929. After earning a B.S. from Tennessee Technological University, he joined Farris Motor Company full time in 1972 and has led the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram dealership through multiple industry cycles, centering the operation on the Golden Rule, transparency and long-term relationships.
“I was born into this business and raised in the garage,” Farris said. “Some of my best memories are riding along with my dad on wrecker trips and parts runs, watching my father and grandfather treat every customer with respect. They taught me to love this work and to live the Golden Rule — every day. Our family has been in the automotive business for 96 years with the mission of being ‘The Dealer for the People.’ Our goal is to provide the common man safe and reliable transportation so they can live their life with one less headache.”
Farris’ service culture shows up in everyday actions — like a service advisor personally driving a stranded traveler over an hour to the airport when rental options failed.
Beyond the showroom, Farris has served the Tennessee Automotive Association on the Board of Directors since 2000, including Secretary/Treasurer (2010–2011) and Chairman (2011–2012). In 2025, he received the Roberts V. Weaver Award, the highest honor a Tennessee dealer can receive.
His community work includes long-standing support of God’s Warehouse, which has shipped over 140 forty-foot containers of humanitarian aid over the last twelve years —supporting East Tennessee families, Israel (via the Joseph Project) and Ukrainian refugees.
“Service doesn’t stop at the county line,” Farris said. “Whether it’s a family in East Tennessee or refugees abroad, our calling is to help neighbors — near and far.”
Farris points to his son, Jason Farris, joining the business after completing his MBA degree from the University of Tennessee.
“When Jason came in with young eyes, he challenged our thinking, strengthened our team and helped grow total sales significantly. Having the fourth generation of our family in our business is awesome. Watching him lead with heart and results — that’s been my greatest reward,” he said.
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 ally.com/go/tdoy , 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.”
Farris was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by dealers of the Tennessee Automotive Association. Johnny Wayne and his wife Nancy have two children, Jason and Deanna.
