joined the business and is the next generation to carry on the family legacy. “I have been blessed along the way by mentors all around me who went out of their way to support me, coach me, teach me — and when I needed it, correct me,” he said. In 2017, Nelson joined an organization called C12, which shows leaders how to build great businesses for a greater purpose. “My involvement in this organization has played a tremendous role in the impact we are having in the community and in the lives of our employees,” he said. Nelson currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association and participates in the group’s Hometown Heroes Program by hosting an annual event at the dealership honoring local first responders. He’s also proud to contribute to the strategic direction of the association and advocate for dealers statewide. An active member of the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount, Nelson has led the group as president and supports many of the club’s initiatives, including the Sleep in Heavenly Peace program that buys, builds and delivers beds to children in need. He also sponsors Tackle the Tar, a 5K obstacle course race that raises funds for Rotary Club scholarships awarded to local students. Nelson created Davenport Autopark’s Community for Life program to give back to local charities on a regular basis. For every new or pre-owned vehicle sold, a portion of the sale is set aside and donated to a different worthy organization each month. A few that have benefited include Harrison Family YMCA, Christian Fellowship Home of Nash-Edgecomb Counties, Meals on Wheels of Rocky Mount, Down East Partnership for Children and the Salvation Army. An advocate for education and local students, Nelson supports the Nash County Public Schools by providing a car for a year to an outstanding teacher during the annual Educator of the Year Awards program. He’s also a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region. 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 selected one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists received $5,000 for their favorite charities, and the winner received $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally. In its 14th year as exclusive sponsor, Ally also recognized dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 to each nominee’s 501(c)3 charity of choice. Nominees are recognized on www.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.” Nelson was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by T. John Policastro, president of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association. Nelson and his wife, Stella, have a blended family consisting of four children and eight grandchildren. 15
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