ARLINGTON, Texas -

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association has announced its 2012 National Quality Dealer of the Year. Receiving this honor at NIADA’s 66th Annual Convention and Expo in Las Vegas was Michael D’Andrea.

The co-owner of Miracle Motor Mart in Columbus, Ohio and former Ohio State linebacker was one of 21 dealers nominated for the award, which is NIADA’s top honor given to one of its dealer members each year.

The panel of judges from Northwood University — which picks the winner each year — considers an array of factors, such as auto industry contributions and community involvement, when making its decision.

Sharing more about D’Andrea, officials said he founded Miracle Motor Mart in 1989. At the time it had 40 vehicles and inventory totaling $150,000. Nearly two-and-a-half decades later, there are more than 400 vehicles spread throughout Miracle Motor Mart’s two locations. What’s more, the dealership employs 46 people.

D’Andrea and partner Mark Meadows also work to benefit charitable causes in their area. Among those are the Run the Race Club, St. Paul’s Outreach, Catholic Youth Summer Camp and St. Patrick’s Youth Ministry.

NIADA chief executive officer Michael Linn said D’Andrea “has provided a superior level of service for his customers, his community and his industry that is beyond reproach. He says his goal each and every day is ‘God first, others second and myself last.’

“Giving back to the community has always been on the top of his list — supporting youth summer camps, working for his church, distributing food, clothing, toys, medical supplies and prayer to more than 700 families each year. It is an honor and a privilege to bestow this great award to a well deserving dealer, member and automotive professional,” Linn continued.

Chiming in, D’Andrea listed “teamwork, loyalty, ethics and honesty” as sources of pride within the dealership. He added that given the dealership’s expansion, “in that growth you’re almost forced to do more. You’re almost required to do more.

“I’m proud of NIADA’s commitment to encourage dealers to make a difference in their community. We have all been given a great gift of self-employment and being in a free country. … We have a great responsibility with all these gifts we have been given. Let us share them with our friends, our families and our community,” D’Andrea added.