2026 TDOY Nominee
Kate Keith
Dealer Principal of Lundeen Brothers Ford of Annandale, Inc.
Annandale, Minnesota
Kate Keith 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. Keith was chosen to represent the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition — one of only 47 auto dealers nominated for the 57th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide.
Keith was inspired by her father, Gregory Holt, whose work ethic and commitment to employees and customers laid the foundation for her career.
“He taught me to wash cars and then had me learn all areas of the dealership,” Keith said. “Some say family businesses are difficult, but I have found it to be the best.”
After serving as General Manager at Holt Motors, Inc. in Cokato, Minnesota, Keith took a significant leap in 2019 by becoming Dealer Principal of Lundeen Brothers Ford in nearby Annandale. The move was both a professional challenge and a personal milestone.
“Purchasing a Ford dealership was a big risk — especially as a minority and female in a male-dominated industry,” she said. “But I believe God always prepares us for our next steps in life.”
Under Keith’s leadership, the dealership has experienced substantial growth while navigating industry headwinds, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There was such uncertainty and fear, but we remained strong and open for business,” she said.
That period sparked innovation, including the launch of a pickup and delivery program in the service department and a greater focus on adapting to customer needs. In 2024, she also added air conditioning to the service shop, helping improve technician retention and morale.
“We’ve made it a priority to create an environment where our team feels supported both professionally and personally,” Keith said. “Whether it’s flexible schedules, tool programs for students, or paid time off for volunteering, we want our employees to thrive beyond the workplace.”
Keith has also focused on preparing for the future of mobility, investing in EV chargers and equipment to support the shift to electric vehicles.
“We may be in a rural area, but we want to be ready for what’s ahead,” she said. “Customer satisfaction is everything to us. We roll out the red carpet for every guest —because how we make people feel is what brings them back.”
Lundeen Brothers Ford is deeply embedded in the community, supporting the local Cokato Corn Carnival each year by donating vehicles and sponsoring fundraising activities like bingo that serve hundreds of residents and raise thousands of dollars. The dealership also provides tools and scholarships for high school students, pays employees for volunteer activities, and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
“The most rewarding part of my job isn’t selling cars — it’s helping people,” Keith said. “Whether it’s through a loaner vehicle, a scholarship, or simply being a listening ear, I’m thankful for the platform God has given me to serve.”
Keith currently serves on the Ford Dealers Advertising Fund, Twin Cities Regional Council, Cokato Charitable Trust and Living Stones Building Committee. She is a past chair of an NADA 20 Group and remains an active voice within the Ford Minority Dealers Association. Her dealership was honored with the Ford Hometown Hero Award in 2024 and the MADA Community Heroes Award in 2023 for exceptional community impact.
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.”
Keith was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association. Kate and her husband, Marc Keith, live in Annandale and are the proud parents of Kiana Bakeberg and Nikolas Keith.
