Albert Lea, Minnesota – In a nod to both entrepreneurial achievement and local impact, Robert “Bob” Syverson, president and owner of Dave Syverson Auto Center, has been officially nominated for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award. Out of more than 20,000 dealerships across the United States, only 48 will be considered for the national honor, placing Syverson’s family‑run shop among the country’s automotive elite.
Family roots and decades of service
The Syverson story began in 1968 when Bob’s father, Dave Syverson, opened the original dealership in Albert Lea. Bob started working there as a teenager, learning that “success does not happen overnight” and that hard work, continual learning, and commitment are essential. After graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1983, he gained management experience at a dealership in Denver before returning home in 1990.
Bob took sole ownership of the business in 2021, expanding the facility and bringing a third generation of his family into daily operations. He credits the dealership’s growth to “hardworking employees, loyal customers, and generations of people who believe in our family business,” underscoring the Christian‑based values of stewardship and service that guide the company.
Industry recognition and awards
Dave Syverson Auto Center has earned multiple accolades, including CARFAX Top‑Rated Dealer awards and DealerRater Consumer Satisfaction Awards. These honors reflect the dealership’s focus on quality service, transparent pricing, and trustworthy relationships with local families.
“These awards belong to our employees,” Syverson said. “They reflect the care our team puts into each customer interaction, and the trust local families have placed in our dealership over generations.”
Commitment to the Albert Lea community
Beyond business, the dealership is deeply involved in community outreach. For years, it has supported the Sparky Golf Tournament, which raises funds for individuals with disabilities. The shop also donates vehicles and assistance to Youth for Christ, the Jack Frost Closet, and partners with Riverland Community College to mentor aspiring automotive technicians.
During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the dealership teamed with Albert Lea Area Schools to launch an annual holiday meal program for families in need. In 2021, when Albert Lea police officer Arik Matson suffered a serious on‑duty injury, the dealership joined Ford Motor Company in donating a new Ford Expedition and continues to provide maintenance for the vehicle.
Syverson summed up the company’s philosophy: “When someone in the community faces a challenge, we look for ways to use our resources and expertise to help.”
What’s next for the award?
The national TIME Dealer of the Year winner and regional finalists will be announced at the 110th annual NADA Show in Orlando on February 19, 2027. Regardless of the outcome, the nomination itself highlights how a family‑owned business in a small Minnesota town can achieve national recognition while staying rooted in faith, family, and service.
Local residents can look forward to continued investment in the dealership’s facilities, ongoing mentorship programs for youth, and the steadfast commitment to serving Albert Lea’s families for years to come.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
