2025 TDOY Nominee
John Deery Jr.
President of John Deery Motors
Cedar Falls, Iowa
“The greatest strength of our dealerships is our employees. They set the highest standard of customer service and their dedication to our business has contributed greatly to our continued success.”
John Deery Jr. is one of a select group of 49 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 108th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 25, 2025.
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. Deery was chosen to represent the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition — one of only 49 auto dealers nominated for the 56th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide.
“The greatest strength of our dealerships is our employees,” nominee Deery said. “They set the highest standard of customer service and their dedication to our business has contributed greatly to our continued success.”
Deery, a 1973 graduate of Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, started selling cars at his father’s Buick dealership while still in school. After graduation, he managed John Deery Used Cars in Waterloo, Iowa, before returning to new car sales when his father acquired an Oldsmobile store.
Deery quickly moved up the ladder and was named sales manager, general manager, and in 1977, he took over as vice president of John Deery Motors with an ownership equity. By 1980, he purchased the rest of the dealership and has been the president and active owner ever since.
“My father taught me a great deal about the automotive industry,” he said of John G. Deery Sr., who passed away in 2018. “Working with him, my brother, and my cousin, has afforded me the opportunity to learn what it takes to run a successful business.”
Today, he is partners with his brother, Dan, and cousin, Brad, in eight dealerships in Iowa, representing brands BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Nissan, and Ram. His son, John J. Deery, is the next generation to join the family enterprise.
Deery has been a member of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association and NADA for 49 years. He is proud to be a founding member of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation for Education, which awards scholarships to students pursuing a degree in automotive technology and other fields in the industry.
“I have seen firsthand how the foundation has helped fill staffing needs by encouraging students to enter our industry as technicians, salespeople, business managers, and accountants,” he said. “I have also supported our state and national associations in their quest to advocate for dealers and address issues facing our business.”
Deery follows the example set by his father and has made giving back to his local community in the Cedar Valley a priority. Whether it’s a scholarship fund, a new roof for the church, or renovations to the YMCA, Deery and his family are ready to lend a hand.
“There are plenty of people in our community that cannot afford schooling, clothing, food, healthcare, and recreational activities, and I am just glad that I can contribute to organizations that provide essential services,” he said.
Some of the organizations he supports include the Cedar Falls Community School District, Waterloo School District, Family YMCA of Black Hawk County, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Cedar Valley Hospice, University of Northern Iowa, St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Salvation Army, and Society of St. Vincent de Paul, to name a few.
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.”
Deery was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Bruce Anderson, president of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association. Deery and his wife, Jodi, have two children.
