NIADA Photo
Darla Booher of Greer accepts the National Quality Dealer Award from (left to right) Cox Automotive’s Kevin Filan, NADA Used Car Guide’s Mike Stanton and NIADA executive vice president Steve Jordan at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Special to GreerToday.com
Darla Booher, president of Deal Depot in Greer, has been selected the 2015 National Quality Dealer of the Year by the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association.
Booher is the second woman to win the coveted award, joining 2002 recipient Wanda Lewark.
Booher was chosen from the 20 nominations for the highest honor given among NIADA's dealer members. The award was presented at this year’s Convention and Expo in Las Vegas.
"Over the years, Darla Booher has earned an exceptional reputation not only with her customers and staff, but throughout her community and within our industry," NIADA executive vice president Steve Jordan, said. "Giving back to her community has always been a team effort for her and her staff.
"Her rise from a single mother to a successful businesswoman has been built on hard work, trust and integrity. As she tells her customers, 'I wouldn't sell you a car that I wouldn't put my grandchildren in.' "
Booher built her business from zero – or very close to it. After years working for others in the car business, she set out on her own, using her savings, credit cards and a personal loan to open a dealership in Greer. When it opened in 2001, Booher had one employee and 12 cars.
Now Deal Depot, a thriving buy here-pay here dealership, has an additional location in Spartanburg, a related finance company, a towing and recovery company, an inventory of more than 100 vehicles and a staff of 18.
Booher is the association's South Carolina vice president.
Her charitable efforts and community involvement in Greer include the Sertoma Club, supporting a disadvantaged children’s camp, Miracle Hill Ministries Shelter, Greer Relief, Greer Community Ministries among others.
"There were times when the generosity of others was the only way my family made it through hard times," Booher said. "During those times I vowed that one day I would pay it back by paying it forward, and it has been my pleasure to do so."
NIADA National Quality Dealer candidates are judged on a variety of factors, including contributions to the automotive industry and community involvement. A panel of judges from Northwood University selects the annual winner.