After more than 41 years in the Justice family, Rick Justice Honda has sold the car dealership to a new group of owners.

Dr. Azhar and Michelle Pasha in partnership with David Kelly Nance and Jessica Nance, all of Meridian, announced the sale in a news release on the dealership’s Facebook page on Friday, the day the agreement was finalized. The group said they changed the name to Meridian Honda, to reflect their pride and enthusiasm for the city of Meridian.

The purchase price was undisclosed.

“Our goal is to continue the legacy that the Justice family has established in this community and try to build on it by offering you the very best in unbeatable pricing, service and respect,” the new owners wrote. “We are very excited to get to know each and every customer on a personal level and build a relationship. This is our top priority.”

Justice announced his retirement in the news release, noting his family had owned and operated the dealership since 1975.

“Our family is excited about where the ownership and management team will take the Honda brand, the dealership, and its customers,” Rick and Rose Justice said in a statement.

Dr. Pasha operates a pain management practice in Meridian and is investing heavily in the city, said Jessica Nance, who is the new dealership’s marketing and promotions manager after 16 years in marketing and media sales in Meridian.

David Kelly Nance has been in the automotive business as salesperson and sales manager for 15 years, the last 10 as sales manager for Sunbelt Motors, now BMW of Meridian. He will be the general manager in charge of all day-to-day management of the dealership, Jessica Nance said.

Rick Justice said he had earlier opportunities to sell the business, but “wanted to make sure he found people that had the right heart, a strong connection to the community and we weren’t going anywhere,” Jessica Nance said. “This was a big deal for him.”

All but a couple of the 33 members of the workforce elected to stay with the dealership, Nance said.

Joining the staff are Jeff Peden, who has 30 years in management, as general sales manager and Richard Daniel, who has more than 30 years experience, as parts manager. 

Nance said the new ownership has received an enthusiastic response so far from customers.

Honda has agreed to increase the inventory because of the change in ownership and new certified used inventory will be added.

“We hope to add brands in the future,” Jessica Nance said. “We definitely are looking at investing in Meridian and bringing in excitement, but we will be reaching out to other brands. We can’t say which yet.”

All from Meridian and proud of Meridian