Mr. Vann York
Chairman,
Vann York Auto Group
A lifetime of experience
Vann York started his career at General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and then in 1968 joined his father-in-law at a small Chevrolet dealership in Pilot Mountain, NC. In 1971, he and wife Ann purchased a Pontiac dealership in his hometown, High Point, NC. Vann York Pontiac, originally at the corner of Montlieu and Main Streets, became the cornerstone of the Vann York Auto Group. His son, Greg York, joined the business in 1987, and together over the years the Yorks added ten franchises: Honda, Isuzu, Fiat, Toyota, Buick, GMC, Nissan ,Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Mitsubishi. Today the Vann York Auto Group operates four dealerships representing ten brands.
Excellence in every franchise
Under Vann York's leadership, the dealerships have thrived. Early on, the organization developed and has maintained a stellar reputation that comes from decades of "building relationships that last," as Vann York says. Vann York Auto Group has been named the Best Area Auto Dealer in the High Point Enterprise Newspaper Readers' Poll every year since the poll began in 2003.
Vann York Auto Group receives high praise not only from its loyal customer base, but also from its franchise organizations, community partners, and trade groups.
This recognition from the franchisors includes:
Honda Presidents' Partners in Excellence Award: 1996-2007
Toyota President's Award: 1995, 2003 ,2008
Nissan Owner's First Award: 2006, 2007, 2008,
Pontiac Masters: 17 years,
GM Mark of Excellence: 1991, 1992 ,2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007
GM Leaders of Distinction: 2001, 2002, 2005
In addition, the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association presented Vann York with a Lifetime Achievement Award, its highest honor, at a gala dinner in his honor in June, 2009.
At a Duke Fuqua School of Business symposium, the Vann York Auto Group was named the Family Business of the year in 1996.
Community Leadership
Vann York's involvement in his community is not limited to his business enterprise. Through his career, he has served his hometown, High Point, and his home state of North Carolina. The work that he and his employees have done on behalf of the United Way exemplifies this leadership. As longtime participants in the campaign,Vann York Auto Group sought to increase its involvement - and now donates a car to each annual campaign. Local High Point workers who contribute to the United Way have a chance to win the car during a final event at a Vann York dealership. In addition, the York’s have worked raising large donations in the community and organizing United Way campaign events. The United Way has recognized this commitment, awarding the York’s the Tocqueville Society Award, the Chairman's Award for Campaign Excellence, and the Eagle Award for Campaign Excellence.
Mr. York's community involvement has also included serving in a leadership role in the following organizations:
High Point Bank, Board of Directors, 18years
High Point Regional Hospital, Board of Directors
High Point Open Door Ministry, Board of Directors
Greensboro Urban Ministry, Board of Directors, founding member and chairman, 1968
Duke University Divinity School, Board of Visitors
Duke University, Parents' Committee Leadership Fund
High Point University, Board of Trustees
Macedonia Family Resource Center, variety of roles
Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, variety of roles
High Point YMCA, Board of Directors
Executive Council of the Uwharrie Council of Boy Scouts
Westchester Academy, Board of Directors, Vice Chairman
What's Next
Though Mr. York is approaching his sixth decade in the car business, he has no plans for retiring-from anything. He refers any doubters to his workout buddies who watch him burn up an elliptical machine three times a week --or to the men who accompanied him on a mission trip to Belize last year.
Mr. York's goals for the next decade include: continuing to provide his loyal customers the best cars and the best service the world has to offer, doing his part to make High Point a thriving community, and of course, selling you your next car.
