2026 TDOY Nominee

Robert M. Cavender 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 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. Cavender was chosen to represent the Texas Auto Dealers Association in the national competition — one of only 47 auto dealers nominated for the 57th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide. 

Cavender entered the family business after earning his B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin (1977) and has led operations across the Cavender platform for more than four decades. In 1993, he launched Cavender Buick, transforming a struggling store into one of the region’s top-performing Buick dealerships. Today, as President of Cavender Buick GMC North, he oversees a team of 110 associates delivering award-winning performance, including GMC Mark of Excellence (2022–2023), GM Financial President’s Award (2022–2023) and Buick Dealer of the Year (2022).

Cavender reminisces about his early days in the family business, often sharing memories of lunchtime conversations with his grandfather, father, and uncle as he was getting his feet wet in the automotive world. “Those lunches taught me what the auto retail business is really about respect, trust, and taking care of people, “ Cavender said. “That culture has been my compass from day one.” 

Under his leadership, Cavender Buick GMC North became one of the first GM image-compliant dealerships in San Antonio, setting a new standard for the guest experience. He oversaw a full modernization of one of the nation’s largest Buick/GMC facilities – creating a welcoming, state-of-the-art environment that reflects the Cavender family’s commitment to excellence. “We were proud to be early adopters of GM’s image program and rebuild our store around the guest," Cavender said. “When you put people first, both in your team and your customers, performance always follows.”

Looking back on a pivotal moment in his career, Cavender recalled, “At 38, I purchased a struggling Buick dealership. It wasn’t an easy path, but with perseverance, integrity, and a belief in our people and the brand, we turned it into something extraordinary. We proved that dedication and genuine care for the associates and customers can turn unlikely opportunities into lasting success.” 

Within the last year, Cavender’s team built Cavender Comparison, a service-drive vehicle acquisition platform. In its first month at two Buick GMC dealerships, it generated 40+ direct sales and acquisitions while strengthening pre-owned inventory quality. “It’s an informative, customer-first tool — real values, real options, no pressure,” he said. “And it’s already reshaping how we source great used cars.”

At the heart of Bobby’s leadership is Cavender Cares, the company’s signature philanthropy program that has contributed over $2 million and thousands of volunteer hours to local charities. What makes Cavender Cares unique is its culture — employees genuinely enjoy giving back, often volunteering their own time to support nonprofit organizations across the community. 

In 2024, employees raised $100,000 to open an 8-bedroom Cavender Cares Wing at the Ronald McDonald House at Christus Children’s Hospital, then volunteered to build, furnish, and stock the rooms.

In 2025, after historic floods struck the Texas Hill Country, the Cavender Cares team acted quickly to support recovery efforts. The group donated 100% of oil-change proceeds to Kerr County relief, raising over $50,000 and volunteering 400+ hours alongside local organizations. “When the Hill Country floods hit, we didn’t hesitate, Cavender said. Our team showed up in every way possible —  donating, volunteering, and doing whatever it took to help our community rebuild.” 

Under Bobby’s leadership, the Cavender Commitment was created to honor military families by providing free oil changes for life on vehicles purchased by active-duty or retired service members. The program is a reflection of his deep gratitude and belief that giving back to those who protect our freedoms is simply the right thing to do. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” Cavender said. “Serving those who serve us is the right thing to do.”

Cavender was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by the Texas Auto Dealers Association. He and his wife, Stephanie, have three children: Robert Jr., Abigail and Cornelia.