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William Kindle Named New Jersey’s 2016 TIME Dealer of the Year Award Winner

Sep 14, 2015

NJ CAR is proud to announce that William Kindle, of Kindle Ford Lincoln, was recently selected as New Jersey’s 2016 TIME Dealer of the Year (TDOY) Award winner. The TDOY recognizes new vehicle dealers in the United States for exceptional performance in their dealerships, combined with distinguished community service.

Nominations for the TIME Dealer of the Year Award are submitted by NJ CAR members, and a winner is chosen by the NJ CAR Awards Nominating Committee, made up of the sitting NJ CAR Chairman and all past winners of this prestigious honor. A nominee must be a member of NADA and NJ CAR for at least five years. The individual should spend at least 60% of his or her time involved in dealership affairs. Bill will represent New Jersey in the National competition, which takes place at the NADA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 31 through April 3, 2016.

Bill is a second generation dealer, following in his father’s footsteps. Bill’s father opened a small Ford dealership in Cape May Court House in 1957. When a storm wiped out the dealership five years later, it moved to Wildwood for the next 37 years before returning to Cape May Court House in 1989.

Bill attended Florida Atlantic University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. He returned to New Jersey in 1976 and started working at the dealership, learning the ropes in order to one day run Kindle Auto Plaza. He has not only kept the 58-year-old dealership running successfully, he has dedicated tremendous time and resources into bettering his community. The dealership supports the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers and their annual walk fundraiser.

Bill’s education in Zoology led him to support the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, where he has helped save the lives of marine mammals and sea turtles along New Jersey’s waterways by flying rescue missions in his plane. He was recently named the Center’s Chairman of the Board. Bill’s love of flying also made him a perfect candidate for Angel Flight Northeast, an organization that provides free air transportation to families in need of critical medical care. He has logged 20,000 miles and more than 50 flights to get patients to their treatments or surgeries.

Bill Kindle has been recognized for his volunteerism, receiving the President’s Call to Service Award from President Obama, in recognition and appreciation of his commitment to volunteer service. Bill is married, with three children and is grooming the third generation of Kindles to, one day, run the business.

NJ CAR wishes Bill great success, as he represents New Jersey in the National competition.