The Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) celebrated another evening of recognition and legacy last week as industry leaders, elected officials, and distinguished guests gathered to honor the 2026 class of the FADA Hall of Fame.
Held as part of the Association’s continuing tradition of celebrating excellence in Florida’s automotive industry, the event recognized eight dealer leaders whose vision, innovation, and dedication have left a lasting impact not only on the industry itself but also on communities throughout the state.
This year’s inductees include Tom Bush Jr., Frank DeLuca, Lawrence Dimmitt III, William Lehman, Scott Fink, Roger and Judi Holler, Irving Matthews, and Michael Maroone. Together, they join a distinguished and growing legacy of automotive leaders whose influence has helped shape Florida’s economic and civic landscape.
Established in 2023, the FADA Hall of Fame was created to recognize Florida dealers whose contributions extend beyond the showroom floor. While professional achievement and industry leadership remain central to the honor, the Hall of Fame also celebrates philanthropy, civic leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to strengthening the communities dealers serve.
In just a few short years, the Hall of Fame has become one of the industry’s most prestigious honors in Florida, recognizing individuals whose careers reflect not only business success but also integrity, generosity, and enduring leadership. The 2026 inductees now join 25 previous honorees recognized in 2023 and 2024 — a group of pioneers and visionaries whose influence continues to guide the future of automotive retail in Florida.
The automotive industry remains one of Florida’s most powerful economic drivers, contributing more than $100 billion annually to the state economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state. Yet the Hall of Fame serves as a reminder that the industry’s impact cannot be measured solely in economic terms. Across the state, Florida dealers are known not only as business leaders, but as champions of education, health care, youth programs, charitable causes, and civic engagement.
That spirit of service has long defined the culture of Florida’s dealer community and remains central to FADA’s mission.
As the evening celebrated achievement, it also honored legacy — recognizing the leaders whose dedication helped build one of the nation’s strongest automotive industries and whose example will inspire future generations of Florida dealers for years to come.
Our 2026 Class of Inductees joined 25 other esteemed Hall of Fame Dealers. The 2023 Inaugural class included: Anthony Abraham, Claude Nolan, Dwayne Hawkins, J. Saxton Lloyd, Michael Meagher, Rick Case, Sam Galloway Jr., Robert McElheny, W. Theo Proctor Sr., Walter McRae Sr., George Nahas, Glenn Ritchey, James Ferman Jr., and Mario Murgado. The 2024 Class of Inductees included: Norman Braman, Hal Lynch Jr., Randy Parks, Vivian Reeves, Ted Serbousek, Preston Hood, Rudy Kraft, Ed Morse, Phil Smith and George Williamson.
