Thomas McCaslin’s path to leading Gateway Motors in Broken Bow began with a pickup trade and an unexpected opportunity. Now, more than two decades later, he’s been selected to represent Nebraska in the national TIME Dealer of the Year competition.
McCaslin is one of 48 dealers from across the country nominated for the award, which recognizes automotive industry success alongside a commitment to community service. He will be honored at the National Automobile Dealers Association Show in Orlando, Florida, in February 2027, where the national winner will be selected.
McCaslin joined Gateway Motors in October 2005, initially working in vehicle sales. While he was still working at Custer County Implement, he approached the dealership about trading pickups. That conversation with longtime dealer Butch Brunken turned into an opportunity to buy into the business. McCaslin acquired a 15% ownership stake and became dealer principal in March 2006.
The early years brought challenges, including a difficult period for the dealership’s Chevrolet franchise following the automotive industry’s struggles in 2008 and 2009. With support from the community and local economic development efforts, Gateway Motors regained its Chevrolet franchise in 2009 without going through arbitration.
McCaslin said the dealership has since continued to grow, crediting the people around him for helping make that possible.
A major step came in 2017, when McCaslin brought Todd Anderson into the business as a partner and Gateway Motors acquired a second dealership in Arnold. That operation was eventually relocated to Broken Bow, with a new facility constructed in 2021. McCaslin now owns 75% of the business, with Anderson holding the remaining 25%.
Gateway Motors represents Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram. The dealership employs 22 people and serves customers well beyond the Broken Bow area, with vehicle sales and deliveries reaching neighboring states and locations as far away as Pennsylvania.
During an interview with KCNI/KBBN, McCaslin emphasized that the dealership’s success has been a team effort, involving employees, business partners and community support.
He also remains involved in the automotive industry beyond Gateway Motors, serving as secretary of the Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association and on its executive council. He has served on the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board since 2019.
The national award process will narrow the 48 nominees to regional finalists before selecting a national winner. Ally, the award’s sponsor, will also contribute $1,000 to a charity chosen by each nominee.
For McCaslin, the nomination recognizes a journey that began with selling vehicles and taking a chance on an opportunity in his hometown. He said he’s proud of what the dealership has built, while making clear that he still sees room for growth.
As he put it during the interview, “I’m not done yet.”
The full press release about McCaslin’s nomination can be found here.
Watch the full interview from the Get Up & Go Breakfast Show below:
