Oscar Horton, president, Sun State International, is presented the 2020 ATD Dealer of the Year award by ATD Senior Director Barbara Robinson.Oscar Horton, president and CEO at Sun State International Trucks, was named the recipient of the 2020 American Truck Dealers (ATD) Dealer of the Year lifetime achievement award Sunday during the ATD Show in Las Vegas.
Horton entered the dealer space with the acquisition of a struggling dealership in Tampa, Fla., nearly 20 years ago. Over the last two decades, Horton turned the single store into a full-service business offering new and used truck sales, parts, service and lease and rental services at seven locations throughout Florida with more than 150 employees.
Chairman of a school for underprivileged youth in Florida and trustee at the University of South Florida, Horton’s philanthropy and business success made him an easy choice for this year’s honor.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity for me. I am always amazed when I am awarded something. I’m so filled with pride,” he said. “I never thought I would have the opportunity to receive an award like this.”
Horton went on to thank his wife and two daughters (both of whom work in the business) for their unending support, as well as the Navistar Dealer Council, who nominated Horton for this year’s award. He also referenced the common expression that it takes a village to raise a child, noting “there were a lot of villagers behind” him who have helped him and Sun State International become a successful operation.
“Thank you so much. Trust me I’ll make you proud,” he added.
TranSource Vice President Jim Bland was named the Finalist for this year’s award as recognition for his 58 years in the trucking industry. Other finalists were Tim Mitchell, Kenworth of Pennsylvania; Scott Pearson, Peterbilt of Atlanta; and Lance Wilson, General Truck Sales.
The 2020 ATD Dealer of the Year Award is sponsored by Procede Software and Heavy Duty Trucking.
