WVADA extends its congratulations to Ginger Fato, dealer principal of Straub Honda and president of Straub Automotive, for her nomination for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year award! Ginger was among an elite group of 47 dealer nominees from across the nation who were recognized at the annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in early February in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The prestigious TIME Dealer of the Year award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who have a long-standing commitment to the community. Fato was chosen to represent the West Virginia Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition from more than 20,000 dealers nationwide.
Straub Automotive began as an automotive repair facility in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1945 and later expanded into a full-service dealership. Fato joined the company in 1989 as a second-generation dealer, collaborating with her father, Kenneth “Dick” Straub, and playing a key role in helping the business transition from paper-based processes to modern computer systems.
Over the years, Ginger’s role grew into much more than a career; it became a true passion. She recognized that a successful dealership is about more than selling vehicles; it is about building relationships, serving the community, and creating meaningful experiences for customers and employees alike. “Working beside my dad taught me that our success is rooted in the philosophy of short profit, high volume and a guarantee of excellent service, and above all, that this business is about people.”
In 2000, following her father’s retirement, she assumed the presidency of the company. With a clear vision for the future, she set out to grow and modernize the business. One of her first major initiatives was relocating Straub Honda from downtown Wheeling to The Highlands in Triadelphia, positioning the company for continued expansion and long-term success.
In 2009, Straub Automotive acquired the Nissan franchise and developed plans to relocate Straub Nissan to The Highlands as well. This marked the beginning of a period of significant growth. By 2015, the company had completed its Honda and Hyundai dealerships and expanded further with the acquisition of the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram franchise. In 2017, Straub Automotive added a second FCA-branded dealership, and the following year, the company continued its expansion by acquiring the Ford dealership in Moundsville.
Ginger has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to see the bigger picture, pursuing strategic opportunities that align with the needs of both her employees and the customers they serve. “I can tell you that we’re honored whenever someone comes here, trusts us and purchases their next vehicle from us. That means a lot to us, it really does.”
In 2018, Straub Honda was once again honored with Honda’s President’s Award, marking the fifth time in the company’s history that it had received the distinction. The dealership was the only Honda retailer in West Virginia to earn this recognition, an achievement reserved for less than 10% of Honda dealers nationwide.
Ginger passionately believes that if you “take care of your people, they will take care of your customers.” This philosophy is reflected in Straub Automotive’s strong commitment to employee well-being. The company provides modern break areas, comprehensive health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, and hosts an annual, month-long employee appreciation celebration. Her goal is to ensure that every employee feels valued and truly part of the Straub Automotive family.
Ginger believes that if you have the ability to help others in need, you should. Philanthropy has long been a passion for both her and the Straub family. In 2025, following the devastating flash flooding across the Ohio Valley, Straub Automotive partnered with Appalachian Outreach and the Valley Grove Volunteer Fire Department, donating $50,000 to provide appliances, furnaces and hot water tanks to families affected by the disaster.
Giving back remains central to her leadership. She regularly encourages employee involvement through community service days, Toys for Tots drives, charity benefit walks and sponsorships of local youth sports programs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Ginger refused to let the diagnosis define or defeat her. Instead, she faced the challenge with determination and turned her personal journey into a mission of hope and support for others battling cancer. She has donated $100,000 to local hospitals to fund educational resources, transportation assistance and free mammograms, helping ensure that more individuals have access to care and support.
Ginger is happily married to Thomas, and they have two children, Bryan Fato and Cari Woods, who are poised to carry on the family legacy.
Ginger, like so many of our dealers, demonstrates true commitment to the communities her dealerships serve. WVADA is proud to call Ginger one of our own!
