2026 TDOY Nominee
Todd Szott
Dealer Partner of Szott Ford
Holly, Michigan
Todd Szott 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. Szott was chosen to represent the Detroit 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 Michigan native and former Apple Computer manufacturing manager, Szott brought a data-driven, people-first mindset back to the Motor City to help grow the family enterprise.
“Apple taught me systems and scale,” Szott said. “But I wanted an entrepreneurial path where relationships are the product. That’s automotive retail.”
In 1993, he joined the Szott Auto Group (now five dealerships) and helped launch Szott Ford in 2002.
“We bought a struggling Ford store and went to work,” he recalled. “We built a culture that puts people over transactions — and the results followed.”
Today, Szott Ford employs 74 team members, with year-over-year staff growth and strong service retention.
A defining early risk was his push to acquire and rehabilitate a derelict building to pilot Chrysler’s 1990s Vehicles Plus used-car superstore concept.
“It was cart-before-the-horse risky,” Szott said. “The concept ultimately failed — but the relationships it created led to selling our first store to AutoNation. That capital seeded the multi-store group we run today. Sometimes the ‘failure’ is just the first chapter of a better story.”
Facility investments underscore his focus on constant improvement: a 2016 Ford Trustmark renovation expanding service and parts; and 2023 fast EV charging, which serves owners and brings new prospects to the lot while they charge.
“Change is a constant; excellence is a choice,” he said.
Over two decades, Szott has helped guide Szott Ford through major industry disruption.
“COVID was a crucible,” he said. “My brother and I spent sleepless nights redesigning pay plans and communicating constantly. Our goal was simple: take care of our people so they could take care of our customers when the doors reopened.” The experience, he added, “cemented a family-level loyalty you don’t often see in corporate settings.”
His emphasis on learning is fueled by a NADA 20 Group.
“Peer accountability makes you better,” Szott noted. “We’ve doubled down on digital attribution and conquest marketing because the lease pipeline changed after the chip shortage. You can’t wish the old world back — you adapt.”
Customer obsession, he says, is the differentiator.
“Delivering ‘Wow’ is our standard — making someone’s day whether there’s a deal or not,” Szott said.
He cites a family that bought 20 vehicles over the years.
“We watched their infant grow up to become our technician. When his parents moved to Florida during a cancer fight, we lent a van to help the younger brother move. That’s what you do for family,” he said.
Within the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, Szott has served as Secretary (2019–2021), Treasurer (2022), Vice President (2023), President (2024), Vice Chairman of the Detroit Auto Show (2025) and Chairman of the Detroit Auto Show (2026).
“Post-COVID, OEMs wanted to demonstrate — not just display,” he said. “We reimagined the show for experiences.”
The redesigned event delivered.
“At the 2025 show alone, visitors took 100,000 vehicle rides,” Szott shared. “Thirty percent were first-time attendees. Our ‘My Drive. My City. My Show.’ storytelling brought new audiences into the fold.”
He also helped mentor the association’s new executive director.
“Succession isn’t a moment. It’s a process,” he said. “Our job is to leave stronger foundations.”
He likewise leads in Ford dealer forums across Southeast Michigan.
“We’re better when OEMs and dealers co-create,” Szott said. “Transparency builds trust. Trust builds momentum. Our value system is simple: exceptional service, strong community, make ownership easy,” Szott said.
A signature project: a multi-year partnership with OATS (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) equestrian center in Ortonville.
“We provided 54 tons of recycled-tire crumb rubber for two arenas and our team spread it by hand,” he said. “It cuts dust for riders with respiratory issues and lets therapy continue in comfort. That’s a small change with big human impact.”
Employee wellness is woven into the operation.
“We host off-site enrichment with mindset and wellness speakers, ensure robust mental-health coverage and offer 24/7 local gym discounts,” he explained. “Healthy teammates serve customers better.”
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.”
Szott was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association. Todd and his wife, Beth, have two daughters, Sabrina and Ava.
