We are proud to announce that Pat McGrath has been named the recipient of the 2025 Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award, a distinction reserved for leaders whose influence extends far beyond their business success. This prestigious honor recognizes Pat’s lifelong commitment to entrepreneurship, integrity, and philanthropy—and the profound impact he has made across our region and beyond.
Pat McGrath is more than a business leader. He is a builder of opportunity, a champion of people, and a steady force for good in the communities he serves.
A Legacy Built on Vision and Growth
After earning a degree in marketing from the University of Northern Iowa, Pat joined the family business in 1980. What began as a single dealership with just 30 employees has grown under his leadership into the McGrath Family of Dealerships—a thriving enterprise that today includes 10 automotive dealerships, one motorcycle dealership, and more than 900 employees across the region.
That growth didn’t happen by chance. It came from Pat’s ability to see opportunity where others saw limits, his willingness to invest in people, and his relentless focus on doing business the right way. His entrepreneurial spirit has helped transform not only the company, but also the lives of thousands of employees, customers, and community partners along the way.
Leadership Rooted in Integrity
At the heart of Pat McGrath’s success is a simple but powerful mission:
Do The Right Thing. Exceed Expectations. Make a Difference.
This philosophy is more than a slogan—it’s the foundation of how Pat leads. Known for his humility and generosity, Pat has always believed that long-term success comes from trust, accountability, and putting people first. Whether supporting employees through career growth, building lasting customer relationships, or giving back to the community, Pat leads with consistency and purpose.
National Recognition, Local Impact
Pat’s leadership has earned recognition at the highest levels of the automotive industry. He is a four-time recipient of Chevrolet’s Dealer of the Year Award, placing him among the top 1% of dealers nationwide. In 2022, he was also nominated for the Time Dealer of the Year Award, one of the industry’s most respected honors.
Yet for all the accolades, Pat is quick to shift the spotlight away from himself. He credits the success of the McGrath Family of Dealerships to the people around him—the dedicated teams who show up every day, the loyal customers who return year after year, and the family members who continue the work he began.
A Family and Future-Focused Leader
Today, Pat’s legacy continues through the next generation. His children—Lindsay, Gavin, and Jaymie—now help lead the business alongside their cousin Murphy, carrying forward the values and vision that have defined the company for decades. For Pat, this continuity represents the greatest achievement of all: building something that lasts and empowers others to lead with the same integrity and heart.
A Well-Deserved Honor
The Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award celebrates leaders who leave a lasting mark through both professional achievement and personal character. Pat McGrath embodies the very spirit of this honor. His legacy is measured not only in growth and awards, but in the countless lives improved through opportunity, leadership, and service.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Pat McGrath at the 2025 Annual Meeting, where attendees will hear from a distinguished lineup of speakers and honor a leader who truly represents what it means to lead with vision, purpose, and heart.
Congratulations, Pat, on this well-deserved recognition.