LAS VEGAS – Jack Salzman, owner of Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Cornelius, NC, is named 2018 Time Dealer of the Year at the National Automobile Dealers Association’s convention here.
He was selected from a nationwide field of 47 dealer nominees in recognition of his business accomplishments and community contributions.
“Jack Salzman has made giving back a central part of his personal and business philosophy,” says Tim Russi, president of auto finance for Ally, exclusive sponsor of the program for seven years.
The other regional finalists were: Brent Brown, president of Brent Brown Toyota in Orem, UT; William Fenton, president of Toyota of Keene in East Swanzey, NH; and Wally Sommer, president of Sommer's Subaru in Mequon, WI.
Ally will provide $10,000 to the nonprofit organization of Salzman’s choice. Ally will give $5,000 to each of the finalists’ charity of choice and $1,000 to the charity of choice for each of the 47 nominees.
“The most rewarding part of my retail automotive career has been hiring great people and investing in their future,” says Salzman. “We pride ourselves on searching out quality employees and providing them with the tools and support they need to grow from entry-level jobs up to top management positions within the company.”
In his community, Salzman is a contributor to the Humane Society of Charlotte, as well as a founding board member of Lake Norman Humane. He also supports Lake Norman Lucky Cats, which provides trap-neuter-return services, as well as Holly'z Hope, an organization that helps unchain dogs by building fences for homeowners in need.
“When I purchased the dealership in 2003, my wife and I decided that we wanted to focus our philanthropic time and attention on three areas: animals in need, children in need and women in need,” he says.
He says his wife, Robin Smith-Salzman, deserves the dealer of the year award more than he does because of her active involvement in the causes they serve.
They are longtime supporters of The Dove House Children's Advocacy Center in Statesville, NC, and Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center in Charlotte, as well as Amy's House in Lincolnton, NC, and The Shelter of Gaston County in Gastonia, which both serve battered women and children.
They also support Make-A-Wish; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Habitat for Humanity; Susan G. Komen; American Cancer Society; and many other local groups.
Salzman was nominated as the dealer of the year by Robert Glaser, president of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Assn.
