5 in Richmond, Virginia in 1988 and after a brief stint in the golf industry, Lindsay joined the family enterprise full-time in 1989. “I started my automotive career as a ‘lot boy’ in the summer of 1985 while in college,” he remembered. “I worked hard, hustled, and earned the respect of the sales force, who were obviously watching me closely. I bonded with them and returned the next summer.” Lindsay’s first full-time position was as assistant to the used-car manager of the Cadillac dealership. “I loved every part of it from day one,” he said. “Buying and selling used cars became my passion, and the auctions became my second home. I carried my wallet in one back pocket and a Black Book in the other.” When he and his father set out to expand the dealership concern beyond Alexandria, they purchased a Chevrolet store in Woodbridge in 1998, and Lindsay became the dealer principal at age 33. “I was young and nervous but determined to succeed,” he said. “Our location outside of Washington, D.C. and between two military bases provided an opportunity to flourish. And today, we are the top-selling Chevrolet dealer in Virginia.” Currently, he runs the operation with his two brothers, Chip and Mike. The Lindsay Automotive Group encompasses dealerships in Virginia and Maryland, representing brands Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Lexus, Ram, Volkswagen, and Volvo, as well as a Harley-Davidson store. “I am unbelievably fortunate to be a third-generation automobile dealer,” Lindsay said. “My father and grandfather worked incredibly hard to establish the Lindsay name as one you can trust and one that will honor every aspect of your automotive experience. They did this through countless hours of civic volunteer work and charitable giving to establish Lindsay Automotive as a brand of integrity and confidence.” And Lindsay continues that legacy through his volunteer and philanthropic efforts. He has served the Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation, Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association, the Basilica School of St. Mary (Alexandria), Catholic Charities USA, and Knights of Columbus. He has a deep appreciation for all Alexandria charities, especially the Child and Family Network Center and the Alexandria Scholarship Fund. “Our company has always focused our giving on the communities where our employees live and work,” Lindsay said. “Our top priority is children. To date, we have donated more than $5 million to schools, associations, nonprofits, and other groups. Our contributions have supported those at-risk, people with special needs, sports programs, extracurricular activities, medical needs, playground refurbishment, people facing food insecurity, and more.” 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. The three finalists received an additional $5,000 for their favorite charities. The winner, Bob Giles of Giles Automotive in Lafayette, La., received an additional $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally. In its 11th year as exclusive sponsor, Ally also recognized dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 continued on page 6
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