2025 TDOY Nominee
Roger Smart Jr.
Dealer Principal at Smart Chevrolet Company
White Hall, Arkansas
“Our dealerships have been and always will be a mainstay in the communities in which we are located. Through a multitude of efforts, we have contributed to the well-being of the people we serve. No matter how much our business evolves, we will stay true to that principle.”
Roger Smart 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. Smart was chosen to represent the Arkansas 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.
“We pride ourselves on making a personal connection with each of our customers and continuing that bond throughout their car-buying and ownership experience,” nominee Smart said. “By forming strong relationships, we maintain loyal customers not only for a lifetime but also across generations.”
Those generations of customers extend back to 1906 when Smart’s great-great-grandfather, Felix G Smart, founded the F.G. Smart Company and began selling cars in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Smart, earned B.S.B.A. degrees in both accounting and finance at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 2002 and 2003. Smart is also the fifth generation to join the family enterprise. He started in 2004 and worked in all departments of the dealership before he was named dealer principal of the Chevrolet and Cadillac franchises in 2008. He also attended the NADA Academy to prepare for his future leadership role.
Smart has greatly expanded the company’s footprint by acquiring dealerships and overseeing the building of new facilities. Today, the Smart Auto Group encompasses dealerships in White Hall, Pine Bluff, and Malvern, Arkansas. The Smart Auto Group dealerships represent brands like Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, and Ram.
“In my career, I’ve been very fortunate to work with three of the five generations of Smarts,” he said. “The wealth of experience that I’ve had access to has positioned both the dealership group and me for success. To this day, when weighing important decisions, we often find ourselves asking what my grandfather would do.”
Having a historic connection to the automobile industry in his state and a deep understanding of the issues that dealers face, led Smart to be named chair of the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association in 2024. This is also where Smart had previously served in leadership positions. Interestingly, his great-grandfather was the association’s first president in 1932.
Smart also contributes to the communities that have supported his family for more than a century. He is a member of Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, White Hall Chamber of Commerce, and the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce.
The Smart Auto Group gives back by sponsoring numerous events locally, including the Miracle Ball and Festival of Stars Toy and Donation Drive for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Chili Fights in the Heights to support the Arkansas Foodbank, and Jefferson County Kids Fest, and more.
He also supports Go Forward Pine Bluff, a group that is dedicated to economic development and improving the quality of life in the city where his family’s first dealership was founded many years ago.
“Our dealerships have been and always will be a mainstay in the communities in which we are located,” Smart said. “Through a multitude of efforts, we have contributed to the well-being of the people we serve. No matter how much our business evolves, we will stay true to that principle.”
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.”
Smart was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Greg Kirkpatrick, president of the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association. Smart and his wife, Sarah, have two children.
