2024 Quality Dealer of the Year ✰
M’Lissa Dunn, Dunn-Rite Auto Group

From left to right: Alvin Melendez, VIADA Executive Director; Donald Sullivan Jr., VIADA President; M’lissa Dunn, recipient of the State Quality Dealer Award; and Dr. Gerald Lackey, DMV Commissioner presenting M’Lissa Dunn with her Quality Dealer of the Year Plaque.

M’Lissa Dunn, Dunn-Rite Auto Group

M’lissa Dunn, owner of Dunn Rite Auto Group, has been awarded the 2024 State Quality Dealer Award, a recognition that honors her remarkable journey in the automotive industry and her unwavering commitment to community service. M’lissa’s path to becoming a dealer is unique; she started her career as a paralegal for attorney Nadir Tawil, with dreams of attending law school. Meanwhile, her husband, Randy, a mechanic and service manager, faced challenges due to his boss’s addiction. Recognizing an opportunity for success, M’lissa took a bold step by leaving her legal career to support Randy in starting their own automotive venture. This leap of faith led to the establishment of Dunn Rite Automotive on July 21, 2004, marking the beginning of a fulfilling journey that now spans over 25 years.

The story of M’lissa and Randy is one of perseverance and hard work. Despite facing initial financial struggles, they remained resolute in their mission to create a better life for themselves and their family. Together, they balanced multiple jobs and devoted countless hours to building their business. Their dream was straightforward: to escape poverty and provide a stable home for their children. Today, as they celebrate their success, M’lissa reflects on their journey, taking pride in how their commitment to quality and service has transformed Dunn Rite Auto Group into a thriving dealership. Her philosophy of treating others as she wishes to be treated permeates the operations, ensuring customers receive honesty, quality vehicles, and exceptional service.

Dunn Rite Auto Group, as a family-owned and operated business, prides itself on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Many employees have been with the company for over 15 years, and M’lissa’s son, Randy Jr., has been involved since childhood, even pushing a broom before he could officially work. Testimonials from her employees highlight the strong family atmosphere M’lissa has cultivated, where even non-related employees are treated like family. A poignant example of this compassion occurred when a mechanic lost his wife unexpectedly; rather than seeking a testimonial during his time of grief, M’lissa and the team rallied around him, demonstrating the caring culture that defines their workplace. Beyond her dealership, M’lissa is deeply engaged in her community, supporting local charities, youth sports, and educational initiatives. Her active participation in organizations like VIADA, NIADA, and the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce further emphasizes her dedication to the automotive industry and ethical practices. As M’lissa celebrates this well-deserved recognition, we honor her contributions to the automotive field and her community, embodying the spirit of the State Quality Dealer Award through her hard work, integrity, and commitment to service.