Mario Hernandez Nominated for
2026 TIME Dealer of the Year
We are proud to announce that Mario Hernandez, Dealer Principal and Majority Owner of Teton Auto Group, which includes Teton Toyota, Teton Volkswagen, and Teton Honda, has been nominated for the prestigious 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Award, one of the automobile industry’s most respected honors.
The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Hernandez’s leadership, integrity, and people-first focus have made a lasting impact on both his company and the communities he serves.
A Leader Who Builds People, Not Just Businesses
Mario’s journey into the automotive industry wasn’t a family legacy—it was built from the ground up. Before acquiring Teton Toyota in 2005, he spent 16 years in insurance and financial services, earning degrees in insurance and risk management along with his LUTCF designation. Those early years shaped the discipline and integrity that now define Teton Auto Group.
Under his leadership, the group has expanded to five states and nine franchises, earning 17 Toyota President’s Awards (eligible for 19 years from 2006–2024, missing only twice), 12 Toyota Financial Services Insignia Awards (winning every year since its introduction), 5 Honda President’s Awards, 3 Volkswagen Wolfsburg Awards, and the Volkswagen Golden Pin Award.
But for Mario, success has always been about people. “He takes a personal interest in each individual that works for him,” said Aaron Carter, Managing Partner at Columbia Gorge Toyota & Honda. “He sees potential in people that they often don’t see in themselves.”
Every General Manager and Partner within the organization started in an entry-level role—a reflection of Mario’s belief in mentorship and values like “Keep Your Promises” and “Act Like an Owner.” Since 2005, his team has grown from 34 employees to more than 500 across the Northwest.
“Mario has been a community partner since he got to the market in Idaho Falls. His commitment to investing in people and the community is unrivaled by any individual or organization I’ve seen in the automotive industry,” said Travis Zmak, Managing Partner of Teton Toyota.
Empowering People and Expanding Opportunity
Mario has championed diversity and empowerment across Teton Auto Group. Today, women represent 23% of his workforce with goals to grow that number even further. His Chief Operating Officer, a Latina who began as a part-time receptionist, now oversees operations across all dealerships. He also mentored the group’s first female General Manager in Colville, Washington.
He also invests in developing future talent. Under his leadership, Teton Auto Group launched the Technician Development Program, a structured pathway for entry-level technicians to earn ASE certifications through evening courses and micro-credentialing. This initiative reflects his belief that opportunity should come from initiative—not just access.
A Legacy of Community Leadership
In Idaho Falls and beyond, Mario Hernandez has become synonymous with community impact. His leadership has helped bring major civic and educational projects to life. When the Mountain America Center needed final funding to move forward, Mario’s $500,000 donation was the turning point that rallied the business community. His early advocacy also helped transition the College of Eastern Idaho into an accredited community college—an achievement that continues to benefit families and local employers.
His Vehicle Donation Program, launched in 2007, has raised millions for Idaho Falls and Rigby schools, directly supporting students, clubs, and athletic programs. His long-term commitment earned him recognition in the Idaho High School Activities Association Hall of Fame through the Duane D. Wolfe Memorial Award for more than a decade of extraordinary community support.
A Heart for People, Pets, and the Arts
Mario’s compassion extends far beyond business. A lifelong animal lover, he supports the Snake River Animal Shelter and has made his own dogs, Buddy, Belle, and Bo, beloved fixtures at the dealerships. Their presence embodies the warmth and loyalty that define his leadership.
His generosity also reaches families through the Ronald McDonald House in Idaho Falls, where his personal contributions inspired employees to furnish family spaces for those in need. For over two decades, he’s supported the Idaho Falls Symphony and the ARTitorium on Broadway, ensuring that the arts remain accessible to local youth.
“Mario doesn’t just give,” said Scott Williams, Managing Partner at Teton Honda of Pocatello. “He builds. And because he builds, others follow.”
Recognized Leadership and Enduring Values
Mario has served two terms on the Toyota Dealer Council (2010–2014 and 2019–2021) and is currently serving on the National Dealer Council. He has also served as President of the Toyota Dealer Advertising Association and is a recognized member of TLMODA (Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealer Association). As a second-generation American whose father immigrated from Mexico, he has been honored for advancing diversity and inclusion within the automotive industry.
He and his wife Glenda have been married for nearly 40 years, raising three children and five grandchildren. Together, they’ve built not just a business legacy—but a life defined by purpose, generosity, and impact.
In Idaho Falls, it’s often said: If there’s a local event, Mario probably helped make it happen—and if you need a car, you go to Teton Toyota.
About the TIME Dealer of the Year Award
The TIME Dealer of the Year Award, presented in partnership with Ally Financial and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), honors exceptional dealers across the United States for their business excellence and community service.
Mario Hernandez’s nomination recognizes decades of leadership defined by steadfast values, people-first principles, and transformative community impact.