Pub. 58 2017-2018 Issue 3

12 Dealership Spotlight: Tommie Vaughn Ford's Jim Janke is Texas TIME's Dealer of 2018 Tommie Vaughn Ford is a three-generation, dog-friendly auto business with Jim and Jeanie Janke' s sons Kyle, far left, and Kirby overseeing parts, service, finance and sales at the well-known dealership on N. Shepherd. Houston Ford dealer Jim Janke is Texas TIME 2018 Dealer of the Year J anke, president of Tommie Vaughn Ford, joined other dealers from throughout the nation who were recognized at the 2018 NADA Show, the National Automobile Dealers Association's premier conference and exhibition in Las Vegas on March 23. The Time Dealer of the Year award, one of the auto industry's most prestigious honors, is bestowed on top-flight dealers with an extensive track record of community service. Janke, 64, was tapped to represent the Texas Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition. Janke has served as president of both the state dealers group and the Houston Automobile Dealers Association. A panel of faculty members from the University of Michigan's Tauber Institute for Global Operations will select a finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. "We salute this exceptional group of nominees for the 2018 Time Dealer of the Year award," said Tim Russi, president of auto finance for Ally Financial, the award's sponsor. "These dealers are local pillars of strength, leadership and giving, and Ally is proud to celebrate their stories and recognize them for their commitment to 'do it right' in their communities." Ally will recognize dealer nominees by contributing $1,000 to each nominee’s 501(c)(3) charity of choice. Nominees will also be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com. Janke’s interest in the automobile industry was sparked by a University of Texas professor who had worked on the initial marketing campaign for the Ford Mustang and by his college sweetheart, Jeanie Vaughn, whose father was Tommie Vaughn. Jeanie’s father had opened the dealership along North Shepherd in 1958 and became a local legend. Jeanie and Jim had been friends since grade school and attended Robert E. Lee High School. Janke worked part-time at the Ford dealership during school and was hired fulltime as a make-ready manager after graduation in 1976. https://www.chron.com/cars/article/Dealership-spotlight-Tommie-Vaughn-Ford-s-Jim-12510268.php By Jeff Yip Updated 11:01 am, Friday, January 19, 2018  DEALERSHIP SPOTLIGHT — CONTINUED ON PAGE 14