2025 Pub. 3 Issue 4 2025 MADA Regional Meetings A Strong Showing of Dealer Unity Across Mississippi
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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 4 Miles of Connection By Jeff Smith, Chairman, MADA 6 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee Jonathan Allen 2025 MADA REGIONAL MEETINGS A Strong Showing of Dealer Unity Across Mississippi 10 In Memoriam NEXTGEN DEALER 12 Getting to Know Payton Massey 14 Petro Nissan Celebrates 35 Years 16 Toyota of Hattiesburg Celebrates 50 Years 20 Herrin-Gear Cares 22 Paige Howell Receives Prestigious Honor From USM 24 MADA Auto PAC 2025 Difference Makers 26 NADA PAC: In Appreciation to the 2025 Contributors ©2025 The Mississippi Auto Dealers Association (MADA) | The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. Mississippi Auto Dealer is published four times per year by The newsLINK Group LLC for MADA and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of MADA, its board of directors or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. Mississippi Auto Dealer is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of MADA. While a first-print policy is encouraged, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (855) 747-4003. 6 16 CONTENTS2025 Pub. 3 Issue 4 7 3
MILES OF CONNECTION Chairman’s Message By Jeff Smith, Chairman, MADA I recently had the privilege of traveling across Mississippi with MADA President Marty Milstead for our 2025 Regional Meetings. It was a full and fast-paced week — seven meetings in just four days — but what an incredible experience it was. We enjoyed strong participation at every stop from dealers, dealership employees and our valued industry partners. Since my dealership is about as far north as you can go while still being in Mississippi, the tour gave me the opportunity to visit parts of our state I had never seen before. It reminded me just how beautiful Mississippi truly is — and how proud I am to serve this association. Connecting with dealers across the state and making new relationships was the highlight of the tour. The one-on-one interviews with legislators offered a new perspective on the men and women working so hard to make the “Mississippi momentum” a reality. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our sponsors for their generous support in making each meeting such a success. In September, I had the honor of representing MADA at the annual NADA Washington Conference. This event brings automobile dealers from across the country to meet with members of Congress and discuss the key issues that affect our industry. For Mississippi, it was also an opportunity to express our appreciation to Mississippi’s congressional delegation for their support of House Resolution 88, which seeks to revoke California’s waiver for its Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule — a rule that would effectively ban the sale of gas and hybrid vehicles. Eliminating this EV mandate will benefit both our industry and, more importantly, the consumer. These experiences serve as a powerful reminder of how critical it is for our industry to stay engaged politically — both in Jackson and in Washington. The laws and regulations being debated today directly impact our dealerships, our employees and our customers. That’s why I encourage every dealer to support MADA’s Auto PAC and NADA PAC. Your contributions help ensure that the voice of Mississippi’s automobile dealers is heard loud and clear, protecting our ability to operate and thrive in a constantly evolving political environment. I firmly believe there is no small business that gives back to its community more than automobile dealerships. You’ll read later in this publication about some of our members — such as the Herrin-Gear Automotive Group — who exemplify that spirit through their community involvement and generosity. Finally, I want to congratulate Jonathan Allen, Mississippi’s 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year nominee. This is a tremendous and well-deserved honor, and I know Jonathan will represent MADA with distinction when he is recognized at the NADA Show in February. As I said during the meetings, serving as MADA chairman has been the highlight of my career. Thank you for the opportunity to represent Mississippi’s dealers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance. 4
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Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) and the Mississippi automotive community congratulate Jonathan Allen on his nomination for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year award. Owner of J. Allen Toyota, J. Allen Ford and J. Allen Mazda, Allen was chosen to represent MADA in the national competition — one of only 47 auto dealers nominated from more than 20,000 nationwide. He and his fellow nominees will be honored at the 109th National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas in February 2026. The TIME Dealer of the Year award, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the automotive industry, recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Allen, 43, is a third-generation auto dealer who has spent his life carrying forward a proud family legacy while modernizing its mission. Past chairman of MADA and current member of the Board of Trustees for the MADA Self-Insurers Fund, Allen proudly carries on the legacy of his grandfather, the late Bert Allen, who also played a pivotal role in serving MADA in numerous leadership capacities. “Car dealers were once seen as larger-than-life community figures,” Allen reflects. “I want to carry that tradition forward — not for myself, but to show our employees, our families and our customers that a dealership can be a pillar of hope, pride and opportunity.” A panel will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists will receive $5,000 to donate to their favorite charities, and the winner will receive $10,000 to give to charity, courtesy of Ally. 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee Jonathan Allen In its 14th year as 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 are 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.” 6
2025 MADA REGIONAL MEETINGS A Strong Showing of Dealer Unity Across Mississippi Each fall, the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) holds regional meetings, giving dealers, dealership employees, and industry partners the opportunity to hear directly from our leadership and gain insight into legislative perspectives. The 2025 regional meetings took place in a fast-paced week on the road — seven meetings in just four days. The tour began in Meridian and concluded in Tupelo, with stops across the state. MADA Chairman Jeff Smith and President Marty Milstead led the meetings, providing members with an in-depth look at key industry issues and legal challenges on the franchise law. Each regional meeting featured a special guest speaker from the Mississippi Legislature. MADA extends special thanks to Senator Jeff Tate, Speaker Pro Tempore Manly Barton, Representative Noah Sanford, Representative Vince Mangold, Representative Lee Yancey, Representative Rodney Hall and Representative Donnie Bell — each of whom shared their perspectives and took time to engage with dealers during their regional visits. “These meetings remind us how strong our association really is,” said Chairman Jeff Smith. “From small-town dealerships to multi-dealership operations, every dealer’s voice matters — and together, we’re making a difference for Mississippi’s essential automotive industry.” MADA President Marty Milstead added, “It’s always rewarding to see the enthusiasm and engagement of our members. These regional meetings are about connection and collaboration — ensuring that we’re all working toward the same goal of keeping Mississippi’s dealer network strong and successful.” There was a strong turnout at each stop, underscoring the dedication of MADA members to staying informed and involved. Marty Milstead and Jeff Smith Biloxi Meeting Manley Barton and Marty Milstead 7
Meridian Meeting Jeff Smith, Sen. Jeff Tate and Bill Griffis Hernando Meeting Jeff Smith, Rodney Hall, Drew DePriest and Marty Milstead Jackson Meeting Jeff Smith, Lee Yancey and Marty Milstead 8
Thank You to Our Sponsors MADA sincerely appreciates all sponsors whose support made this statewide series possible. Their partnership ensures these meetings continue to be informative, engaging and accessible — strengthening Mississippi’s dealer community year-round. Endorsed Sponsors • MADA Self Insured Fund • The Versant Group Platinum Sponsors • Ally • Brightline Dealer Advisors • Reynolds and Reynolds • True Car • United Dealer Services Gold Sponsors • Armatus • Dealer Merchant Services • Zurich Silver Sponsors • Assurant • Bank of America • Century Construction • ComplyAuto • Insurance Office of America Tupelo Meeting Jeff Smith, Rep. Donnie Bell and Michael Joe Cannon Hattiesburg Meeting Brookhaven Meeting LOOKING AHEAD With the 2025 regional meetings complete, MADA looks forward to carrying the momentum into another productive year of representing Mississippi’s franchised new-car and truck dealers. Through strong leadership, active membership and dedicated partners, the association remains focused on our mission to promote, advance and protect the interests of the state’s franchised automobile dealers. 9
I N ME M O R I A M DANNY DOSSETT, Sr. April 16, 1946-Oct. 18, 2025 For over 50 years, Dossett served as the owner of Dossett GMC Cadillac in Hattiesburg. He spent his life dedicated to serving his employees and his customers. The dealership’s 50-year celebration was featured last year in the Mississippi Auto Dealer magazine. HENRY HEAFNER Jan. 27, 1934-June 11, 2025 Heafner began his career in the car business at the age of 20 when he started B&H in Batesville. Later, he founded Heafner Motors and became the owner-operator of several franchises, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. He was honored as the Mississippi TIME Dealer of the Year in 1992. DUB HERRING, Jr. June 11, 1934-Oct. 8, 2025 Herring served as MADA chairman during 2003-2004 and was honored as the Mississippi TIME Dealer of the Year in 1999. His career in the car business began at Estabrook Ford and Pringle Ford in sales. In 1978, he purchased Stewart Ford in Picayune, Mississippi, where he built a lasting legacy in the community. 10
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Getting to Know Payton Massey NextGen Dealer From there, I transitioned into a service manager role, then a service director for the group. After that, I sold cars for a little bit, and I worked in parts. I was our used car director for the group, and now I’m the general manager. Have you had any specialized training or education? I recently graduated from the NADA Academy, which has been a truly enriching experience. I recommend the academy to anybody who’s in my position or anybody who’s a long-term employee in the car business. Payton Massey grew up in the car business. As a fourth-generation dealer, he is carrying on the family legacy started by his great-grandfather. Payton grew up in Mobile, Alabama, attending St. Luke’s High School, where he was a member of the golf program. After graduation, Payton attended the University of North Alabama, playing four years of golf while earning his Bachelor of Business Administration. After graduation, he got straight to work at the family business, Walt Massey Auto Group. Today, Payton is the general manager of Walt Massey Chevrolet GMC in Lucedale, Mississippi. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Payton and learn more about him, his career journey, and his future plans. The following are excerpts from our conversation. Did you always want to join the family business? I’ve always known that the car business was right for me. The only other job I’ve ever dreamed of, and I say this jokingly, would be to be a professional fisherman. I just love to go fishing and thought it would be awesome if I could go fishing every day. But all jokes aside, I have immense respect for my dad and what he did to grow this business. I have always wanted to follow in his footsteps. He has mentored me to do just that since I was born. What makes the dealership unique? One thing that’s unique about us is that most of our dealerships are located in small towns, yet we remain a high-volume dealer. We aim to generate as much revenue as possible so that we can support our community. That’s important to us. We’re consistently the number one Chevy GMC dealer in the state, thanks to our competitive pricing, and we are really proud of that. Another thing that’s unique about us is that we are big on growing our employees and promoting them from within. We set everybody up on a path to grow and be successful. If we have the opportunity to promote, then that’s what we do, versus trying to hire somebody from the outside. We value our people and want them to succeed. What positions have you held in the company? My first full-time role was at our Chevrolet dealership in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I started out on the service drive, learning how to take care of customers. I’m thankful that I started learning on the service side because the role of a service advisor is one of the most important jobs at the dealership. They deal with the largest amount of customers than anybody else at the dealership. Being able to start there helped me to learn how to build connections and make relationships with customers. 12
Where do you see yourself and the dealership in the next 3-5 years? My hope is to stay in Lucedale as a general manager for the next three to five years. This store is where it all started. My dad spent so much time here at this specific dealership, and this campus means so much to both of us. He made so many good relationships with customers, the community and businesses around this area, I want to continue to build upon that. Additionally, I want to get more involved with the other 10 campuses and continue to make good relationships in all of our communities and with all of our employees. How long has the dealership been involved with MADA? We’ve been a member since 1993. My dad served as a chairman for MADA and is the current chairman of the Self Insurance Fund. As for me, I’ve always attended MADA conventions and any opportunity that I have to network with people. I appreciate that Marty keeps us informed about any political developments we need to be aware of. I look forward to becoming more involved with MADA in the years to come. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Do you have any hobbies? Besides golfing and tournament bass fishing, I am an avid bow hunter. My dad has a hunting camp in Illinois that we like to travel to. I also earned my pilot’s license a few years ago and love flying. But for the foreseeable future, my free time is focused on my upcoming nuptials in May and spending time with my fiancée, Whitney. How do you balance your professional responsibilities and personal life? It’s definitely challenging in this business. Surrounding myself with a good team is one way that gives me some time to focus on or do personal things. I know when I’m away, my team will take care of the store, our customers and our employees. Overall, because I love what I’m doing, there’s not a day I’m here that I’m mad or upset, and that makes it easy to balance things as well. The experience you’ll gain is invaluable. One of the biggest things I’ve taken away from it is the relationships with people. Have you had any mentors, and what did you learn from them? My dad taught me self-discipline. I grew up watching him work long hours. He taught me to focus on the important things in life, and in the car business — taking care of your employees and taking care of your customers. My mom taught me how to stay out of trouble, how to be respectful and kept me in church. I have to give credit to my grandparents as well; on both sides of my family, they definitely set good examples for me. What has been the most rewarding part of your career to this point? The most rewarding part has been the connections I’ve made with people and having the opportunity that my dad’s given me to grow and to one day take over the organization. I really appreciate this opportunity. He’s set me up on such a good path to learn the business and has supported me throughout the whole process. 13
Petro Nissan Celebrates 35 Years Tony Petro always had an affinity for the car business, an industry that his father, Eddie, who started selling cars in 1968, also loved. On Sept. 14, 1990, Eddie took over the Nissan store on North Main Street in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Petro Nissan was founded. Back then, the most popular and successful dealerships were situated on the three-block stretch known as Automotive Row. The Petro Nissan store was located just outside of that area, so Eddie ended up acquiring an Oldsmobile store so he could make the move to Automotive Row. In the 1960s, Jerome Ryan of Ryan Chevrolet was the first dealer to open shop on Automotive Row and subsequently enticed other dealers to follow suit. Eddie wanted to have the same influence, and in 1996, he decided to relocate his dealership and create a new Automotive Row in West Hattiesburg on Highway 98. “We moved out there on Labor Day of 1996, and we were the only game in town,” Tony said. “You could look in any direction and there was nothing but pine trees. The cars would come by at speeds of 70 to 80 miles per hour, so we built a large storefront to attract the attention of passersby.” Now, 35 years later, Petro Nissan is as prosperous as ever, and all but two dealerships have moved to the new Automobile Row. Eddie definitely achieved what he set out to do. Over the years, Petro Nissan has retailed over 60,000 new and pre-owned vehicles. Eddie had started from nothing and made the dealership the success it is through hard work and dedication to his employees and customers. Tony took over the store in the early 2000s and has carried on his father’s legacy. “It’s all about the employees. If you take care of them, they will take care of the customers,” Tony said. “And when we don’t get things right, we step up to the plate, take responsibility for our shortcomings and make it right.” That kind of thinking has empowered employees and created loyalty 14
and trust with customers, many of whom are repeat customers who continue to buy their next new car from Petro Nissan. Other dealerships may have been around for as long as Petro Nissan, but Petro Nissan is one of only two that have remained in operation for over 20 years with the same ownership. Tony is now semi-retired and is training his nephew, Logan Dukette, as the general manager and one day to be the new owner of Petro Nissan. The dealership will continue its legacy of being family-run for years to come. With their name on the front of the store, the Petro family strives to maintain the positive reputation that they have cultivated over the many years in business. The family lives down the street from the dealership, and all of them have helped run it — from Tony’s children to Logan’s sisters. The secret to success has been to strengthen their one, single-point store. They are not part of a larger auto group, so they can put all of their focus into making sure the one store is running smoothly. “Nothing is being overlooked or shoved to the side as ‘not a big deal.’ Any problem that we have when it comes to our customers or employees, we don’t take lightly,” Logan said. “With these bigger dealer groups, you can become just a number to them. The executives and CEOs may walk through and not know anybody at the dealership. But Tony or I could walk through our store and know every employee by first and last name. We probably know their wife and kids. A lot of other places lose that aspect, and to me, that’s a big deal.” The outstanding sales of new and certified pre-owned vehicles, along with their customer satisfaction and retention, are just a few of the reasons why Petro Nissan received the Nissan Award of Excellence during their 35-year anniversary celebration. As part of the 35-year celebration, they had t-shirts custom made to hand out. Needless to say, they were a big hit and were gone so fast that one had to be hidden for Tony to keep. A repeat customer, who had purchased 13 cars from Petro Nissan over the years, called Tony on his cell phone and said he was disappointed that he didn’t get one of the shirts. Tony said, “Well, I got one left. It was hidden for me, but you’re the kind of customer who has kept us in business for all these years. You can have my shirt.” When asked about their plans for the future, Tony responded, “We’re just going to keep doing what we’ve been doing. At the celebration, we thanked all our employees who have come and gone and thanked our customers because they all had a hand in our success over these 35 years.” Tony and Logan both emphasized that they will not be selling the dealership anytime soon. Logan said, “This defines the Petro family. I’ll be doing this until I’m 65 years old.” They see many generations down the line continuing to uphold the values that Petro Nissan has fostered with their employees, customers and community. Congratulations, Petro Nissan, on this incredible milestone, and we wish you many more years of continued success! 15
Toyota of Hattiesburg Celebrates 50 Years Since opening its doors in 1975 on U.S. Highway 49 with a team of just six employees and an inventory of 21 new Toyota vehicles, Toyota of Hattiesburg has grown into a cornerstone of the Pine Belt and South Mississippi communities. This year, the dealership proudly celebrates 50 years of excellence, growth and community commitment — a half-century of driving success and building lasting relationships. What began as a modest, family-run operation has evolved into one of Mississippi’s most respected and successful automotive dealerships. In its early days, Toyota of Hattiesburg built its reputation on a simple yet powerful formula: treating customers like family, providing dependable products and delivering service that exceeded expectations. Those guiding values remain just as strong today. In 1976, Toyota of Hattiesburg relocated to West Pine Street, where it experienced steady expansion fueled by growing customer demand and the increasing popularity of Toyota vehicles. A major renovation in 1994 modernized the facility and reflected the dealership’s ongoing investment in quality and customer experience. Two decades later, in 2014, Toyota of Hattiesburg reached another milestone, opening its current state-of-the-art facility on Highway 98. The move allowed for expanded inventory, enhanced amenities and a more streamlined service experience designed to meet the needs of a new generation of customers. The original West Pine location found new life as Hattiesburg Cars, a premier pre-owned vehicle center that continues to serve the region. 16
Today, Toyota of Hattiesburg offers more than 400 new and pre-owned vehicles and stands as one of South Mississippi’s most trusted names in automotive sales and service. The dealership’s success is guided by its mission: “to deliver exceptional automotive experiences through integrity, excellence and innovation.” Its core principles — customer commitment, integrity, excellence, innovation, teamwork, accountability, sustainability, community engagement, respect and continuous improvement — shape every aspect of the operation. These values are evident not only in sales and service but also in the culture of teamwork and professionalism that defines the dealership’s staff. Throughout its history, Toyota of Hattiesburg has earned numerous distinctions, including the Toyota President’s Award, a recognition that honors dealerships demonstrating outstanding performance in sales, service and customer satisfaction. These achievements reflect the dealership’s sustained excellence as well 17
as the loyalty and trust of generations of Mississippi drivers. Owner and CEO Alton Pierce continues the proud legacy his father began five decades ago. Under his leadership, Toyota of Hattiesburg has embraced new technology and changed customer expectations, incorporating hybrid and electric models, online shopping tools and environmentally conscious practices into its operations. With the third generation of the Pierce family now preparing to step into leadership, the dealership’s future remains firmly rooted in its tradition of community, service and family values. “This milestone is a celebration of our team, our loyal customers and our community,” Pierce said. “We’ve grown, evolved and embraced innovation, but one thing has never changed — our dedication to the people of the Pine Belt and the number they’ve come to know so well: 544-9630.” Beyond its business success, Toyota of Hattiesburg is known for its enduring commitment to the community. Over the years, the dealership has supported local schools, youth sports, charitable organizations and civic initiatives throughout the Pine Belt. Whether helping local families, sponsoring educational programs or contributing to community events, the dealership takes pride in being actively engaged in the community. That same community spirit was on full display during the dealership’s 50th anniversary celebration, held Oct. 16, 2025, at the Highway 98 location. The event brought together customers, employees and industry partners for a day of reflection and gratitude. Attendees included MADA President Marty Milstead, representatives from Toyota Motor North America and dozens of local business leaders and community members. The celebration opened with a blessing and reflection from Mitchell Williams, multi-area director of the Southeast Mississippi Fellowship of Christian Athletes and football chaplain for the University of Southern Mississippi football team. His words of faith set a meaningful tone for the day. Following his invocation, Mary Bryant, Toyota of Hattiesburg’s event coordinator, welcomed guests and expressed appreciation for everyone who contributed to and helped bring the event together. Alton Pierce and Marty Milstead each offered remarks honoring the milestone and reflecting on the dealership’s significant contributions to Mississippi’s automotive industry. The event concluded with two musical performances — one by the acclaimed a cappella ensemble The Voices from Pearl Ridge Community College, and another by saxophonist Devin Lucas, a former member of The Voices, whose solo performance added a memorable close to the celebration. Through five decades of growth and change, Toyota of Hattiesburg has remained steadfast in its commitment to its customers, employees and community. The dealership’s journey stands as a testament to what can be achieved when integrity, hard work and honest values drive every decision. MADA extends heartfelt congratulations to Toyota of Hattiesburg for 50 years of automotive excellence, leadership and service. Here’s to the next 50 years of success in the Pine Belt and beyond! 18
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Herrin-Gear Cares Herrin-Gear Automotive Group is a multi-brand dealership located in Jackson, Mississippi, right off I-55 at the end of High Street. They like to say they’re on their own little “island” because they’re the only business on that side of High Street, making their campus a distinct and welcoming destination for their customers. The group includes Chevrolet, Infiniti, Lexus and BMW dealerships, all located on-site, along with their Body Shop and Collision Center. The setup allows them to offer a full-service automotive experience, from sales to service to repairs, all in one convenient location. They are proud to have a team of about 200 employees, many of whom have been with them for over 40 years and many others celebrating 30+ and 20+ year anniversaries. That kind of longevity speaks volumes about the culture at Herrin-Gear. Their employees are not only skilled professionals but also some of the kindest and most community-minded individuals. Whether it’s helping customers or volunteering their time to support the community, their dedication and compassion shine through in everything they do. Herrin-Gear (HG) Cares, Herrin-Gear Automotive Group’s umbrella for all of their community outreach initiatives, was launched in July 2024, shortly after Shelly Hux joined as director of marketing. Rather than a single program, HG Cares represents a collection of ongoing efforts designed to support, uplift and connect with their local community. It’s their way of saying, “We care deeply about the people around us, and we’re committed to making a difference.” They refer to these efforts as initiatives because each one is unique — whether it’s a blood drive, a car show, a food collection or a partnership with a nonprofit. Writing a check is often easy, but changing the hearts, actions, thoughts and minds of those around them creates a movement that is life-changing. The driving force behind HG Cares is a shared belief among the team that giving back to the community is not just a responsibility — it’s a privilege. Recently, HG Cares raised $30,000 for Children’s of Mississippi at their Gear Up & Unleash Car Show, one of the most exciting and impactful events held by the dealership. Thousands of people came out to enjoy the show, and over 200 cars were on display. What made the event even more special is that it was not just about the cars — it was about bringing people together to support meaningful causes. HG Cares works year-round to make the car show a success — attending car club meets, visiting other car shows and building relationships with sponsors and like-minded individuals who want to help others through their passion for cars. Several nonprofit organizations that the dealership partners with were invited to set up tents and share their missions with attendees. Groups like Say Something Assembly, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 5th Squad, Flamingo Day Foundation and Little Light House were all present. Each organization had the opportunity to speak to the crowd and hand out information, helping raise awareness and encouraging others to get involved. The event continues to gain momentum, and HG Cares is excited to see it grow bigger and better each year. Their goal is to keep the focus on helping Children’s of Mississippi and supporting all the incredible nonprofits that serve the community. They want people to come out, enjoy amazing vehicles, have a great time and leave inspired to help their neighbors in need. 20
HG CARES KEY INITIATIVES School Supply Drive for We Will Go Ministries Filled a Chevrolet truck bed with school supplies for children in need. Blood Drives Hosted two blood drives annually with strong employee participation. The blood bus is always full, with employees lining up to donate. Annual Car Show for Children’s of Mississippi Featured over 200 show cars and raised $30,000 for the hospital. Support for Car Shows with a Cause Supported car shows that benefit meaningful causes such as preventing child trafficking, supporting individuals with special needs, and honoring veterans and active duty military. Out of the Darkness Walk Sponsored the walk in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — a cause close to the team’s heart. Flamingo Day Foundation Partnership Supported breast and metastatic cancer awareness and research. Food Drive for Stewpot Community Services Hosted the annual food collection to support the local pantry, helping families in need. Clothing & Blanket Drive for Shower Power Provided clothes, blankets and hygiene support for the homeless. Ruck 4 Rugrats & Toy Drive Donated toys to Children’s of Mississippi Hospital during the holiday season, sponsored by the 5th Squad. Give a Kid a Bike Assembled and donated bikes for children at the Boys & Girls Club. Little Light House Golf Tournament Participated in fundraising efforts for children with special needs. Partnership with the 5th Squad Continued their deep involvement with the 5th Squad, a veteran-led organization focused on veterans helping veterans. The team volunteers regularly and supports their mission through events and outreach. 21
PAIGE HOWELL Receives Prestigious Honor From USM Debbie and Paige This past October, as part of the Homecoming traditions, the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Alumni Association honored Krandall “Paige” Howell when he was inducted into its Hall of Fame. This honor is bestowed upon the school’s most dedicated and distinguished alums. Paige graduated from USM in 1987, along with his wife, Debbie. They are proud Life Members of the Alumni Association and passionate supporters of Golden Eagle athletics. In fact, Paige’s enthusiasm for USM may be unmatched. He has attended every Golden Eagle football game at “The Rock” since 1970. Paige is also a fixture at Pete Taylor Park, cheering from Section I, Row 1, Seat 1. Additionally, Paige is a member of the Athletic Department’s Circle of Champions and the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation’s Honor Club and President’s Circle. He has been a member of the Eagle Club every year since graduation. Paige has served on the boards of directors of the Alumni Association, the Athletic Foundation and the USM Foundation, as well as on the Southwest Central Mississippi Chapter of the Alumni Association. He has also been recognized with the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award in 1993 and the Outstanding Service Award in 2006. His achievements don’t stop there. Paige is a third-generation automobile dealer and president and co-owner of Howell Motors Inc., in McComb, Mississippi. Last year, they celebrated 60 years in business. His father, Krandall, is semi-retired but still acts as a partner on bigger-picture decisions. Paige runs the day-to-day operations, and his son, Kran, a fourth-generation dealer, is looking forward to carrying on the family legacy. 22
Above: Howell Family Left: Krandall, Paige and Kran Howell As a long-time member of the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association (MADA), Paige recognizes the importance of belonging to the association. “We believe in MADA and what it does for the dealers in this state. We are blessed with really good leadership — I’m very appreciative of Marty and the team and all that they do for dealers,” Paige said. His induction into the USM Alumni Hall of Fame celebrates his professional achievements, community leadership and unwavering Golden Eagle spirit. Congratulations, Paige! Your commitment to your community, the industry and USM is inspiring! Scan the QR code to watch the Hall of Fame 2025 video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v= aoMJHsCK6SU ENDORSED BY: ON AVERAGE, MS DEALERS ADD $54,444 IN PARTS UPLIFT ANNUALLY ARMATUS HAS COMPLETED OVER 21,000+ SUBMISSIONS NATIONWIDE ON AVERAGE, MS DEALERS ADD $56,388 IN LABOR UPLIFT ANNUALLY ARMATUS WORKS WITH 39% OF MISSISSIPPI DEALERS OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CLIENTS: Ù You Won’t Lift a Finger: Armatus does all the work for you. Ù Fully Contingent Fee: You only pay when you are approved. Ù Speed and Accuracy: No one completes a submission faster. Ù Optimization: Proprietary software guarantees you the best result. (888) 477-2228 | info@dealeruplift.com WWW.DEALERUPLIFT.COM If you have already completed a submission in-house or with another vendor, you may still have significant opportunities to gain more. If we can’t improve your results, you owe us nothing. Between our scientifically proven optimal results, and our speed of processing, we will literally pay our own fee. Reach out today for a no-obligation evaluation of your parts and labor rates. MS Dealer Magazine-HP AD.indd 1 10/14/25 11:50 AM 23
GOLD STAR CLUB (Pledged $5,000 or More Annually) Michael Joe Cannon Cannon Motor Company Michelle Chapman Homer Skelton Ford Cannon Kirk Kirk Auto Company Joe Marshall Barnes Crossing Automotive Group Walt Massey Walt Massey Automotive Alton Pierce Toyota of Hattiesburg PRESIDENTS CLUB (Pledged $1,000 or More Annually) Jonathan Allen J. Allen Toyota, J. Allen Ford Lincoln Gulfport, J. Allen Mazda David Andrews Chief Automotive Group Bob Aubrey Patty Peck Honda Bob Boyte Bob Boyte Honda, Bob Boyte Chevrolet Ryan Brinkmeier Mac Haik Mississippi Drew DePriest All-Star Chevrolet Jeff Field Landers Automotive Group Stephen Franks Franks Chevrolet GMC Reed Howell Herrin-Gear Automotive Group Paul Moak Jr. Paul Moak Automotive Tony Petro Petro Nissan Automotive Jared Waldrop Pine Belt Motors Michael Wallis Rogers-Dabbs Chevrolet James White Mercedes-Benz of Jackson Doug Wilson Wilson Kia Brad Yarbrough Natchez Ford Lincoln GOVERNORS CLUB (Pledged $700-$900 Annually) Benson Automotive Group Lee Allen Johnson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Kia Roger Bacon Mossy of Picayune, Nissan of Picayune Rudy Dossett Jr. Dossett Big 4 Bill Russell Bill Russell Ford Lincoln Mike Tierney Acura of Jackson Michael Van Veckhoven New South Ford, Nissan of Meridian 2025 Difference Makers 24
SENATE CLUB (Pledged $500-$699 Annually) Dwayne Blackmon Dwayne Blackmon Chevrolet Lee Carney Express Terry Danny Dossett Dossett GMC Cadillac Rick Foley Turan Foley Chevrolet Cadillac Buick Jimmy Gray Jimmy Gray Chevrolet Kim Hobbs Kim’s Toyota Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Tom Hudson Fowler Buick GMC Nat Keating Toyota of Jackson Paxton King Stan King GM Superstore Bo Mandal Mandal Automotive Group Jeff Smith Crossroads Chevrolet GMC Robert Weinmann Champion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram HOUSE CLUB (Pledged $200-$499 Annually) Michael Beebe Rainbow Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram McComb Tab Bennett Davis Ford Sales Jeb Blackburn Blackburn Nissan, Blackburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Adam Bowen Legacy GMC Laurel Collins Michael Burroughs Burrough’s Diesel James Ceranti James Ceranti Nissan, James Ceranti Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Larry Clark Larry Clark Chevrolet GMC Donny Crowe Carl Hogan Honda Miles Culbertson Astro Ford of MS Craig Denny Corinth Auto Group Steve Eaton Eaton Chevrolet GMC Clint Favre Lakeshore of Picayune Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Mike Gregory Triple M Motors Bill Griffis Griffis Motors Mack Grubbs Mack Grubbs Hyundai Andy Harper Paw Paw’s Camper City Bryan Johnson Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Tony Lamoureux Kia of McComb Anthony Legeaux Premier Ford of Waveland Ted Marshall Marshall Ford Company Dean McCrary Dean McCrary Kia of Hattiesburg Garrett McDonald Principle Toyota of Hernando Mitch Mosley Southern Chevrolet Bryan Oakes Oakes Toyota Brett Oubre Natchez Toyota Hal Parker Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Jason Pilger Jason Pilger Hyundai Bobby Regan Star Chevrolet Charles Rigdon Columbus Nissan Prentiss Smith Toyota of Brookhaven Robert Tolbert Tolbert Chevrolet Jimmy Walker Laurel Ford Lincoln Mike West Direct Auto Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Mike Whatley Mike Whatley Honda Keith White Keith White Ford 25
PRESIDENTS CLUB ($5,000 First Year and $2,500 Renewal) Jonathan Allen J. Allen Toyota Beth Bacon Mossy of Picayune Roger Bacon Mossy of Picayune Ryan Brinkmeier Mac Haik Ford Jackson Luke Cannon Cannon Motors of Mississippi Michael Joe Cannon Cannon Motors of Mississippi Tyler Cannon Cannon Motors of Mississippi Jeff Field Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Stephen Franks Franks Chevrolet GMC Cannon Kirk Kirk Auto Company Owen Mossy Gulfport Nissan Jeff Smith Crossroads Chevrolet GMC Jared Waldrop Pine Belt Motors Brad Yarbrough Natchez Ford Lincoln GOLD CLUB ($1,000-$2,500) Dwayne Blackmon Dwayne Blackmon Chevrolet Larry Clark Larry Clark Chevrolet GMC Danny Dossett, Sr. Dossett GMC Cadillac Mack Grubbs Mack Grubbs Hyundai Walt Massey Walt Massey Automotive Phil Moore Phil Moore Buick GMC Doug Wilson Wilson Kia SILVER CLUB ($500-$999) Michael Beebe Rainbow Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Drew DePriest All Star Chevrolet Rudy Dossett, Jr. Dossett Big 4 Clint Favre Lakeshore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Picayune Jimmy Gray Jimmy Gray Chevrolet Paxton King Stan King GM Superstore Stan King Stan King GM Superstore Paul Moak, Jr. Paul Moak Honda Subaru Brian Sellars Waters International Trucks BRONZE CLUB ($250-$500) Jeb Blackburn Blackburn Nissan Bill Griffis Griffis Motors Ted Marshall Marshall Ford Company John Scarbrough Paul Moak Honda Subaru In Appreciation to the 2025 Contributors 26
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