2026 TDOY Nominee
Rod Wilhelm
Dealer Principal of Don Wilhelm, Inc.
Jamestown, North Dakota
Rod Wilhelm is one of a select group of 47 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 108th 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 honors, recognizing franchised new-car dealers who exhibit exceptional business performance and an outstanding commitment to community service. Wilhelm was chosen nominated for the award by and was nominated by the Automobile Dealers Association of North Dakota.
“A successful business is not accomplished by one — it is a team effort by many,” said nominee Wilhelm. “The longevity of our employees is the force behind our dealership thriving for over six decades. We pride ourselves on taking care of families — often spanning multiple generations.”
Wilhelm has been immersed in the car business since childhood, officially joining Don Wilhelm Inc., his family's dealership, in 1974. He worked his way through every department, from reconditioning and service to sales, before becoming Dealer Principal. Today, he co-owns the dealership with his siblings Jeff Wilhelm and Lisa Lindberg, and together they operate Chevrolet and GMC franchises with a staff of 58 employees.
Wilhelm's journey in the industry has been marked by hard work and resilience. In 1987, he took a pivotal risk that shaped his career when he was entrusted to take full operational control of the Jamestown dealership. That responsibility not only solidified his leadership but also ushered in a period of sustained growth and customer loyalty.
Under Wilhelm's leadership, Don Wilhelm Inc. has seen substantial updates, including corporate facility image improvements and electric vehicle infrastructure. He has modernized the dealership to meet evolving customer needs and implemented digital tools from Cox Automotive to enhance customer engagement across sales and service.
Wilhelm is a pillar of the Jamestown community, serving on the boards of the Stutsman County Fair, Heartland Association of Fairs and the Chevrolet LMA Advertising Board. Wilhelm is also the Chairman of the Buick GMC LMA advertising board in the North Central Region, and was named Citizen of the Year in 2024 by the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce.
Wilhelm has also been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder and has used his platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health. He has shared his story publicly, hoping to help others feel less alone.
“One of the proudest moments in my life was receiving the Citizen of the Year award,” Wilhelm said. “I shared my story of living with bipolar disorder—and the number of people who reached out afterward told me how powerful it was for them. That moment showed me the importance of vulnerability in leadership.”
Among Wilhelm’s most impactful initiatives is the Huntington's Disease Benefit, which the dealership has hosted for 14 consecutive years. To date, the event has raised over $225,000, providing critical funds and awareness for those affected in the region. Wilhelm's employees not only help organize and educate but also volunteer at the event each year.
Rod provides strong support to youth programs, notably sponsoring Miss Rodeo North Dakota with the use of a Chevrolet truck throughout her reign. He also contributes to scholarship funds and continuing education for his employees.
Wilhelm holds a business degree from the University of Jamestown and has been a member of NADA since 1980. He has served for nearly two decades with the Automobile Dealers Association of North Dakota, including terms as Chairman in both 2013 and 2024. He has been a vocal advocate for state and federal legislation to protect dealer rights, increase warranty reimbursements, and modernize titling processes.
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.”
Wilhelm was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by the North Dakota Automobile Dealers Association. Rod and his wife, Sandra, live in Jamestown and are the proud parents of Jeremy (Emi) Wilhelm and Shawn (Shaunda) Krebsbach.
