2025 TDOY Nominee

Robert Hager 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. Hager was chosen to represent the Washington Area New 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.

“I recognized early on how important our dedicated employees are to the success and growth of our business,” nominee Hager said. “We concentrate on employee retention and promote from within whenever possible. Watching team members become leaders and share their commitment to our company has greatly inspired me.”

Hager spent three years at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, before taking a summer job in 1981 at a car dealership, a move that would take him on a different course. He decided to leave school for good, much to the disappointment of his parents, and pursue a profession in the retail automotive industry.

“I fell in love with the business and saw tremendous career potential,” he said.

For the next five years, Hager worked in sales, finance, and sales management at two different dealerships before rising to general manager. He joined Ourisman Automotive of Virginia in1986 and has carved out a successful career there ever since.

“I was fortunate to partner with people who recognized my passion for all aspects of the industry and my skills as a leader,” he said of the team at Ourisman Automotive, a company that has been selling cars in the Washington, D.C. area since 1921.

Hager was soon named general manager of a new Suzuki franchise, and following the success of that store, was transferred to manage a Toyota acquisition. There, he hired the entire staff, oversaw the construction of a new facility, and grew the dealership into the company’s flagship store.

“Shortly after, I was elevated to my current role of COO where I provide guidance and leadership for all seven Ourisman Automotive stores, while maintaining my office at Chantilly Toyota,” he said. “I am proud that all seven general managers started in sales in our company, with most working with us for more than 30 years.”

The auto group currently operates Virginia dealerships in Chantilly, Alexandria, and Fairfax. These dealerships represent brands like: Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Ram, and Toyota.

Hager is a longtime member and supporter of the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association and has served as treasurer since 2017. He has been involved in several of the group’s initiatives, including the Washington, D.C. Auto Show, Automobile Dealer Education Institute, and the NextGen program.

“I recognize the value that the trade association brings to both dealers and consumers with respect to protecting rights, advocating for the industry, providing due diligence on services and products, and speaking with one unified voice to the political establishment and the media,” he said.

He also leads in supporting the communities his dealerships serve.

“We are happy to have the opportunity to contribute more than $1 million to elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and the technical program at community colleges, among other civic and charitable organizations,” he said. “Last year alone we donated to 75 different programs.”

One example is New Hope Housing, an organization that provides services to single adults and families experiencing homelessness in northern Virginia. Hager’s team gets involved in the group’s annual Over the Edge event, where participants rappel down the side of a 14-story hotel to raise funds and awareness.

Another program that Hager champions is Inova Life with Cancer, which educates and supports individuals impacted by cancer, including patients and families, free of charge.

“This organization is very dear to my heart as after years of supporting the program, we utilized its services when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer,” he said. “I found myself taking our 8-year-old daughter for eight hours of age-appropriate counseling which helped her better understand what was happening to her mom.”

He also sponsors the Erin Peterson Fund, created in honor of an outstanding local high school student who was killed during the horrific shooting at Virginia Tech in 2007. The nonprofit helps students at Westfield High School and Stone Middle School in Fairfax County accomplish their goals through education.

“We are proud to be one of the very first sponsors of the fund and have given annually since its inception,” he said. “The nonprofit supports student groups that enrich and empower young people, as well as stocks school pantries with food and supplies and offers new coats for students in need.”

Hager was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by John P. O'Donnell, president and CEO of the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association. Hager and his wife April, have four children.