healthy. A refreshed referral program rewards introductions and recognizes salespeople who convert service guests. “Right people, right mix, right follow-up — that’s how we compound trust and results,” Kellum said. Customer care at Don Williamson Nissan is personal. When a new Frontier experienced unusual issues days after delivery, Kellum replaced the vehicle immediately — at the dealership’s expense — rather than asking the customer to wait for corporate approvals. The family has since purchased and serviced multiple vehicles and introduced Kellum to causes such as the Alzheimer’s Association. “Where others see a transaction, we see a relationship,” she said. “Doing the right thing pays long-term dividends for customers and for our culture.” Deeply embedded in Onslow County, Kellum and her team sponsor and serve across family and youth initiatives: Zing Zumm Children’s Museum (lead sponsor of early fundraising; $35,000+ contributed), “Dancing with the Stars” for the Onslow Women’s Center, One Place Onslow’s Diamonds & Denim, youth sports and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (“Game Changers”) in local schools. The dealership’s annual Trunk or Treat combines a safe family event with a canned goods drive for the local soup kitchen, and Hometown Heroes events honor first responders. “Nearly 30 years after my father served as NCADA chair — and 26 years after he was North Carolina’s first national TIME/Ally Dealer of the Year winner — I’m humbled to carry that legacy forward,” Kellum added. “This business lets us serve our team, our guests and our community.” 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.” Kellum was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association. She and her husband, Steven, have six children: Emily (Grace), Meredith, Benjamin, Ryleigh, Porter and Brittany. 15
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