2025 TDOY Nominee

Shawn Ball 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. Ball was chosen to represent the West Virginia 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 am proud to say that I am a true product of the American dream, having turned adversity into opportunity and achieving success through determination and perseverance,” nominee Ball said.

That dream began when he was a teenager working in a used car lot alongside his father in a small coal mining town in southern West Virginia. Ball eventually earned a degree in business administration from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1995, and developed his passion for the auto industry.

“For nearly eight years, I immersed myself in the business, learning as much as I could about every aspect,” he said. “I believed that one day, I would take over the family car lot. However, life had other plans.”

Ball’s father was diagnosed with cancer in 1993 and despite his determination to beat the disease, he passed away in 1995. His family was forced to close the business at that time.

“Two weeks before my father passed away, he expressed his concern about my future,” he said. “I remember telling him that I wanted to stay in the car business and eventually own my own new car dealership. He was skeptical but I assured him not to worry. Little did he know that that conversation would become the driving force behind everything I accomplished in my career.”

Ball went on to work for another car dealership and later moved to an auto wholesaler. He believes that these two jobs laid the groundwork for his success. By 2000, he secured a position in a Chevrolet store selling new cars and later became general manager of a Dodge dealership.

In 2002, he bought into the Toyota store in Beckley and became the sole owner 10 years later. He has since acquired Advantage Toyota in Barboursville, West Virginia with his brother, and also added Ball Toyota of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia, to his portfolio. He is also a multiple recipient of the prestigious Toyota President’s Award, given to dealerships that excel in all aspects of their operations.

“Our acquisitions and successes have allowed me to build a strong presence in the industry and achieve goals I once only dreamed of reaching,” he said. “Looking back, I realize that even though my father passed away seven years before I purchased my first dealership, he unknowingly inspired me every step of the way.”

A passionate advocate for the retail automotive industry in his state, Ball is proud of his work for the West Virginia Automobile Dealers Association’s political action committee over the last five years.

“As a voice for our dealer community in West Virginia, I assist in the recruitment, education, and the raising of funds for pro-business candidates and make it a priority to meet with legislators to support critical issues not just related to my profession but to the future success of my beloved state,” he said. “I’ve fought tirelessly for pro-growth initiatives so the citizens of the local communities I serve have a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

In the area of community service, Ball is a dedicated supporter of the United Way of Central West Virginia and the United Way of Southern West Virginia. He’s a major contributor and sponsor of United Way signature events.

“To date, I've donated more than $5 million,” he said. “These contributions support important initiatives in education, healthcare, and financial stability through partnerships with nonprofit programs in thirteen West Virginia counties.”

Working with the United Way and the Communities In Schools initiative of the West Virginia Department of Education, Ball launched a “virtual pantry” program in 2021. The program provides direct financial support to school children in need.

“This program allows teachers to address students' immediate needs without excessive bureaucracy or unnecessary stockpiling,” he said. “Funds are given directly to schools, enabling them to purchase essential supplies and meet local needs more effectively. I’ve donated more than $4.1 million, impacting nearly 250 schools and benefiting approximately 100,000 students.”

Ball is proud that he has created a culture of giving at his dealerships, accommodating employees who want to donate time to organizations that are important to them. His three children have also contributed by volunteering for United Way activities.

“My passion for children has driven me to seek impactful ways to support them,” he said. “Whether it’s providing scholarships, buying beds for kids in need, or supplying necessities to address food insecurity, our donations have raised awareness and made a difference.”

Ball added, “And watching my own children carry on that legacy of service is also greatly rewarding.”

On October 11, 2024, Governor Justice awarded Ball with the highest honor a citizen of West Virginia can receive, the “Distinguished West Virginian” award.

“When people step up and they get really active in our communities, they become heroes in my book. This man is a hero in my book,” said Governor Justice of Ball’s efforts.” Ball added, “I don’t like to give notoriety to myself or my businesses or my family for these things. We contribute to our local communities to help with the many struggles that exist for West Virginia families. That’s it. That’s the only reason I do this.”

Ball was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Jared Wyrick, president of the West Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. Ball and his wife, Angela, have three children.