and Concord, representing brands Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen. “I find immense satisfaction and gratitude in the relationships I’ve built with our team, as well as with our great manufacturers and business partners,” he said. “The DGDG culture, which focuses on employee growth and education, a world-class guest experience, and a commitment to new technologies, has established our dealership group as an industry leader.” Del Grande is proud that the San Francisco Chronicle has named DGDG one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s Top Workplaces for more than a decade. Another way Del Grande has shaped his dealership group is through community service. He created DGDG Does Good as the charitable arm of his company, which sponsors local events and partners with many area charities and nonprofits. “To date, we have donated more than $1 million to worthy recipients throughout our community,” he said. “We also encourage our team members to give back to the causes they care about most.” Some of the organizations DGDG Does Good has supported include Second Harvest of Silicon Valley; Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area; First Tee Silicon Valley; Special Olympics Northern California; YMCA of Silicon Valley; South County Tail Waggers (dog rescue group); Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County; Santa Teresa Little League; San Jose Police Foundation; as well as many area schools and athletic programs. “Our goal is to make a difference in the communities where we work and live,” Del Grande said. 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 an exclusive sponsor, Ally will also 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.” Del Grande was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Brian Maas, president of the California New Car Dealers Association. Del Grande has three children. “Attracting, guiding, and retaining key employees and leaders has been the focal point and foundation of our success.” 27 California New Car Dealer Quarterly
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