Lifetime Achievement Awards

We are proud to announce the recipients of our 2008 Lifetime Achievement Awards, organization founders: Mr. Nathan Conyers, Mr. Mel Farr, and Mr. William Shack. These three pioneers together, created an inheritance which opened opportunities for all minority dealers. Today, we are beneficiaries of their achievements and foresight. As we rise to the challenges of our times, this association, their creation, will be a beacon for those who follow us.

These men were not the first minority automobile dealers. However, these individuals amongst others were the first to take the time and energy from their demanding businesses to reach out to help succeeding generations. They committed their resources to building an institution dedicated to creating opportunities for minorities especially in the automobile industry but not limited to that industry.

We urge each and every NAMAD member, if you haven’t done so already, to register to attend this year’s conference which will be held July 9th-12th at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, to pay tribute to the founders of this Association, to these three who have paved the way for all minority dealers.

Nate Conyers is considered the “elder statesman” of African American dealers nationally. For 38 years, he has been the “visionary”, an individual who helped raise the consciousness of automobile manufacturers and helped them recognize the importance of minority consumers in the automobile market. and the value of minority businessmen in the automotive industry.

When the history of the retail car business is written, Nate Conyers will be one who will leave a legacy of commitment and dedication for “equity and parity” for ethnic minorities. He is a true pioneer who has opened doors that had previously been closed to minorities. He helped pave the way not only as one of the founders of NAMAD but also as a counselor for those dealers and aspiring dealers who have come after him. His “footprints” mark our era as one of those key moments in history when minorities made historic advances in the retail automobile industry.

Bill Shack is considered one of the most politically active and business savvy automobile dealers. For over 30 years, he has lead in the formation of the Ford-Lincoln Mercury Minority Dealers Association , NAMAD, and other associations. From modest material circumstances but with a rich heritage, Bill Shack rose to extraordinary achievements.

As a businessman he built businesses, strengthened his family, enriched his communities - - and strengthened this nation. President Calvin Coolidge once said that the business of this country is business; in that sense, Bill Shack was doing the nations‘ business when he built his enterprises and helped create and build this business association which is doing so much to strengthen American business. His wisdom, insight and perseverance in educational, cultural, and business endeavors set an enduring standard for all who strive for progress.

Best known perhaps, for his brilliant athletic achievements, Mel Farr is also widely recognized for his successes in the automobile business. His contributions to the automobile industry are less well known. Unlike many others, Mel blended his heralded athletic reputation, his strength and tenacity with his business acumen in the founding and building of NAMAD. Mel Farr carved a less well known but equally important facet of his highly regarded image.. His stellar accomplishments in sport are matched by his business triumphs. No less important, especially from our perspective, are his contributions to the formation of this and other business associations. In the face of strong resistance and through difficult market conditions, Mel Farr with legendary perseverance built a business empire and helped to leave to us a record of striving, a record of achievement and a legacy which demands much of us and future generations.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MINORITY AUTO DEALERS | 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 190 | Lanham, MD 20785 | Phone 301-306-1614 | Fax 301-306-1493