Louanne Theriault, Director of Communications
NHADA is pleased to announce that Ken Plante, Vice President/Comptroller of Tri-City Subaru and Tri-City Dodge in Somersworth, has been selected as New Hampshire’s 2009 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year nominee. The Dealer of the Year program salutes outstanding dealers across the country who exhibit exceptional performance in their dealerships, along with distinguished community service.
The NHADA selection committee, consisting of the past three TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year nominees, John Lambert, Peggy Proko, and Bob Grappone, wholeheartedly agreed that Ken Plante was the clear choice to receive this prestigious award, citing his outstanding service and commitment to NHADA and his fellow members over the past many years.
In 2007, Ken was elected by the NHADA Board of Directors to serve as DEAC State Chairman, a position he currently holds. Ken previously served as Chairman and a two-term Director on the NHADA Board of Directors and served as Chairman during five of his six years on the NHAD Services, Inc. Board of Directors. Ken played key roles on the 2005 NHADA Strategic Planning Committee and on the 2007 Search Committee to hire a new Association President. He has also served on numerous sub-committees and ad hoc committees associated with the NHADA and NHAD Services' Boards.
Ken is a second-generation dealer, whose father, Rene Plante (also a past NHADA Chairman), established Tri-City Dodge in 1965; Tri-City Subaru was founded in 1977. Other family members in the business include his brothers, Steve and Roger; his sister, Deborah; and his nephew, Jordan.
Ken recalls that he always had a passion for the automobile business. "I remember as a young boy how excited my brothers and I would be when the new model-year vehicles arrived. In those days, it was an event to the extent that the vehicles were hidden until the official announcement was made."
Ken worked at the family business during his summer breaks from high school and college and learned how to recondition a car, sell a part, and write up a repair order. "Most of all, I learned the importance of customer satisfaction." After graduation from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, Ken approached his father and two brothers (who had started working at the business after high school) about joining the family business. He held the position of Business Manager from 1984-1986 at Tri-City Subaru; and, since 1986, he has held the position of Comptroller at Tri-City Dodge/Subaru. In 1991, Ken and his brothers bought out their father's interest and became dealer principals. "I am proud to say that we have continued to operate the dealership ethically and with the customers' best interests in mind."
Ken is proud of his most recent association and involvement with the Dover Rotary. "The Dover Rotary is a terrific group of loyal, dedicated individuals. I have had the opportunity to participate in and learn about many causes in my area." Ken stated that belonging to this organization has given him an opportunity to network with other civic-minded people and to give back to his community. He and his wife are also active in their church and most recently participated in a food drive where 50 tons of food was raised for 50 area pantries. In addition, Ken supports, both personally and/or professionally, numerous other causes in the form of service or contributions.
NHADA is proud to have Ken Plante represent New Hampshire at the opening business session of the NADA Annual Convention in New Orleans on January 24, 2009. Ken will be recognized at this event, along with other state honorees; and the finalists and national winner will be named. Congratulations, Ken, on this well-deserved award; and we wish you the best of luck in the finals.
The Dealer of the Year program, celebrating its 40th year, is sponsored by TIME magazine in conjunction with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and the National Automobile Dealers Association.