ORWIGSBURG, Pa. -

Honoring six dealerships that it believes exemplify the company’s key core values, used-car extended service contract provider Preferred Warranties Inc. has revealed its third annual Values Awards.

Preferred Warranties picked a winning dealer for each of its five core values — integrity, pursuit of excellence, community, service and fun — and also spotlighted an overall winner.

PWI’s Overall Award went to Gates Used Cars of Pearland, Texas.

“If we are good to others, they will be good to us and come back,” explained Sarah Reid, the office manager at the dealership.

Preferred Warranties added: “That philosophy extends from the quality of cars they sell to their activities in the church and surrounding community.”

The six stores were chosen by the PWI Values Team, which is comprised of company employees that identify and promote the aforementioned values.

Eligible contestants for the award included the more than 2,000 stores providing Preferred Warranties protection plans.

Each of the winners will receive a framed award certificate, and the company will make a cash donation to the dealership’s charity of choice in the respective store’s name.

For Gates, Preferred Warranties will donate $500 toward youth scholarships for the Fanatic Conference of the San Jacinto Church.

Preferred Warranties is making $250 donations for the five category winners, which include:

Integrity Award: All American Preowned Autos in Elkins, W.Va.
Donation to: Randolph County Humane Society

“From day one this dealer has demonstrated very high values and ethical behavior,” stated William Jurick, PWI’s nominating sales consultant. “Dave Whittaker, the owner, has always done what he said he would do, always does the right thing for his customers.”

Pursuit of Excellence Award: Lawson Bros. Quality Auto in Sugar Grove, Pa.
Donation to: local branch of Salvation Army (dealership plans to match donation, officials noted).

“A mechanical breakdown left a customer’s family stranded far from home on one of the hottest days of summer,” said PWI sales consultant Steve Hays. “They were returning from vacation and funds were low. Dave Lawson provided the means for the family, which included a baby and toddler, to check into a motel with a pool until their car was repaired.”

Community Award: Del Real Auto Sales, Lafayette, Ind.
Donation to: United Businesses Serving the Community

“I’m not sure any dealer in the country exemplifies the value of community more than Tony Del Real,” shared PWI sales consultant Chris Shine. “He’s an active volunteer with the Indiana Independent Auto Dealers Association, Purdue Clinton County Extension Office, the Chamber Council of Greater Lafayette Commerce, the Rossville Lions Club and youth baseball leagues. He’s also president of United Businesses Serving the Community.”

Service Award: Huber Automotive in Westerville, Ohio.
Donation to: Make-A-Wish Foundation

PWI sales consultant Jim Boszor said: “It was started in 1959 by Charles ‘Sonny’ Huber, who is remembered for his compassion, honesty and integrity. Those values were passed on to brothers Dave and Tim Huber, who now operate a three-acre, pre-owned dealership featuring an indoor showroom, a full service center and a detail shop, with more than 80 vehicles in inventory. They have three generations working in the dealership, from management to car washers. After five decades, they still put service first.”

Fun Award: J&M Truck Sales in Dallas County, Texas
Donation to: Challenger League, Forney Youth Baseball Association.

Officials said this dealership has a “customer-friendly attitude” which along with its reputation, “makes it fun for the whole family.” The store also emphasizes quality, as all vehicles come with service contracts.

“They get a lot of repeat business,” explains nominating PWI sales consultant John Bateman. “Whole families buy their cars from J & M — as many as five cars in a single family.”