BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia businessman, philanthropist, and President of Ball Toyota, Shawn Ball has been announced as one of a select group of nominees for the 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year award in partnership with Ally. Presented each year, the Dealer of the Year award recognizes those in the automotive industry nationwide who demonstrate exceptional performance and outstanding community service.
An alumnus of Marshall University and current member of the Marshall University Board of Governors, Ball earned a degree in business administration with intentions of finding success in the automotive industry. His passion for and overall fascination with the industry took root during his time as a teenager working at a used car lot alongside his father.
He would take on roles at multiple auto sales locations before purchasing the Beckley Toyota location in 2002 where he would become the sole owner a decade later. Since that time, Ball has acquired multiple West Virginia dealerships in locations such as Charleston and Barboursville.
One of the most significant factors that one must consider in the Shawn Ball story, however, is one that the man himself historically has been reluctant to acknowledge – the seemingly boundless capacity for generosity and kindness consistently demonstrated through his tireless community service efforts.
Over the years, Ball and his family have contributed millions of dollars to non-profit initiatives benefiting state programs for healthcare, education, and financial stability, to name a few. Ball has been particularly dedicated in his involvement with the United Way of Southern West Virginia and the United Way of Central West Virginia, organizations for which he is known to frequently serve as a contributor and event sponsor.
“It truly is incredible the amount of money of time that [Shawn] and his family have put into giving back to the community,” said West Virginia Automobile Dealers Association President, Jared Wyrick. “That’s one of the big staples of this award – the aspect of what a dealer does for the community, and Shawn is a shining beacon when it comes to helping kids in West Virginia.”
This exemplary community spirit was recognized last month when Governor Jim Justice presented Ball with the esteemed Distinguished West Virginian award – the highest honor with which a civilian can be bestowed by a West Virginia governor.
“I don’t like to give notoriety to myself or my businesses or my family for these things,” said Ball of the award. “We’ve always done these things because we want to show support to the community. I always say that these are seeds we plant then we hope they grow.”
As part of the Dealer of the Year nomination process and through the sponsorship of Ally – currently in its 14th year as an exclusive sponsor – a $1,000 donation is made to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the nominee’s choosing for each of the 49 dealers nominated annually. During a ceremony at L&S Toyota of Beckley on Wednesday, a $1,000 grant donation on Ball’s behalf was presented to Hospice of Southern West Virginia.
TIME CEO, Jessica Sibley notes the significance of work being done in local communities around the nation by Dealer of the Year nominees.
“At TIME, our commitment to recognizing the exceptional contributions of automotive dealers remains as strong as ever,” says Sibley. “The TIME Dealer of the Year award continues to celebrate those who not only excel in their profession but also make a meaningful impact in their communities. We are thrilled to continue this legacy in partnership with Ally.”
The 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2024, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Additional information on the TIME Dealer of the Year Award in partnership with Ally can be found at the TIME Dealer of the Year website.
