2025 TDOY Nominee

Alan Gamblin is one of a select group of 49 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 108^th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show.

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. Gamblin was chosen to represent the Washington State Auto Dealers Association in the national competition — one of only 49 auto dealers nominated for the 56^th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide.

“Serving a small rural community for 55 years, we know our reputation is our greatest asset,” nominee Gamblin said. “Treating customers with integrity and fairness and providing stable jobs for our dedicated employees has been greatly rewarding and is the cornerstone of our success.”

A 1974 graduate of Enumclaw High School in Enumclaw, Gamblin spent two years in southern Chile on a mission for his church and attended college for two years before joining the family dealership full-time. Art Gamblin Motors, founded by his father, has been serving the Enumclaw community since 1969.

“I started washing cars, sweeping floors, and cleaning toilets at the store when I was 12 years old,” he said. “By the age of 14, I was selling vehicles to my high school friends.”

Gamblin quickly rose through the organization and was named sales manager and general manager, and in 1985, he purchased 50 percent of the dealership. He oversaw the building of a brand-new dealership and by 1992, he was sole owner and dealer principal.

“My father was a great mentor to me,” he said. “His amazing people skills and dedication to his family and employees continue to inspire me today.”

Gamblin also credits his NADA 20 Group with providing invaluable insights and guidance throughout his career. His sons, Andrew and Tyson (who is currently a partner), are the next generation to carry on his family’s legacy. They have both graduated from the NADA Academy in preparation for leadership roles within the dealership.

“I started my career in an old building built in 1939, where the car lots were gravel,” he said. “Today we have two showroom locations and triple the number of employees.”

Gamblin is an active member of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association and has served on the board and as board president. He has also been a member of the Northwest Chevy Dealers association for more than 39 years.

“During my term as president of our state association, we worked with legislators to pass an enhanced state franchise law protecting dealers and consumers from manufacturer overreach and ensuring fair compensation for warranty work performed,” he said.

With such deep ties to the community of Enumclaw, Gamblin supports many local athletic teams, rodeos, and equestrian events. He currently serves on the board of trustees for the Ranier Foothills Wellness Foundation, a group that provides healthcare access via van, vulnerable citizens through the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors program and mental health services for students.

“The foundation was created to fill gaps in local wellness needs and has changed the lives of so many people,” he said. “Our dealership always volunteers to provide meals for those experiencing homelessness and those in need.”

Another program that is close to his heart is Beautify Enumclaw, an annual event founded by Gamblin and his wife, Jeri, that brings together the community in September to commemorate the National Day of Service.

“We gather 200 to 300 volunteers, feed them breakfast, and send them out to tackle projects like cleaning up parks and local schools,” he said. “We also reach out to church groups and high school students to teach the next generation about the joys of volunteering.”

In honor of his father who passed away in 2002, Gamblin established the Art Gamblin Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to two Enumclaw High School seniors who excel in academics, leadership, and athletics.

A lay minister for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gamblin serves seven different congregations and volunteers an average of 20 hours a week to his calling.

“I know that religion can strengthen individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole and create positive social outcomes,” he said.

Gamblin was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Vicki Giles Fabré, executive vice president of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association. Gamblin and his wife, Jeri, have five children.