CLANTON – Mark McKinnon, owner and chief executive officer of McKinnon Toyota and Nissan in Clanton, is the Alabama Retailer of the Year in the Annual Sales More Than $20 Million category. “I’m very excited for the dealerships and the employees to be receiving this award,” McKinnon said. “I’m sure it will be very gratifying to them after all of their efforts this past year.”

McKinnon Toyota and Nissan has been in business for 54 years and today sells new and certified Nissan and Toyota cars, SUVs and trucks, in addition to a variety of used vehicles. The company also provides maintenance, repairs and body work for both used and new vehicles.

The Retailer of the Year judges were impressed with the automobile dealer’s “forward thinking strategies” and the efforts the company is taking to drive their business. McKinnon Toyota/Nissan has expanded its service department, increased staff for more personalized attention and implemented comprehensive training programs. It also extended service hours, particularly on Saturday, and gave customers the ability to schedule online service appointments.

“One significant factor contributing to the increased profit is the company’s focus on making service and sales more convenient for its customers,” McKinnon said. “By identifying and addressing pain points in the customer experience, we have streamlined our processes, ensuring a smoother and more efficient service. This has resulted in a higher level of customer satisfaction, leading to increased repeat business and word of mouth referrals.” 

McKinnon also works to build his team through internships, continued education and professional development. “I believe employment at an automotive dealership is one of the best kept secrets,” McKinnon said. “When people learn about the different positions available, they are shocked at the income opportunity.” 

“Mark McKinnon not only runs this successful family business but is also a huge supporter of his community,” said Rachel Martin, executive director of the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, who nominated him for the award. “Donating to schools, athletics, local civic groups and charities, Mark does more than his part to meet the needs of his community and his customers.” Among other recent awards, The Clanton Advertiser named him as its 2023 Clanton Citizen of the Year, and he was the 2022 recipient of the Clanton Lions Club Community Service Award.

“I have known Mark for 45 years, and I have learned to never be surprised by his efforts, enthusiasm and dedication to his profession, his customers and Chilton County,” wrote Clanton Councilwoman Mary Mell Smith in support of his nomination. “Almost no one knows of his most significant contributions … to individuals and charities that do not expect a helping hand, especially in times of crisis. His unbelievable generosity would dumbfound some.”

The Alabama Retailer of the Year awards, started in 1999, honor retailers who have demonstrated growth, innovation and a commitment to their respective communities. This year’s 11 winners were selected from 57 entries submitted from a pool of 86 nominees.

“Mark McKinnon is a retailer of the year EVERY year to his customers, to the 100 McKinnon Toyota and Nissan employees, to the Clanton and central Alabama community,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown.

Other 2023 Retailers of the Year
Previous Retailers of the Year

The Alabama Retail Association represents retailers, the largest private employer in the state of Alabama, before the Alabama Legislature and the U.S. Congress. Through sales of food, clothing, furniture, medicine and more, our 4,300 independent merchant and national company members touch almost every aspect of daily living. Since 1943, we’ve worked to promote what’s best for the retail industry in Alabama. Whether voicing the retail view when public policy is made, educating members about issues that impact them, negotiating rates for benefits and services or communicating the retail story, the Alabama Retail Association and its members are better together.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mark McKinnon, McKinnon Toyota/Nissan | 205-755-3430
Nancy King Dennis, Alabama Retail Association | 334.868.2195 | 800.239.5423