We're proud to share that Cary Curry, chairman of the board at Curry Auto Center, has been named Indiana's nominee for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award. Cary was nominated by Marty Murphy, president of the Automobile Dealers Association of Indiana, and is one of 48 dealers from across the country selected for this year's honor.
About the Award
The TIME Dealer of the Year award is presented by TIME, Ally, and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). It recognizes new-car dealers who combine strong business performance with a long record of community service.
Nominees are evaluated on:
- Customer satisfaction
- Personnel training
- Share of market
- New and used vehicle sales
- Service performance
- Ethics and facilities
- Participation in dealer associations
- Community service
A panel of faculty members from the University of Michigan selects one finalist from each NADA region, along with one national winner. The winner will be announced at the NADA Show in February 2027.
More Than a Century in Bloomington
Curry Auto Center's story goes back to 1915, when Cary's great-grandfather founded Curry Buick Company in Bloomington. Cary began working for his father at the dealership in 1974, earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana University Bloomington in 1981, and became president in 1994. He has been a member of NADA since 1985.
In January 2026, Cary's son, Joseph Curry, took over leadership of the company, and Cary now serves as chairman of the board. Over the years, the dealership has continued to invest in Bloomington, adding Curry Collision Center, completing a major facility remodel, and installing electric-vehicle infrastructure.
A Team That Stays
Today, Curry Auto Center employs 90 people. Twenty-seven of them have been with the dealership for more than a decade, and 13 have been here for more than 20 years.
"Our longtime employees carry the dealership's culture forward," Cary said.
That commitment extends to the next generation. Through a partnership with Hoosier Hills Career Center at Bloomington High School North, the dealership hosts student apprentices, with at least six apprentices currently on the team. Curry Auto Center also works with Indiana University Health on employee wellness programs, including onsite health checks, vaccinations, and CPR certification.
Giving Back to the Community
Cary has served on several local boards, including German American Bank, Monroe Hospital, Christian Student Fellowship at Indiana University, and the IU Auditorium Advisory Board. Curry Auto Center is proud to support organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington, Habitat for Humanity, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Indiana University Health, and Centerstone of Indiana.
Thank You, Bloomington
This nomination reflects more than one person's career. It reflects the work of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the support of the Bloomington community over more than 100 years. Thank you for being part of the Curry family.
Read more about Cary's nomination at curryautocenter.com/time-dealer-of-the-year.htm.