Congratulations to Fred Nelson, Lynnwood Honda, who was named the "2008 Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year" at the annual convention. Fred is the second generation in a four-generation dynasty that spans several branches of the Nelson family and includes multiple dealerships.
Unbeknownst to the award's selection committee, Fred celebrated his 91st birthday the day before receiving one of the Association's most prestigious awards.
Asked what the award means to him, Fred said, "It was an honor to be recognized by my peers for my lifelong commitment to the auto industry in Washington."
Fred attended the University of Hawaii in 1932 and graduated from the University of Washington in 1935, and Duke Law School in 1942.
He then served in the Army during World War II where he was stationed in Japan for two years working in military government. Part of his training included one year at Stanford University where he learned the Japanese language.
After the war, Fred began his automotive career at Nelson Chevrolet in Ballard, which his father, Stan, founded in 1922. He then became the dealer at Fred Nelson Chevrolet in Sedro Woolley, which he owned for 25 years, before opening Lynnwood Honda in Edmonds in 1981.
Through the years, Fred has been very active in charitable causes in Skagit and Snohomish counties.
He served 18 years as Chairman of the Washington State Auto Dealers Insurance Trust and was instrumental in helping establish the Honda Professional Automotive Career Training program at Shoreline Community College's Professional Automotive Training Center.
Today, his children Erik Nelson and Wendy Nelson Popke continue the family legacy at Lynnwood Honda. "Dad has taught me family is first, it comes before everything", Erik said. "He displays this in his everyday life in every way."
"During our early years in this business, Dad allowed us to make our own mistakes," Wendy added. "He didn't force us to think "his" way. Those were tough lessons at the time, but very much appreciated as we grew to help run the dealership."