Time Magazine Dealer of the Year

Melanie Funkhouser Awarded WANADA’s TIME Dealer of Year

WANADA congratulates Melanie Funkhouser, President and CEO of Fair Oaks Motors, Inc., on her nomination for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Award—one of the most prestigious honors in the retail automotive industry.

Funkhouser is among just 47 dealers nationwide selected for this year’s recognition, which celebrates excellence in business performance and deep-rooted commitment to community service. She will represent the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region at the 109th annual NADA Show in Las Vegas on February 5, 2026.

A second-generation dealer, Funkhouser began her career outside the family business as a cashier and service advisor before joining Fair Oaks Motors in 1999. Over the next two decades, she held nearly every leadership role in the store—helping implement its first website, CRM, and internet sales operation—before becoming President & CEO. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont and a two-time NADA Academy graduate (2001, 2021).

“I didn’t grow up assuming I’d work in the car business,” Funkhouser said. “But my father’s example taught me that our business is about people first, processes second, and profits will follow.”

Under Funkhouser’s leadership, Fair Oaks Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has continually reinvested in its people, facilities, and customer experience. The dealership recently completed a full renovation featuring expanded service capacity, upgraded customer areas, and EV-ready infrastructure with eight charging stations.

Her team’s commitment to excellence has earned numerous distinctions, including the Stellantis Customer First Award for Excellence (2022–2025), Carfax Top Dealer (2020–2024), and DealerRater’s Virginia Dealer of the Year (2022).

Funkhouser’s leadership extends well beyond the showroom. She served on the WANADA Board of Directors (2013–2021) and the NADA Dealer Operations Committee (2022–2023), and continues to champion dealer education and workforce development. She is an active supporter of The Washington, D.C. Auto Show and a vocal advocate for the franchise system and for practical, compliance-focused training across dealership operations.

Her people-first philosophy was especially evident during the pandemic. Rather than furlough staff, she kept her entire team employed—splitting them into two alternating teams to ensure safety and business continuity. “That choice built lasting trust and allowed us to rebound quickly with a full, motivated team,” Funkhouser said.

Fair Oaks Motors’ culture is guided by a written Vision Document and core values—Integrity, Respect, Care, Initiative, and Work Ethic—reinforced through regular coaching and financial wellness programs for all employees. This approach has contributed to record operational results and high retention.

“Our most important change has been building a stronger culture rooted in clear values,” Funkhouser said. “When people are supported and trained, performance follows.”

Funkhouser’s nomination carries special meaning this year, following the recent passing of her father, who founded the dealership. “I accepted the nomination for him,” she said. “This honor underscores the shared responsibility we have to one another and the values he instilled in me.”

The TIME Dealer of the Year Award, sponsored by Ally in partnership with TIME, recognizes dealers who demonstrate exceptional performance in both business and community engagement. Each nominee will receive a $1,000 donation from Ally to the charity of their choice, and finalists will receive additional contributions to local causes.

Melanie and her husband, Cory, have two children, Roman and Quentin. WANADA congratulates Melanie on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her continued leadership and service to the dealer community.