ATD’s next generation of dealers are constantly working to advance the commercial truck industry. And the ATD Next Gen program helps them prepare for the future by arming them with the education, tools, resources, and networking opportunities they need to improve their business operations. ATD’s pool of NextGen members are exceptional business leaders who are also committed to serving others. They are ready to advocate for their fellow dealers—whether in their own state legislatures or in the Nation’s Capital.
Korey Neal is the president of K. Neal Truck & Bus Center with four locations in the Washington, D.C. metro area, representing International, IC Bus, Isuzu, Hino, and Collins Bus. Like many dealers, Korey grew up in the business. His father and current CEO, Stephen Neal, acquired the dealership in 2006.
Korey received his BS at Eastern Michigan University where he was recruited as a Division I football player. After graduating, he went on to receive his Master’s at American University. He’s also a proud 2016 graduate of the ATD Academy and his dealership has sent 6 employees through the Academy with another employee currently enrolled.
From an early age, Korey aspired to be a leader in his family’s operation which has been a fixture in the community for more than 40 years. As a proud husband and father of two sons, Korey is intent on making a larger impact on his industry and in his home state. He was named the 2019 Emerging Leaders & Influencers Awardee by the U.S. Black Chambers of Commerce; the 2019 Millennial Entrepreneur of the Year by Prince George’s County; and part of the select ’40 under 40’ by the Washington Business Journal in 2020.
Below is an excerpt from a recent interview with Korey:
Q: Why did you decide to be involved in this industry?
My reason for being in this industry has changed over my tenure. Like many others, I originally came to this industry with the ambition to run my family business. Now, my sights are on greater things—global sustainability, driver satisfaction, and electric/autonomous vehicles.
Q: What is the history of your company?
I’m proud that K. Neal Truck Bus Center is an award-winning, full-service, minority-owned commercial truck and bus dealership. We are committed to improving fleet uptime, anticipating the future of mobility, integrating emerging technology, and supporting the profitability of the transportation ecosystem. K. Neal offers the best in new and used commercial trucks and buses, superior mobile service options, the right parts at the right time and preventative, technology-backed maintenance solutions. We’ve been a mainstay in Maryland, DC, and Virginia for more than four decades.
Q: What is your 10-year professional goal?
In ten years, I will be a leader in the transportation ecosystem. My goal is to help lead pioneering technologies that advance sustainability. I want to advance alternative fuel transformations in the commercial vehicle industry and expand our current dealer footprint. Overall, the commercial transportation industry is where I see myself for many years to come.
Q: What would you change about your career path?
I wish I had experience in different marketplaces. I think it would’ve been beneficial to see how other people and companies operate based on their different market conditions.
Q: Any words of wisdom for those who follow?
Yes: Give back more to the world than what you take from it…in everything that you do.
Q: Who influences you (past or present) in your professional life and why?
I have been fortunate to have so many great people, coaches, everyday heroes, and advisors that have influenced me. None are greater than my parents to whom I owe all my success!
On a more personal level:
Q: What was your first car?
Chevy S10 Pick-up truck (2-seater)
Q: What is your favorite food?
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Q: What is your favorite vacation?
A family trip to Punta de Mita, Mexico
Q: What book are you currently reading?
Chop Wood Carry Water (The book is made up of short stories that teaches the reader how to fall in love with the process of becoming great.)
Q: Who would you invite to a dinner party (living or dead) and why?
I would invite my grandmother. She had this incredible way of having conversation that kept you in the moment with her. I’d also invite Shaq who is my childhood hero and idol; and my wife (if I had a dinner party with Shaq and did not invite her, I do not think she would like that very much!)
Q: What is your first choice for an alternative career?
Management or Leadership role in Professional or Collegiate Sport.
