The Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association is proud to announce that Troy Duhon of Premier Automotive in New Orleans has been named the 2023 Louisiana Dealer of the Year. This prestigious annual award recognizes one standout Louisiana auto dealer for their business success and impact in the community. Each year, LADA’s members nominate dealers from various districts and the winners are selected by LADA’s board of directors. To qualify, nominees must be the designated operating head of a franchised new car dealership and must demonstrate their exceptional status as a reputable auto dealer in the region and an outstanding citizen actively invested in their community. 

From buying his first dealership at 30 years old to starting his own nonprofit, Troy Duhon’s achievements exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and generosity we pride our association membership on. Our entire association is proud to recognize Troy as the 2023 Louisiana Dealer of the Year. His success in the industry and support of his community embodies the true spirit of the award. Congratulations, Troy! -lada PRESIDENT WILL GREEN

Duhon’s career began at the early age of 14, when he joined his father in the auto business by washing cars on the family’s dealership lot. While attending college at LSU, Duhon began selling cars each summer to help pay for his college tuition. In 1995, he purchased his first dealership, Toyota of New Orleans, and since then he has continued to invest in the industry and grown his portfolio to include dozens of dealerships with five in the New Orleans area.

​After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, four of Duhon’s dealerships flooded and destroyed 1,200 cars. In the face of their own struggles, the Duhons felt the need to give back and support others who had lost everything after the storm. Duhon set up a community relief center in one of his dealerships. These efforts grew into the foundation Giving Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing and providing fellowship to those in need in the Greater New Orleans community and around the world. Duhon uses profits from the dealerships to support this foundation.

It’s an honor to represent the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association as this year’s Dealer of the year on behalf of Premier Automotive. It’s been a dream of Tracy and mine to bless people. As we feed 5,000-6,000 people a day, it truly touches us and inspires us to continue doing what we are doing. My father always told me no one will remember how many cars I sold, but the good Lord will remember how many people I feed. -troy duhon

Duhon has served as chairman of the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission and on the dealer council for Nissan, Toyota and Chrysler. Outside of work, Duhon has served on the boards of OTMAC, Covenant House, the New Orleans Mission and the Giving HOPE Foundation.