We've got some exciting news to share. Kristin Hutchins, dealer of Ruge's Subaru right here in Rhinebeck, has been nominated for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award, presented by TIME in partnership with Ally Financial.
It's one of the most respected honors in the auto industry, recognizing dealers who run successful businesses and show a long-standing commitment to their communities. Kristin was chosen to represent the New York State Automobile Dealers Association, making her one of just 48 nominees from more than 20,000 dealers nationwide. She'll be honored at the NADA Show in Orlando on February 19, 2027.
"This nomination is an incredible honor, and I am grateful to represent our employees, customers, family and New York's automotive community," Kristin said.
A Family Business, Three Generations Strong
Ruge's history goes back to 1935, when Kristin's grandfather founded Ruge's Oldsmobile. Her father, Lewis Ruge, grew the business, and Kristin, a Rhinebeck High School grad who grew up working at the dealership, became president of Ruge's Auto Group in 2015. Before that, she owned Blondies Cafe in Rhinebeck, an experience she says taught her a lot about serving customers and leading a team.
When GM discontinued Oldsmobile, Kristin made the call to go all in on Subaru, well before the brand reached its current popularity. That long-term thinking paid off. The group added Chevrolet in 2016 and Ford in 2020, and today represents Subaru, Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram. Her husband Scott, son Tanner and other family members work in the business too.
Investing in Our Team and Our Customers
Ruge's Subaru has grown a lot since 2010: a remodeled showroom, a brand-new service center about two miles from the sales location, and the old service area converted into extra showroom space. The newer facilities include break rooms, locker rooms and training rooms for our team.
That team is 70 people strong, and 23 of them have been here more than a decade. Kristin is a big believer in promoting from within, and the company pays for ongoing training, from NADA programs to technician courses.
Our customers notice. Ruge's Subaru ranks second out of 67 retailers in Subaru Distributors Corp. for service retention, with about 70 percent of that business coming from outside our designated area. As Kristin puts it, people aren't coming back because we're the closest dealer. They're coming back because of the relationships they've built with our team.
Giving Back to the Hudson Valley
Kristin's community work runs deep. She served as vice president of the Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce from 2013 to 2023 and chaired the Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation board, helping lead two capital campaigns that raised more than $20 million. She also organized Light the Village Pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raising more than $10,000, and Ruge's supports local groups like Miles of Hope and Angels of Light.
Along the way, Ruge's Subaru has earned the Subaru Customer and Community Commitment Award and the Carfax Top-Rated Dealer Award every year from 2021 through 2025.
"I am proud that we have grown beyond what earlier generations envisioned while remaining a family business with the same commitment to employees, customers and the community," Kristin said.
Come Say Hi
Congratulations, Kristin! We're proud to have her leading the way. Whether you're shopping for a new Subaru or due for service, stop by Ruge's Subaru in Rhinebeck and see what makes our team different.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TIME Dealer of the Year award?
It's a national award from TIME and Ally Financial that recognizes auto dealers who combine business success with a long-standing commitment to community service. Only 48 dealers were nominated for the 2027 award out of more than 20,000 nationwide.
Who nominated Kristin Hutchins?
Kristin was nominated by Robert Vancavage, president of the New York State Automobile Dealers Association, to represent New York in the national competition.
When will the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year be announced?
All 48 nominees will be honored at the NADA Show in Orlando, Florida, on February 19, 2027, where the national Dealer of the Year will be recognized.
How long has Ruge's been in business?
Ruge's dates back to 1935, when Ruge's Oldsmobile was founded. Kristin is the third generation of her family to lead the company.