BROKEN BOW – Thomas McCaslin, dealer principal and part owner of Gateway Motors in Broken Bow, has been nominated for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award, recognizing his automotive career, business leadership and commitment to the community.
McCaslin will represent the Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association at the 110th annual National Automobile Dealers Association Show in Orlando, Florida, February 19, 2027. The award recognizes automotive dealers for business success and a longstanding commitment to community service. McCaslin is the only Nebraska dealer nominated for this year’s award.
McCaslin was born and raised in Broken Bow and has spent more than 20 years helping lead Gateway Motors. His automotive career began in October 2005 when he joined the dealership in vehicle sales. He became dealer principal in March 2006, just months after joining the business.
As a first generation dealer, McCaslin did not inherit a family dealership. He began with a 15% ownership stake and gradually increased his share to 75% through additional purchases in 2014 and 2017. His business partner, Todd Anderson, owns the remaining 25%.
“Todd Anderson is in the trenches every day and in the day to day operations,” McCaslin said. “He’s actually named the executive manager of the dealership through the franchises, and our growth really started in 2017 when Todd came on board.”
McCaslin said his role has changed over the years.
“I wear many hats. I’ve been the dealer principal for 20 years,” McCaslin said. “My day to day has changed a lot over the years, but I still sell cars. I still brace cars, but I also do all of the franchise things. I spend time in the shop, the parts and accounting departments. I am very active all day throughout the whole dealership.”
Gateway Motors operates two dealerships in Broken Bow, representing Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram. The company was founded in 1974 and expanded in 2017 with the acquisition of a second dealership. That operation was relocated to Broken Bow in 2020, followed by construction of a new facility for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram franchises in 2021.
“In receiving this honor, I know that I couldn’t do it without my employees and especially without my business partner, Todd Anderson,” McCaslin said.
Gateway Motors has also received recognition for their performance. The dealership earned the Chevrolet Mark of Excellence Award each year from 2021 through 2025. McCaslin said the award is based on sales volume and customer satisfaction. Gateway is one of 44 Chevrolet dealers in Nebraska and ranks among the state’s top 10, he said.
Community Involvement
Beyond sales and service, McCaslin said supporting the Broken Bow community has been a priority throughout his career.
“We support schools, hospitals, Custer County Economic development, we support everything in town,” McCaslin. “If there’s something going on, we are there to support it.”
Gateway Motors also invests in the next generation of automotive technicians through a scholarship program that helps students pay tuition and purchase tools needed for their careers.
McCaslin said one student is currently attending Southeast Community College in Milford to earn an automotive technology degree. The student is expected to return to Broken Bow to work at Gateway Motors after graduation. He will be the third student the dealership has helped put through college.
McCaslin said the financial assistance is particularly important because technicians face significant costs beyond tuition.
The dealership employs about 25 full time workers, along with eight or nine part time drivers. McCaslin said employees are involved in the community and have supported local schools and activities as their families have grown up in the area.
His leadership also extends beyond Gateway Motors. McCaslin has been involved with state automotive dealer associations and serves on the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, which oversees laws governing vehicles manufacturers, distributors and dealers.
The national award selection process will take place through the dealer association, with nominees recognized at the February conference and finalists selected before the winner is announced.
“It’s an honorable award and I’m very humbled by it,” McCaslin said. “When I think of myself being in Gateway Motors and being here for the dealer principal for over 20, just over 20 years, it’s an honor that I never would have imagined.”
