As General Manager of Audi Exchange Kirkwood and President of the St. Louis European Auto Show, Neil Westfall finds that building community opens doors—and he strives to use both to make a difference for others.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: You’re deeply involved in the St. Louis community, particularly through the car scene. How did that begin?
Neil: It started with the St. Louis European Auto Show. I’ve been participating since 2004, but in 2017, the people who ran it asked me to join the board. The next year, they said, "Now you run it." As president, I work with a small team of people who share my passion for cars, charity, and community. Once a year, for three hours, we assemble an event featuring only European cars. It's interesting to see accomplished and extremely busy people with little spare time making time for what they love.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: The St. Louis European Auto Show has become a major event that supports the St. Louis ARC. What makes this event so special?
Neil: We support St. Louis ARC, which helps families and children with disabilities. For spectators, it's 100% free. People come from across the region to look at the cars and participate. Participants and our local vendors pay a fee which supports the charity. What's amazing is how the car community shows up—they are the most giving people. They are always making time to make a difference in someone’s life.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: Your involvement doesn't stop there. You’ve leveraged the success of the auto show to support other causes. How does that work?
Neil: The best way to help other non-profits is by rallying our community and their resources. I’m an active member of the local Cars and Coffee group. When tornado relief was needed, our car community stepped up instantly; it was amazing to see everyone unite and donate so much in such a short time.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: How has Cars and Coffee grown over the years?
Neil: Cars and Coffee started out as just a bunch of car lovers—mainly older car enthusiasts—chatting about Porsches, BMWs, Mercedes, and Audis at the Starbucks in Rock Hill. Younger enthusiasts began to leverage social media to organize bigger more structured events. I give them all the credit in making this into a very large and vibrant community which continues to grow. These days, Cars and Coffee hosts weekly events: some of which benefit charities.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: What is your connection to organizations like Make-A-Wish, Pedal the Cause, and Friends of Kids with Cancer?
Neil: The St. Louis European Auto Show, Make-A-Wish, Friends of Kids With Cancer, and a newer charity called Revved Up Wishes all mean a lot to me. Recently, Audi Exchange Kirkwood and the Audi Quattro Cup Golf Tournament partnered with Make-A-Wish at Bellerive. On that same day, Revved Up Wishes also teamed with Make-A-Wish. Together, both events—fueled by car people—helped us raise almost half a million dollars in just one day. I may not always be the biggest donor, but I’m proud to connect non-profits with people who care.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: What’s your philosophy on connecting business with community service?
Neil: Connecting business to community is one of the most important things we can do. I always say—half joking, but I mean it—that your values and character truly show over time, and people notice. My message to the dealership team is clear: we’re here for people, period. Years from now, the folks we meet will remember our reliability—that we say what we mean and follow through. Being part of the community shows we’re genuine and invested. It may not be the fastest route to success, but it’s the only sustainable one.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: You often mention that "St. Louis shows up for St. Louis." Can you elaborate on that?
Neil: The businesses that thrive in St. Louis and across the entire metro area are built on genuine community involvement. The owners have laid a solid foundation that lasts, and the city responds to that authenticity. Hopefully, we're building that foundation with the people who work with us, too. Culturally, I want our team to say, "We'll be there." If you're interested in getting involved or supporting our initiatives, please reach out and join us in making a lasting impact.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: Recently, you’ve begun mentoring the next generation of community volunteers.
Neil: I’ve become more involved in mentoring young people who are looking to run their own charity events. Some students at a local university want to start a show, find a venue, and pick a charity that needs help; I’m guiding them on bringing the right people together. Supporting the next wave of leaders means a great deal to me, especially when I see them making a tangible difference.
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine: With all these commitments, how do you find the time to run an award-winning dealership?
Neil: If something is important, I make time for it. There’s no magic formula; it’s one person at a time, one event at a time. So, I encourage you: Make time for what matters, build community, and help change lives—starting today.