FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kevin Shaughnessy Inducted into the 2023 Colorado Automotive Hall of Fame

Colorado Springs, Colo. - April 21, 2023 – Phil Long Dealerships’ Executive Vice President and Partner Kevin Shaughnessy was honored as a 2023 inductee into the Colorado Automotive Hall of Fame by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) at the Preview Gala of the 2023 Denver Auto Show on April 11.

Shaughnessy was one of only six dealers and two industry-leading supporters from across the state to be recognized and celebrated by CADA with this honor for his industry accomplishments and community service.

Shaughnessy was also recently recognized as a 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee, being one of 48 dealers selected from across the country for their community service and industry accomplishments, as well as being the recipient of CADA’s 2023 Dealer of the Year award.

Shaughnessy’s career grew from a temporary gig in sales to Executive Vice President and Partner at the Phil Long Dealerships without having an automotive background or any formal training in dealership management.

At age 18, Shaughnessy’s sense of adventure led him far from his hometown of Dayton, Ohio to Eastern New Mexico University where he studied for a number of years before an injury resulted in him not completing his final semester. Unsure what steps to take next, he took what he thought would be a short-term job at Ken Johns Lincoln-Mercury in Albuquerque, N.M. He loved the dealership world, and a “car guy” was born.

In 2005, Shaughnessy and his family relocated to Colorado where he accepted the role of general sales manager for Phil Long Ford of Denver. Excelling in the role, he was promoted to general manager in 2011, and became a managing partner in 2013. Five years later he took over as VP of Operations and Partner for the entire Phil Long Family of Dealerships, which is comprised today of 16 new vehicle dealerships in Colorado and New Mexico, representing Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Ram, Subaru, and Toyota, as well as the Phil Long EVOutlet and additional pre-owned dealership locations.

Shaughnessy has always embraced Phil Long’s customer-centered philosophy of business, recognizing that the negative reputation the industry sometimes has earned must be changed one customer at a time; treating people right at all levels breeds success.

Shaughnessy also embraced the group’s philanthropic ideals, furthering community partnerships, and now leading the Corporate Sponsorship and Philanthropy Committee and serves on the board of the nonprofit Mount Carmel Veterans Service Centers. He also oversees Phil Long’s annual United Way workplace campaign, which over the course of the partnership has raised multiple millions of dollars to support neighbors in need.

“As a non-native to the car world, these inductees are the first stories I learned from dealers that I respect immensely,” Matthew Groves, CADA interim CEO, said in a written statement. “I am incredibly grateful to our sponsors and the entire hall of fame team for trying to make this honor worthy of the legacy they leave behind.”

“I have a remarkable family and all that is pretty good motivation for wanting to be successful and trying to make the world a better place while we do it,” said Shaughnessy.

Other dealer inductees included Mike Faricy of Colorado Springs, Nancy Ariano of Durango, and Brian O’Meara of Northglenn, as well as the late Nick Davidson of Loveland and Paul Gebhardt of Longmont. Larry Pomarico, the late president of Southwest Dealer Services, and Tim Jackson, the former president of the Colorado Auto Dealers Association, also took positions along with the inducted members.

About Phil Long Dealership

The success of the Phil Long Family Dealerships is the result of its ongoing commitment to Philip Long's vision; commitment to the community, quality customer service, and exceptional value. Over the years, the Phil Long Family of Dealerships has received numerous industry awards for record-breaking sales, superior customer service, innovative design and presentation, state-ofthe-art facilities, community service, design, development, and more. Customers continue to return and refer because of this strong commitment to providing quality products, service, and effort.

About Colorado Automotive Dealers Association

The Colorado Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) is the voice of the automotive retail industry throughout the state. As the automobile dealer trade association, CADA advocates issues of importance to the auto industry, Colorado auto dealers and Colorado's driving public. CADA is governed by a Board of Directors. Each member of the board is elected by his or her peers to represent them.

Today, our dealers range from small family-owned dealerships to nationally operated, multiple franchise corporations. CADA represents a united front for over 300 new car, truck, motorcycle and RV dealers. From local, state and federal policymakers to the public and the media, CADA is the voice for Colorado's auto industry.

Media Contact
Contact: Gina Sacripanti
Chief Communications Officer
Phil Long Dealerships
gsacripanti@phillong.com
(719) 575-7016

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