2026 TDOY Nominee

Thomas McMath 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. McMath was chosen to represent the Louisiana 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.

A Louisiana automotive mainstay for more than five decades, McMath began his career selling cars at Rivers Ford in 1971 and briefly served as a City of Monroe police officer before joining Arceneaux Ford in 1973. He worked his way through every position in the store and eventually became majority owner (60%) alongside his children Kristie McMath-Hebert (20%) and Travis McMath (19%). Founded in 1972, Arceneaux Ford employs 47 team members and represents the Ford franchise across St. Martinville and New Iberia.

"My inspiration came in 1975 at my first LADA Convention," McMath said. "Hearing Lee Iacocca and being surrounded by successful, driven dealers made it clear — this was my path and those were the people I wanted to emulate."  

A pivotal decision came a decade later. "In 1985, I moved the dealership to a neighboring town, mortgaged my home, secured financing through Ford Motor Credit and bet on a fresh start," McMath recalled. "It was a bold move — and one I’ve never regretted."

That commitment to continuous improvement culminated in a new Ford Trustmark-inspired facility in 2015, designed and built by the McMath family. "The upgrade drove significant growth in sales, enhanced customer satisfaction and boosted employee morale," he said. 

Resilience has also defined McMath’s leadership — especially when Hurricane Andrew struck on August 26, 1992. "The destruction was overwhelming," he said. "But our community came together — neighbors, employees, customers — and through that collective effort, we rebuilt. It reminded me how strong South Louisiana is when we stand together."

In recent years, McMath has focused on next-generation leadership and modernization. He identified and elevated emerging managers to lead sales, customer-relationship initiatives, digital marketing and employee development — supported by in-house marketing/business development and ongoing mentorship from seasoned leaders. "These changes brought fresh perspectives, stronger community connections and a culture rooted in collaboration and adaptability," McMath noted. 

An active industry voice, McMath has served the Louisiana Auto Dealers Association as Board Member, Chairman and long-time leader of the LADA Self-Insured Fund Trust (Board Member and Chairman). He has also chaired the Ford Dealer Advertising Fund (FDAF) in multiple terms, helping steer the region through two of Ford’s largest reorganizations. In recognition of longevity and partnership, Arceneaux Ford marked 50 years with Ford Motor Company and 50 years with Ford Motor Credit Company in 2022.

"Representing Louisiana dealers at the Capitol has been an honor," McMath added. "Listening to our peers, advocating for smart policy and protecting consumer choice —that’s how we keep our market strong for the next generation." 

McMath was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by the Louisiana Auto Dealers Association. McMath and his wife, Janie, have three children: Grady McMath, Kristie McMath-Hebert and Travis McMath.