What is the Owen Darling Award?


The Owen Darling Award, named after the founder of Darling's in 1937, is a highly esteemed accolade. Its creation in 2014 was inspired by Owen's grandchildren, Jay, Carrie, and Lynne Darling. While working in the dealership and interacting with the public, they frequently heard about their grandfather's admirable deeds, which had gone unrecognized. They recognized that many of their colleagues in the company shared similar qualities and wanted to pay tribute to both their grandfather and their fellow team members.

The award winner is presented at our annual all-employee meeting held in January, and the prize includes a paid vacation to a destination of their choice.
2025 Award Winner: Colby Gray

Colby is a dedicated and compassionate team member who embodies the values of kindness, generosity, and integrity. He is widely recognized as a "go-to guy" not only for his technical expertise and problem-solving abilities but also for the way he treats people. His willingness to help others, whether by mentoring younger technicians or lending a hand to colleagues, has made a significant impact on those around him. His leadership in the shop, combined with his commitment to supporting and uplifting others, is something that everyone deeply admires.

Beyond his technical skills, Colby is known for his strong character and unwavering integrity. His ability to foster meaningful relationships and his genuine care for others stand out as some of his most defining traits. Whether at work or in his personal life, he is always helping someone, mentoring a teammate, or simply bringing a positive attitude to those around him. His love for his family, particularly his daughters, is also evident in the way he prioritizes them and spends time with them.

Colby's personality extends beyond his professionalism-he is also well-known for his sense of humor and his memorable moments. From his legendary handshake to his infamous Christmas inflatables visible from miles away, he has a way of leaving a lasting impression. Even when faced with minor accidents, like getting a screw through his hand or injuring himself during a dance-off, he remains resilient and dedicated. His ability to find joy and laughter in everyday moments makes him a beloved figure among his peers.

As a recipient of the Owen Darling Award, Colby exemplifies what it means to be a valued member of the Darling's team. His hard work, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those around him make him more than deserving of this recognition. The outpouring of congratulations from colleagues speaks volumes about the impact he has had, and there is no doubt that his future at Darling's will continue to be bright. Congratulations, Colby!

Previous Owen Darling Award Winners
2014- Dale Reed (Retired)

2015- Rich Parks (Recon Manager- Honda Nissan Volvo)

2016- Katie Seavey (Office Manager- Darling's Auto Mall) 

2017 - Lorilei Tozier-Porter (Special Projects)

2018 - Bub White (Vehicle Tech- Ford)

2019 - Jeffrey Monk (Wholesale Parts)

2020- Ruth Amsden (Admin Asst - Corp) 

2023- Hunter Peaslee (Augusta- Collision Center)

2024- Angel Sukeforth (Chevy- Ellsworth)