TIME AND ALLY FINANCIAL HONOR CALIFORNIA DEALER FOR 2027
John Patterson, Patterson Autos and Tustin Mazda, Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments
SACRAMENTO, CA, October 15, 2026 – The California New Car Dealers Association and TIME are pleased to announce California’s nomination of John Patterson, president of Patterson Autos and dealer principal of Tustin Mazda in Tustin, California, for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award.
Patterson is one of a select group of 48 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 110th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Orlando, FL on February 19, 2027.
The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Patterson was chosen to represent the California New Car Dealers Association in the national competition – one of only 48 auto dealers nominated for the 58th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide.
“This nomination is a reflection of the extraordinary people who have supported me throughout my career,” Patterson said. “My faith, family, mentors and team members have shaped the leader I am today. Success has never been an individual effort, and I am deeply honored to represent our employees, customers and community.”
Patterson earned degrees in economics and political science from the University of California, San Diego, in 1989 and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, in 1993.
He began his automotive career with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. in 1991 as an auditor. Toyota supported Patterson’s graduate education and later gave him the opportunity to move into field operations. During his decade with the company, he served in district parts, service, finance, insurance and sales positions across the Pacific Northwest, New England, Northeast and Rocky Mountain regions.
Patterson later advanced into regional leadership roles in customer relations, vehicle distribution, service, parts and sales. From 2001 to 2003, he held regional sales and executive management positions with DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi before becoming a dealer at the end of 2003.
“Working across different departments and markets gave me an unusually broad education in the automotive business,” Patterson said. “Every role, market, employee, dealer and customer taught me something different. The greatest lesson from that journey is that there is always more to learn, and that lesson continues to shape how I lead today.”
In 2004, Patterson acquired Heritage Mazda, which became Tustin Mazda the following year. He later expanded Patterson Autos with Huntington Beach Mazda in 2007, Tustin Hyundai in 2010, Mission Viejo Kia in 2021 and Tustin Kia in 2025.
Patterson is the sole owner of the dealerships and remains actively involved in guiding the organization’s growth, culture and community engagement.
“My approach to leadership begins with faith and service,” Patterson said. “I view the business as an opportunity to serve God, support our employees, care for our customers and strengthen our community. Recognizing that the business is not simply about me makes it easier to lead with humility and keep our purpose at the center of every decision.”
Tustin Mazda has undergone significant improvements during Patterson’s ownership. In 2010, the company invested approximately $1 million to convert a former Lincoln-Mercury facility into Tustin Mazda. In 2018, the existing facility was demolished and completely rebuilt to Mazda Retail Image standards through an investment of approximately $7 million.
The dealership has earned the Mazda President’s Award for 22 consecutive years – every year it has been eligible. Tustin Mazda is the only Mazda dealership in California to accomplish this distinction and one of only two dealerships nationwide to earn the recognition every eligible year.
The President’s Award recognizes Mazda dealerships that rank among the brand’s top performers in sales and customer experience.
“Winning the Mazda President’s Award every eligible year is a tremendous point of pride, but it is not something any individual can accomplish alone,” Patterson said. “It reflects the consistency, care and commitment our team members bring to work every day. Their dedication to our guests and to one another is what makes sustained excellence possible.”
Patterson Autos has also been recognized by the Orange County Register as a Top Workplace for 15 consecutive years. The honor is based on confidential employee feedback and is particularly meaningful to Patterson because of the company’s focus on employee retention and professional development.
While annual turnover in the automotive industry exceeds 40 percent, Patterson Autos consistently maintains turnover below 5 percent. Of the 73 employees at Tustin Mazda, 29 have worked at the dealership for more than a decade.
“We believe taking care of our guests starts with taking care of our people,” Patterson said. “When employees feel valued, supported and able to build a future with the organization, they create stronger relationships with customers and one another. Our retention and workplace recognition tell us that our culture is making a meaningful difference.”
The organization follows the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, encouraging employees to remain curious, support one another and continually raise the standard of performance and customer service.
Patterson credits his son, Connor, who works in automotive advertising outside of Patterson Autos, with encouraging him to remain curious, embrace technology and bring a technically inquisitive perspective to the automotive business.
Over the past 18 months, Patterson Autos has implemented AI-assisted service-call handling to reduce wait times and schedule appointments more efficiently. The company has also expanded its service-loaner fleets and developed technology that uses manufacturer vehicle data to identify service alerts and proactively contact customers.
The organization created an internal retail platform that combines desking, customer relationship management, vehicle appraisal and equity-mining capabilities. In 2025, it also transformed an existing body shop into a new Kia dealership in the Tustin Auto Center, expanding its sales and service capacity while creating additional employee career opportunities.
“Technology should make the automotive experience easier without sacrificing the personal service our customers value,” Patterson said. “We will continue investing in tools that improve convenience and efficiency while giving our employees more time to focus on the people who need their expertise.”
Patterson’s automotive leadership extends throughout Orange County and the industry. He has served on the board of the Tustin Auto Center Dealer Association since 2005 and as its chairman since 2011. He has also served as chairman of the Huntington Beach Auto Dealers Association, known as the Boulevard of Cars, since 2017.
His past leadership positions include president of the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association, chairman of the Orange County Auto Show and a member of the California New Motor Vehicle Board. He has also served on Mazda and Hyundai national dealer councils, including as vice chairman of Hyundai’s National Dealer Association.
Patterson has been an active member of the NADA Mazda 20 Group since 2004 and has served in multiple leadership positions. He currently serves as vice chairman and is scheduled to become chairman in 2027.
“Dealer associations give us the opportunity to work together on challenges that extend beyond any individual dealership,” Patterson said. “Whether we are advocating for responsible policies, strengthening our local communities or sharing best practices, our collective voice can create lasting benefits for dealers, employees and customers.”
As a leader of the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association, Patterson helped guide the organization during a period of increased growth and visibility. The Orange County Auto Show achieved a 23-percent increase in attendance during his leadership.
Through the Huntington Beach Boulevard of Cars, Patterson also helped establish a reader board along Interstate 405 that generates both dealership revenue and funding for charitable organizations serving the Huntington Beach community.
Patterson’s automotive honors include Mazda’s 2024 Civic Responsibility Recognition, which honored him as one of five dealers nationwide – and the only recipient from the Western United States – for outstanding community leadership.
Tustin Hyundai received Hyundai Dealer of the Year honors in 2024, 2025 and 2026, while Mission Viejo Kia earned Kia Dealer of the Year and President’s Award recognition in 2025 and 2026. Patterson Autos has also been named one of Orange County’s top three places to buy a car by the Orange County Register.
Community service is one of Patterson Autos’ four core values, alongside engaged team members, loyal customers and making long-term decisions daily. The organization contributes more than $200,000 annually to charitable causes, with major initiatives typically receiving between $30,000 and $50,000.
Its charitable partners include Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, Autism Speaks, Orange County Rescue Mission, Ronald McDonald House Orange County, HomeAid and Deed & Truth. Employees participate in quarterly volunteer and fundraising initiatives supporting mental health, housing, education and families in need.
“Community service is not separate from our business; it is embedded in how we operate,” Patterson said. “A portion of every vehicle we sell and service helps support local charitable organizations. That creates a dependable source of assistance and allows our community partners to focus on changing lives.”
Patterson has been involved with the Orange County Rescue Mission for more than 15 years and has served on its board since 2025. The organization helps individuals and families move from homelessness toward employment, stable housing and self-sufficiency.
Patterson Autos also organizes annual Christmas in July and holiday campaigns to collect clothing, diapers and other necessities for the Orange County Rescue Mission. Employees are encouraged to participate personally by volunteering and providing supplies.
The organization’s support of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services includes approximately $40,000 in annual funding, awareness efforts and access to mental-health resources for employees and their families. Patterson’s involvement also helped bring greater attention to the organization and contributed to additional support, including two $500,000 grants from an Orange County public-health agency.
“Our partnership with Didi Hirsch demonstrates how one organization’s involvement can create a much larger impact,” Patterson said. “Mental-health challenges continue to affect young people and families throughout our community, and we are committed to supporting services that give people hope, care and a path forward.”
Patterson Autos employees regularly participate in the CHOC Walk and have raised more than $50,000 for children and families. Through Hyundai Hope On Wheels, the organization also supports pediatric cancer research and care, including a planned contribution of more than $200,000 to Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
The company contributes more than $30,000 annually to Tustin Unified schools as part of the Tustin Auto Center Dealer Association’s broader $70,000 commitment. Employees may receive paid time to participate in their children’s schools up to six times each year.
Team members are also offered financial support for technician associate degrees, certifications and professional training. The organization covers 75 percent of eligible employee memberships at 24 Hour Fitness and gives employees and their families access to company season tickets for Los Angeles Angels baseball and Anaheim Ducks hockey games.
Patterson said the most rewarding part of his career has been witnessing employees overcome profound personal challenges and build successful lives. More than 20 team members have experienced homelessness, foster care or other life-changing hardships.
“The most rewarding part of my retail automotive career has never been the number of cars we have sold, but the lives we have helped change,” Patterson said. “Today, I see team members thriving – building careers, providing homes for their families, reuniting with their children and creating opportunities for the next generation. Playing a small role in those victories has been my biggest success.”
Patterson credits his wife, Julie, with providing unwavering support throughout his career, including relocating across the country with him and caring for their family during periods of long hours and extensive travel. He also credits his father’s example of hard work, diligence and perseverance, as well as the guidance of his church community and many automotive mentors.
“I am where I am today because of faith, family, community, mentors, an extraordinary team and a commitment to continuous improvement,” Patterson said. “My responsibility is to honor that support by continuing to learn, helping other people succeed and making decisions that will benefit the organization and community for years to come.”
Dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. A panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists will receive $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner will receive $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally.
In its 16th year as exclusive sponsor, Ally will also recognize dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 to each nominee’s 501(c)3 charity of choice. Nominees will be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of TIME Dealer of the Year nominees.
“The TIME Dealer of the Year program recognizes dealers who pair excellence in the automotive industry with an enduring commitment to the communities they serve,” said Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME. “TIME is proud to partner with Ally to celebrate their achievements and spotlight the standard of leadership they set across the country.”
“Great dealerships are built by people, and the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year nominees prove it,” said Doug Timmerman, President of Dealer Financial Services, Ally Financial. “These leaders invest in the teams who help customers through one of the biggest purchases of their lives and show up for the communities they call home. We’ve seen it firsthand at Ally, where dealers who lead this way do it not for recognition, but because it’s who they are. That’s what it means to do it right, and we’re proud to celebrate it.”
Patterson was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Brian Maas, president of the California New Car Dealers Association. John Patterson and his wife, Julie, have one son, Connor.
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Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation’s largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business, driven by a mission to “Do It Right” and be a relentless ally for customers and communities. The
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