2025 TDOY Nominee

Michael Brown 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 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. Brown was chosen to represent the Greater New York Automobile 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.

“The ability to transform lives through the automotive industry by providing opportunities for growth and stability is unparalleled,” nominee Brown said. “Witnessing personal success stories within my own dealership and their ripple effects on families and customers ignites my passion and solidifies my belief in the profound impact of our work.”

Brown, who earned a B.S. in 1991 and an M.B.A. in 1993 from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts, had a brief career in professional football before returning to his father’s Jaguar-Porsche dealership, Sportique Motors, in Huntington.

“I grew up immersed in the car business, starting with washing cars and running errands at my dad’s store,” he said. “My father’s guidance made it clear that success would come from earning every opportunity through commitment.”

Brown rose from sales to vice president at Sportique Motors, learning all aspects of the business. When the dealership was sold in 2001, he moved to Penske Automotive Group in Connecticut and Rhode Island, where he was appointed regional vice president, and then to Atlantic Automotive Group in West Islip, New York, as a managing partner in 2006.

In 2019, Brown established Empire Automotive Group and today is the President and CEO.

“What began with six dealerships has grown to 18 locations spanning Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, Westchester and New Jersey,” he said.

Keith Drago and Jason Montalvo have worked with Michael Brown for over 20 years. In 2022, Michael appointed them as managing partners, each with 10 percent ownership of two Empire dealerships.

Brown added, “My path to success has been profoundly shaped by my early involvement in sports, which instilled a competitive spirit, drive for success, and perseverance. These traits were further nurtured through my experiences at my father’s dealership, where I learned that dedication and hard work were essential to thrive in the automotive industry.”

And his commitment to mentorship continues to be a cornerstone of his business. Brown invests in training for his employees and many of his managers have attended the NADA Academy.

“Continuous improvement is central to our culture,” he said. “From washing cars at my father’s dealership to leading Empire Automotive Group, my journey reflects a steadfast commitment to the values I was taught. This dedication to excellence and mentorship continues to drive my leadership, setting high standards and inspiring those around me.”

Brown also lends his time and talent to the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, where he is currently a board member and chair of the government relations and public relations committees.

“I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for franchised dealers on key legislative issues, from regulatory compliance to economic relief efforts,” he said. “By collaborating with media and industry partners, I’ve helped elevate the visibility of our association and emphasize the important role that franchised dealers play in both the automotive industry and the broader economy.”

Brown is also a community leader and currently serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and Team Suffolk Swim Club. And he contributes to many charitable initiatives, supports nonprofits, and sponsors local events.

“Since the opening of our dealerships in 2019, we have donated more than $500,000 annually to charities in our area,” he said. Organizations that have received funds include Family Service League, Island Harvest, Huntington Hospital, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.

During the holidays, Brown dresses as Santa to distribute gift cards at area hospitals, and he has participated in coat drives for children in need.

“Empire Automotive Group is renowned for its deep-rooted commitment to charitable causes, extending far beyond monetary donations,” he said. “Our reputation is built not just on financial contributions, but on active, hands-on support for events, sponsors, and the beneficiaries of our giving.”

Brown was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association. Brown and his wife, Jillian, live in Northport, Long Island and he has three children from a prior marriage.