When David Wilson Jr. was 12 years old, he assisted at Preston Automotive Group in areas such as the vehicle detail and sales departments.

He joined the Preston Automotive executive team after college graduation.

On Jan. 20, Preston Automotive Group announced Wilson’s promotion to president of the company.

Owners Dave and Peggy Wilson said in a news release: “Passing the baton is bittersweet, but we know David and his team will take the group to heights we never imagined.”

They continued, “It’s been tremendous to watch him grow and we are excited for the team to continue their success.”

“I look forward to continuing the foundation that my father and team has built,” David Wilson Jr. said.

While attending Northwood University, Wilson Jr. worked in the areas of automotive marketing and management to expand his customer- and associate-serving ability.

While at Northwood, he continued working at Preston Automotive as a sales manager for Preston Ford.

He went on to work his way up to general manager of Preston Hyundai.

During his senior year in college, he oversaw Preston Ford, Lincoln, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, and Denton Ford.

Wilson Jr. has overseen more of the day to day operations for the group over the past 10 years, and the company said it has seen “unprecedented growth” during that time. Preston Ford said in 2019 it was the 33rd-ranked volume Ford dealership out of more than 3,000.

“It’s an honor to serve our communities and the associates of the Preston Automotive Group,” Wilson Jr. said.

He continued, “My family taught me the value of integrity and providing a superior customer experience, which has always been instilled in me.”

Preston Automotive Group’s story began with Preston Ford in 1975. Dave Wilson joined as a salesperson in 1977, transitioning to ownership at 22. The organization grew to represent Hyundai, Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Nissan, Chevrolet, Lincoln, and Genesis, along with various used cars, trucks, and SUVs.

“The Preston Automotive Group has been proud to serve the Eastern Shore and customers nationwide, offering the very best experience and will continue to take customer service to new heights under David and his team,” the company said.