Celebrating 50 Years of PAG
Five Decades of PAG: Making Leaps & Bounds
Half a century flies by when you’re having fun! As we celebrate 50 years of growth and success, we reflect on how far we’ve come. What began as a single dealership has expanded across the region because of the incredible support of customers like you. But no matter how much we’ve grown since 1975, we’ve never lost sight of our roots or the values that have guided us every step of the way. Join Preston Automotive Group as we reflect on the past 50 years and celebrate all that our community has accomplished!
A Triumphant Timeline
Back in 1984, a leap year sparked Dave Wilson’s creative idea to use a frog for February sales after a brainstorming session with WBOC. In the first commercial, he playfully told his team, “Come on, everyone would love to have a frog.” He had no idea how right he was!
For over 40 years, the Preston Frog has been a cherished part of the Preston Automotive Group family. You’ll find it in our logo, our commercials, and even throughout the community. Every Preston vehicle still includes its very own frog, proudly sitting on the dashboard. While the Frog’s appearance has changed over time, its spirit remains unchanged, carrying the same timeless message: "Cars Cost Less in Preston."
In 1975, a young and ambitious Dave Wilson Sr. launched Preston Automotive Group with a simple dream: To provide the very best in automotive sales and service while building lasting relationships within the community. What began as a small, family-owned Ford dealership in rural Preston, Maryland, has grown into something much bigger: a thriving, multi-brand Autoplex that serves the entire Delmarva Peninsula and beyond.
Throughout the 1990s, we expanded to multiple locations, offering hundreds of vehicles, cutting-edge services, and even delivering cars nationwide.
The turn of the century brought both challenge and triumph. In 2000, a devastating fire could have altered our story, but with resilience, community support, and a committed team, we rebuilt stronger than ever. Innovation continued in 2015 with the thrilling launch of iFrog Marketing Solutions, helping dealerships across the nation succeed in the digital age.
The next generation of leadership began in 2020 as David Wilson Jr. became President of Preston Automotive Group, leading Preston Ford to national recognition as the 33rd largest Ford dealership. By 2023, Dave Wilson Sr. was named Chairman of the National Ford Dealer Council, and in 2025, he was honored as a nominee for TIME Dealer of the Year, celebrating his outstanding business performance and community impact.
From the very first customer who walked through the doors of Preston Ford, to the thousands who have trusted us with their automotive needs over the years, our journey has been about more than just cars. It’s been about community, service, and family. As the years passed, we watched our community grow, and so did we. From one small town dealership to 20+ locations, our journey has been one of growth, hard work, and love for the communities we’ve been proud to serve.
Kindness is Timeless: Preston Cares
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we remain more committed than ever to Preston Cares, a symbol of our belief that success is not just about what we achieve but also about the positive change we can spark together. Through Preston Cares, we can create a future where generosity, compassion, and community spirit are at the forefront. With your support, we look forward to another 50 years of making a positive impact, both on the road and in the communities we call home. Take a look at the rainbow of Preston Frogs we have introduced over the years below!
As we look ahead to the next 50 years, our commitment to serving you remains stronger than ever. Preston Automotive Group has always been driven by a desire to serve from the Eastern Shore to far beyond. Thank you for helping us grow and for being a part of our incredible 50-year journey! Here’s to another 50 exhilarating years filled with gratitude, success, and making a difference in the communities we proudly serve.
