Darrell Waltrip Subaru are honored to receive the 2026 Subaru Love Promise HEART Award.
In recognition of our commitment to our customers and community.
We are honored to be nationally recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. for our dedication to living the Subaru Love Promise.
The 2026 Subaru Love Promise HEART Award recognizes Subaru retailers who use the principles of HEART: Honesty, Empathy, Appreciation, and Respect to earn your Trust.
We have been recognized for providing exemplary customer service and staying committed to our community.
Here at Darrell Waltrip Subaru, we love making a positive impact on the lives of all of our customers, employees, and neighbors. We thank you for your support.
What is the Subaru Love Promise®?
The Subaru Love Promise® is our vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru. Subaru and our retailers believe every day gives us an opportunity to positively impact the world around us - by how we support each other, our customers, and our community. Together, we are committed to making the world a better place. The Love Promise is what makes Subaru More Than a Car Company® and a Subaru retailer More Than a Car Dealer®. It sets a standard that we are committed to living every day.
What is the Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment?
At Darrell Waltrip Subaru, we believe in being a positive force in our community, not just with donations, but with actions that set an example for others to follow. We aim to make the world a better place through several key initiatives that help support and protect people, pets, and our planet:
How is Darrell Waltrip Subaru dedicated locally to the Love Promise?
Our Love Promise can be seen in various partnerships with local charities and non-profits. We're grateful for the opportunity, not only to be a part of our community, but to serve it as well.
Williamson Co. Animal Shelter, Nashville Humane Association, Happy Tales Humane Society
Harpeth River Watershed, Williamson County Parks and Re
Williamson Co. Schools, High Hopes Inclusive Pre-Schoo, College Grove Recreation, Franklin Lions Club
Fisher House, Habitat for Humanity, Franklin Tomorrow, Challenged Athletes Foundation, VSA Tennessee
Vanderbilt LifeFlight, St. Jude Children's Hospitals, Mercy Health Services, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Williamson Medical Center
Love Promise Stories from Darrell Waltrip Subaru
Subaru and Darrell Waltrip Subaru believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. We uphold that belief through our Love Promise Community Commitment. Every month, we select inspiring stories from customers and partners from around our area who strive to support our collective commitment and feature them here
Supporting Those Who Shape the Future - Charlotte B
At Darrell Waltrip Subaru, being part of the community means more than simply doing business in it. Through the Subaru Love Promise, our dealership is committed to supporting and uplifting the people and organizations that make a difference in the lives of others. One of the partnerships that means the most to our team is our ongoing relationship with Poplar Grove School, a school we proudly adopt each year through Subaru Loves Learning. For National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 5, our team wanted to recognize the teachers and staff at Poplar Grove in a meaningful and heartfelt way. Knowing the unique challenges that educators face every day, especially in schools with significant needs, we felt it was important to take a moment to simply say thank you. Teachers give so much of themselves to their students, often working long hours and going above and beyond to create a supportive and encouraging environment for every child who walks through their classroom doors. To show our appreciation, Darrell Waltrip Subaru delivered 170 gift bags filled with small gifts, along with cookies and brownies for the faculty and staff to enjoy. While the gesture may have seemed small, it was intended to provide a moment of encouragement and a reminder that their hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. Our relationship with Poplar Grove School has grown through our continued involvement with Subaru Loves Learning, and over time we have seen firsthand the impact that caring educators have on their students and the surrounding community. Supporting this school has become deeply meaningful to our dealership because we understand how important it is for teachers and staff to feel valued and supported. National Teacher Appreciation Day provided the perfect opportunity to give back to the people who invest so much into shaping future generations. From the classroom to the front office, every staff member at Poplar Grove plays an important role in creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed. Acts of kindness and community support are at the heart of the Subaru Love Promise, and this visit to Poplar Grove School was a reflection of that commitment. Darrell Waltrip Subaru is proud to continue standing beside local educators and schools, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Poplar Grove for years to come.
A Wilderness Adventure - Taylor J
Buying my used 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness was already a great experience, but what really stood out was everything that came after. During the purchase, I was offered an off-road class to learn more about what my vehicle can do beyond the pavement. At the time, I thought it was just a nice extra, but it turned into something much more meaningful. I was invited by Charlotte Blackwell to attend a customer off-road event hosted by the dealership, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The event was organized with certified guides who took us out on real off-road trails and walked us through how to safely and confidently navigate different types of terrain. It was hands-on, informative, and a lot of fun. Before attending, I wasn't fully aware of everything my Outback Wilderness was capable of. After spending time on the trails with expert guidance, I now feel much more confident in both my vehicle and my own ability to take it off the pavement and explore. It gave me a whole new level of appreciation for my Subaru and the team at Darrell Waltrip. We also got a swag bag with Subaru gear and she provided lunch while on the trails. This experience truly went above and beyond what I expected after purchasing a vehicle, especially since it was at no cost to me. It's clear that the dealership cares about building lasting relationships with their customers, not just making a sale.
Love Beyond The Pavement - Charlotte B
There is a moment for many Subaru owners when the pavement ends and routine gives way to possibility. For some, that moment brings hesitation. For others, curiosity. But for many, it raises a simple question: What is my Subaru truly capable of? Since launching the program in 2024, Darrell Waltrip Subaru has hosted nine off-road events, each building on the last to create a consistent and thoughtfully structured experience for Subaru owners. Designed for Wilderness models and other trail-capable vehicles, these quarterly events provide a hands-on learning environment that extends well beyond the traditional dealership experience. Rather than simply showcasing vehicle capability, the focus is on guided, real-world application delivered in a safe and controlled setting. Central to this experience is the retailer's ongoing partnership with Morrison's Outdoor Adventures, whose internationally certified guides lead each event, as well as the use of Bell's Reserve, a private local venue selected specifically to ensure optimal trail conditions and participant safety. Together, these partnerships have played a key role in the program's development, supporting a high-quality experience rooted in education, safety, and driver confidence. What emerges from the event is not just a demonstration of performance, but a transformation in perspective. Owners travel from across the country, arriving with different levels of experience and uncertainty. Yet they leave with something remarkably consistent: confidence. For Sara Wolfe, that journey began with both excitement and hesitation. "When I first discovered the Darrell Waltrip Subaru Experience on Facebook, I was beyond excited," she shared. "Being new to Tennessee, I wasn't comfortable heading out on my own with little off-roading knowledge or experience." She showed up alone, unsure of what to expect, but ready to try. "I was completely blown away by the experience and by the confidence it gave me to get out and explore more on my own. It's a safe, welcoming environment with like-minded people and outstanding trail leaders." That confidence is built through experience. In a controlled setting, drivers learn how their vehicles respond and how traction, clearance, and control all work together. What once felt uncertain becomes intuitive. For Heather White, that sense of support proved essential. "As a novice off-roader, this event provides an educational introduction to what my Forester Wilderness is capable of—with the safety of knowing that if something goes awry, I'm in capable hands." During one event, it did. "While climbing a hill, I slid on soft terrain, lost traction, and had to be pulled out. Had I been alone, I would have panicked, but the team had me recovered in no time so the ride could continue." Moments like these do more than teach skill, they also build trust. Not just in the vehicle, but in the experience itself. That trust is reinforced by the deep involvement of the retailer's staff. From planning and logistics to on-trail support and one-on-one coaching, Darrell Waltrip Subaru employees are actively engaged throughout the entire experience. Their presence ensures that every participant feels supported, whether it is their first time off-road or their tenth, and reflects a dealership-wide commitment to customer confidence and safety. That empowerment extends far beyond the trail. Owners leave better prepared for future trips, unfamiliar roads, and the kind of exploration they may have once avoided. Just as important is the community that forms along the way. Shared discovery creates connection, and connection creates return. "Not only do I feel more confident driving on and off road," Heather said, "but I now chase other Wilderness owners down to make sure they know about this opportunity and great community." What begins as an event becomes a network of owners brought together by curiosity, capability, and a willingness to explore. In many ways, this experience reflects a broader truth about Subaru itself. Capability is not just a feature; it is an invitation. And through the continued partnership between Darrell Waltrip Subaru, Morrison's Outdoor Adventures, and Bell's Reserve, that invitation becomes real. Owners begin to see their vehicles differently. They are no longer just transportation, but a tool for exploration. The pavement, once the boundary, becomes only the beginning. To love a Subaru is not just to appreciate where it can take you, but to understand just how far it can go.
Because Love Is Meant to Be Shared - Charlotte B
This Valentine's Day, the Subaru Love Promise came to life in a very special way for our team at Darrell Waltrip Subaru. A coworker and I had the honor of visiting Morning Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care to personally deliver Valentine's Day cards and goodie bags to the residents. Rather than simply dropping them off, we were invited to walk the halls, knock on doors, and hand-deliver each small token of love. What may have seemed like a simple gesture quickly turned into something much more meaningful. We were greeted with warm smiles, heartfelt conversations, and stories that reminded us just how powerful connection can be. Some residents shared memories of Valentine's Days from years past. Others simply held our hands a little longer and thanked us for taking the time to stop and visit. In those moments, it became clear that sometimes the greatest gift isn't what's in the bag, but the time and care that was put behind it. For me personally, this visit held an even deeper meaning. Nearly nine years ago, before returning to the automotive industry, I worked as a resident assistant in this same building. Stepping back into the community at Morning Pointe brought back so many memories and reinforced why serving others will always hold a special place in my heart. At Darrell Waltrip Subaru, we believe being part of the community means more than selling cars. It means showing up. It means caring. It means honoring the Subaru Love Promise by spreading love, respect, and compassion wherever and whenever we can. We are grateful for opportunities like this that allow us to step outside the showroom and into the lives of our neighbors. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the drive; it's about the difference we make along the way.
Because Love Is Meant To Be Shared - Charlotte B
This Valentine's Day, the Subaru Love Promise came to life in a very special way for our team at Darrell Waltrip Subaru. A coworker and I had the honor of visiting Morning Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care to personally deliver Valentine's Day cards and goodie bags to the residents. Rather than simply dropping them off, we were invited to walk the halls, knock on doors, and hand-deliver each small token of love. What may have seemed like a simple gesture quickly turned into something much more meaningful. We were greeted with warm smiles, heartfelt conversations, and stories that reminded us just how powerful connection can be. Some residents shared memories of Valentine's Days from years past. Others simply held our hands a little longer and thanked us for taking the time to stop and visit. In those moments, it became clear that sometimes the greatest gift isn't what's in the bag, but the time and care that was put behind it. For me personally, this visit held an even deeper meaning. Nearly nine years ago, before returning to the automotive industry, I worked as a resident assistant in this same building. Stepping back into the community at Morning Pointe brought back so many memories and reinforced why serving others will always hold a special place in my heart. At Darrell Waltrip Subaru, we believe being part of the community means more than selling cars. It means showing up. It means caring. It means honoring the Subaru Love Promise by spreading love, respect, and compassion wherever and whenever we can. We are grateful for opportunities like this that allow us to step outside the showroom and into the lives of our neighbors. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the drive; it's about the difference we make along the way.
No Pet Forgotten: A Christmas Promise from Darrell Waltrip Subaru - Charlotte B
This Christmas, the spirit of Darrell Waltrip Subaru was carried not just through our showroom, but through wagging tails, gentle purrs, and the quiet hope of second chances. At the Williamson County Animal Center, hundreds of dogs and cats are waiting — not only for forever homes, but for simple reminders that they are loved. Sometimes, that love looks small: a cozy blanket, a kind voice, or a bright red stocking filled with surprises. That’s why we made a promise. We committed to filling a stocking for every adoptable pet, because no animal should feel forgotten during the holidays. Dog stockings were filled with Chewbaru toys — sturdy, playful companions designed to bring comfort and joy. Cat stockings held soft toys and tiny treasures to spark playfulness and ease. Each stocking carried more than toys and treats. It carried a message: You are seen. You are loved. Your story isn’t over. At Darrell Waltrip Subaru, community means showing up where it matters most. Our mission goes beyond vehicles — it extends to moments of compassion, service, and connection. These small gifts brought light into kennels and comfort into quiet corners, delivering more than holiday cheer — they delivered hope. Because shelter pets deserve more than a place to stay. They deserve a reason to believe. And this Christmas, our promise was simple: No pet without a gift. No heart left behind.
Packing Hope: 13,000 Meals, One Incredible Team - Charlotte B
Today, our Subaru team had the privilege of witnessing what compassion truly looks like. We joined volunteers from across the community at One Generation Away, a remarkable organization with a simple, powerful belief: if someone says they need food, they receive food—no questions asked. No judgment. No barriers. Just love in its purest form. Inspired by that mission, our employees rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Together with the other volunteers, our team packed twelve pallets and one additional box, setting a new record for their volunteer shift. In total, we assembled 961 boxes, providing more than 13,000 meals to individuals and families who simply need a helping hand. But the real story wasn’t in the numbers—it was in the moments. The shared smiles. The teamwork. The knowledge that every box we sealed would remind someone in our community that they matter, and that they’re not alone. At Subaru, we believe love is something you do. Today, we lived that belief—lifting each other up, serving side by side, and supporting an organization that treats every person with dignity and unconditional compassion. This is the Subaru Love Promise in action: food for anyone who asks, hope for anyone who needs it, and love that expects nothing in return.
Saving Lives to help End Breast Cancer with Susan G. Komen 3Day and Darrell Waltrip Subaru -Kerrie K - Kerrie K
Thank you again Darrell Waltrip Subaru for your continued support and financial donation to Susan G. Komen 3Day. (The3day.org) It means a lot to me that you've contribute to help make sure no one has to face breast cancer alone and that advances in research and technology can continue in our communities. Together, we have shown breast cancer patients there is a community of supporters standing by their side. Thank you again for your incredible generosity! Ya 'rock! Kerrie Kardatzke Susan G. Komen 3Day walker and Proud Owner 2022 Wilderness Outback!
Kibble and Kindness - Charlotte B
Sometimes, love looks like a promise kept — not just to people, but to the animals who depend on us. At Darrell Waltrip Automotive, we believe in giving back to the community that drives us, and this month, that promise took the form of dog food, supplies, and heartfelt compassion. When we learned that the Dickson County Humane Society was down to just one bag of dog food, we knew we had to act. No dog should go to sleep hungry — not when there’s a community like ours that cares. We rallied together, packed up donations of food and essential supplies, and made the trip to ensure those dogs — each one waiting for a forever home — had full bowls and a little extra love. But we didn’t do it alone. To bring more people into the mission, we hosted a community raffle, with the grand prize being one of our premium oil change packages. The outpouring of support was humbling. Neighbors, friends, and families showed up — not just to enter the raffle, but to make a difference. One moment that truly touched our hearts came from Sara Wolfe, our raffle winner. She shared, “I even donated on my best friend's birthday who had passed away. She was a huge animal lover, so it was like she did it with me.” That’s the kind of love that goes beyond words — a promise that lives on, one that gives back in the most beautiful way. These dogs can’t say thank you — but their wagging tails and bright eyes said it all. And we can’t thank you, our community, enough for stepping up. At Darrell Waltrip Automotive, this is more than a donation. It’s a promise — to keep showing up, to keep giving back, and to keep spreading love wherever we can. Because sometimes, all it takes is a bag of food and a big heart to change a life — or a whole shelter.
Hope Takes Flight - Charlotte B
In September, we were deeply honored to support Hickman County Sober Fest — not only by hosting a vendor booth, but by taking part in something truly unforgettable: a butterfly release that turned the sky into a symbol of healing, hope, and new beginnings. As part of the festival’s ceremony, dozens of delicate butterflies were released into the air — each one a moving tribute to the journey of recovery. Their fragile wings carried a powerful message: that change is possible, that healing is real, and that every person deserves the chance to begin again. One of the most emotional moments of the day came as we watched those butterflies take flight — hesitantly at first, just like so many of us who’ve faced life’s hardest battles. But with just a little encouragement, they soared. And with them, so did our spirits. Sober Fest is more than an event. It’s a celebration of resilience. A safe space where the courage of those walking the road to recovery is honored. With live music, inspirational speakers, and a community united in support, it’s become a powerful force for healing in Hickman County — a reminder that no one walks this path alone. At Darrell Waltrip Subaru, we were proud to stand beside this incredible community. Guided by the Subaru Love Promise — our pledge to support causes that truly matter — we saw the butterfly release as more than symbolic. It was soul-stirring. A reflection of the emotional and spiritual transformation that recovery makes possible. Recovery is a journey of bravery, sometimes, transformation begins with a single act of faith. Releasing those butterflies was our way of honoring that courage while reminding everyone there that every day offers a new chance to spread your wings. Darrell Waltrip Subaru remains committed to uplifting our neighbors through events that matter. We were humbled to be part of a day that touched so many hearts. Because sometimes, it’s the smallest wings that carry the biggest dreams.
