NCADA

2009 TMQDA Award Nominee

Don Price

Lafayette Ford, Inc., Fayetteville

Don Price, President of Lafayette Ford, Inc. in Fayetteville, has been chosen as NCADA’s nominee for the prestigious 2009 Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award (TMQDA).  Price has worked at Lafayette Ford for 43 years, becoming its president in 1989.

Time Magazine’s Dealer of the Year award has been called the most prestigious award a new-car dealer can receive.  The honor recognizes those individuals whose performance, leadership and community service reflect the high standards of dealers nationwide.

Price’s automotive career began in 1967 when he was hired as a sales representative at Lafayette Ford following his service as an airman in the United States Air Force.  Price was quickly promoted to Used Car Manager and then later General Sales Manager of Lafayette Ford.  In 1989 Price became Owner/President of Lafayette Ford, where he continues to serve today, alongside his son and son-in-law.

Price is a successful businessman who has grown the net worth of the dealership to 18.3 million.  The dealership has been profitable every year since 1989.  Ford Motor Company recognized Price in 2006 and 2008 during its “Salute to Dealers” program.  Price has served on the Ford National Dealer Council and received a number of factory awards including Blue Oval Certification, Credit Partners in Quality, Golden Shovel Award, Premier Club and Top 50 for Atlanta Region, just to name a few.

Price is active in his community, serving with the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club, Eastover Civic Club and Salem United Methodist Church.  He has served on the Special Activities Committee for Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base and currently serves on the Military Affairs Council.  Price was selected “Business Person of the Year” in 2004 and “Distinguished Citizen” in 2008. 

Price has also been an active member of NCADA, participating on several committees including the Legislative Committee where he currently serves.  He is a faithful contributor to the NC AutoPAC and DEAC.  In addition, Price has served as president and vice president of the Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association

Price credits his wife and high school sweetheart Karen for her support, especially when the work days were long and bumpy.  “This career has given me the opportunity to prove that hard work and sacrifice, along with an understanding wife, will make a difference in your life,” shares Price.

Congratulations Don!