2024 TIME DEALER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE J. Blake Murdock is one of a select group of 49 dealer nominees from across the country who was honored at the 107th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feb. 3, 2024. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Murdock was chosen to represent the New Car Dealers of Utah in the national competition — one of only 49 auto dealers nominated for the 55th annual award from more than 16,000 nationwide. “The most rewarding aspect of my automotive career is the people I’ve worked with over the years, and in my situation, that also means family members,” nominee Murdock said. “The relationships I have developed with customers, employees and communities are priceless.” Murdock’s first job in the industry was as a lot attendant at his grandfather’s dealership, Olsen Chevrolet, in Layton, Utah, in 1967. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and his focus was squarely on joining his father, Kent, to carve out a career in the retail auto business. “It was important to me to learn as much as possible about this industry,” he said. “I took classes, attended conferences and participated in industry organizations, knowing that I wanted to leave a legacy for my children like my father did for me.” In 1982, he partnered with his father and brother, K.O., in a Chevrolet store in Bountiful, Utah. From there, they acquired more dealerships and founded the Murdock Auto Team, which now encompasses multiple stores in northern Utah, representing brands Cadillac, Chevrolet, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai and Volkswagen. Murdock served as CEO of the group until September 2020, when he sold the business to his two oldest sons and his nephew and purchased his current Ford store with his youngest son, Dain. “I have worked in the automotive industry my entire life,” he said. “A solid work ethic, good communication skills and a clearly defined set of corporate values have made it possible for me to hire and inspire great employees. I never ask them to do more than I am willing to do myself.” J. Blake 12 UTAH AUTO DEALER
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==