Arkansas retailer wins TIME dealer award

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 13—Volunteerism and making his community “a better place to live” are what drive Scott Wood, who was named the 2010 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year during the opening session of NADA’s annual convention on Feb. 13.

Wood, of Stanley Wood Chevrolet /Pontiac Co. and Scott Wood Chevrolet/Dodge/Jeep in Batesville, Ark., told attendees that his love for his community and a passion to improve the local economy have always motivated him to give back.

Wood started in automobile retailing “with a broom, a shovel and a wheelbarrow,” as a lackey in the dealership—or what would be known today as a “permanent lot orderly”—and progressed through the dealership ranks. “I swept up,” he said. “And that’s how it started.”

Wood said the honor is more than he could have ever expected: “We need more positives in our industry, and for me, this is going to be a highlight. This is far and away the highest award I thought I would ever garner.”

Wood is a third-generation dealer, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Stanley Wood, and his father, W. Stanley Wood. Scott graduated from Batesville (Ark.) High School in 1968 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1972.

Wood's dedication to his community touches nearly every aspect of life. The list of groups he supports is extensive and includes the Batesville Kiwanis Club, the Boy Scouts, Lyon College (then Arkansas College), East Elementary School, Central Elementary School, Batesville Community Theatre, Batesville Area Arts Council, Friends of the Pioneers (Batesville School District Athletics), White River Health Systems and the First Baptist Church, where he has been active as a mentor, teacher and fundraiser.

Click here for TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year details.

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