A long way from the family farm.
David Wilson's story doesn't start in a boardroom. It starts on a farm in Iowa, where he grew up with a strong work ethic and a curious mind. He went on to earn a philosophy degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and for a while, he even considered a life in the ministry.
His first taste of the car business came from necessity, not ambition—working nights and weekends changing oil, lube, and filters at a local dealership just to help pay his way through school.
What began as a way to cover a bill became the start of a career that would eventually reshape the automotive industry across the Southwest.
From general manager to owner — and beyond.
David spent five years as vice president and general manager of Covey Lincoln Mercury in Phoenix, Arizona, learning the business from the inside out. In 1982, he was brought on as general manager of Toyota of Orange — and just three years later, in 1985, he took the boldest step of his career and bought the dealership outright.
That single Toyota store, with a staff of 90, was the seed of what would grow into Wilson Automotive Group. Under David's leadership, the company expanded location by location, brand by brand, into a network of dealerships across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico.
In August 2015, Wilson became the first dealer in history to sell 500,000 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles — and true to form, he celebrated by donating the milestone car to Orangewood Children's Foundation. Less than two years later, the company sold its millionth vehicle overall. Today, the group is closing in on 1.6 million vehicles sold, with 17 dealerships and more than 2,000 employees.
A career, in a few key moments.
University of Northern Iowa
Earns a degree in philosophy, once considering a career in the ministry.
VP & General Manager, Covey Lincoln Mercury
Spends five years learning the dealership business from the ground up.
General Manager, Toyota of Orange
Takes the helm of what will become the founding dealership of Wilson Automotive Group.
Buys Toyota of Orange
Purchases the dealership outright—the moment Wilson Automotive Group is truly born.
Gives Back to His Alma Mater
Donates $1,000,000 to the University of Northern Iowa to endow a Chair in Business Ethics.
Horatio Alger Association
Inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, honoring leaders who rose from humble beginnings.
500,000th Vehicle
Becomes the first dealer in history to sell 500,000 Toyota, Lexus & Scion vehicles—and donates the car to charity.
Millionth Vehicle & Golden Heart Award
Sells the millionth vehicle overall and receives the Golden Heart Award for leadership in giving back.
David W. Wilson College of Business at University of Northern Iowa
Donates a historic $25 million gift to the University of Northern Iowa, the largest single donation in the university’s history, leading to the naming of the David W. Wilson College of Business.
17 Dealerships and Counting
Sold over 1.6 million vehicles sold across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico—with no signs of slowing down.
“Take care of your employees, and they'll take care of your customers.”
Milestones worth celebrating.
