2026 TDOY Nominee
Russ Newby
President of Newby Buick GMC
Saint George, Utah
Russ Newby 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, NV, 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. Newby was chosen to represent the New Car Dealers of Utah in the national competition — one of only 47 auto dealers nominated for the 57th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide.
Inspired by his parents and immersed in the car business from a young age, Newby credits attending the NADA Show with his father in 1988 as the spark that solidified his path. “I’ve always wanted to be like my parents and do the thing they did,” he shared. After graduating from Southern Utah University, he joined the family dealership as a salesperson in 1991 and steadily worked his way up to general manager and, ultimately, president.
Today, Newby co-owns Newby Buick GMC alongside his brothers, Brad and Grag, a continuation of their father’s dream to keep the business in the family. “For my father to have the belief in us as brothers and partners is a tremendous feeling,” he says.
“My first day on the sales floor in 1991 was the day I knew I had found my place. The energy, the people — it all just clicked,” Newby recalled. “I knew then I wanted to work my way up and eventually lead our family dealership.”
Under his leadership, the dealership has undergone significant upgrades, including a remodeled showroom, service drive entrance and a modernized collision center featuring state-of-the-art paint booths.
Newby navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by prioritizing communication and safety for both staff and customers, including implementing new pay plans and securing PPP support. “We learned not to take anything for granted, to better enjoy our work every day and appreciate each other,” he reflects.
In response to industry shifts, Newby eliminated auction buying to focus exclusively on trade-in inventory, a move that improved profitability and deepened customer engagement. “Changing how we sourced used cars forced us to be more engaged with our customers earlier in the process,” he explained. “It’s helped us build stronger relationships and increase both new and used vehicle sales.”
Newby’s impact extends beyond the showroom. One standout moment involved a Canadian family whose van broke down during a U.S. road trip. Facing a week-long delay for parts, Newby and his team secured hotel lodging and personal shuttle rides to ensure the family was cared for while repairs were made. “Our employees still talk about that experience and continue to look for more ways to go above and beyond,” he says.
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.”
Newby was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by New Car Dealers of Utah. He and his wife, Roquelle, live in Saint George and are the proud parents of Jonathon Newby.
