...DURING TURBULENT ECONOMIC STORMS.
Bartow Ford’s unshakable commitment to excellence anddedication to the community sets an example as stable pillars of
success.
These are troubling times for companies and their employees.
Financial stability for large purchases is being washed away by market
pandemonium. Dreams of promotions or retirement are blighted by layoffs and
business closings.
Recently we have all been made aware of financial problems
and failures of certain local and national auto dealerships due to the present
economic conditions. When these problems or failures are reported in the news,
rumors begin to circulate. Auto dealerships share the fact that they are in the
same industry and all are being questioned.
Dealerships are as different and unique as individuals. They
are owned, operated and managed by a person or persons that possess the talent
and experience to run a successful business. These dealers have their own
standards and practices that make them successful or not. Bartow Ford Company
is one of those success stories.
Bartow Ford’s business practices were founded in 1948. Today
they celebrate 60 years of a well-founded business model, synchronized with
disciplined management, directing a financially sound balance sheet.
In a statement posted in a local newspaper, President and
Chairman of Bartow Ford Company, Benny Robles Sr. asserts “Bartow Ford
understands the tough times our communities are experiencing as we endure these
tough times with them. The rumors are bound to circulate. Stop by and see
anyone of us. We [the officers] come to work everyday and are always
accessible. Bartow Ford’s hands on approach fueled by our commitment to
excellence, has earned us the recognition of superior leadership and our most
valued asset-our loyal customers. For 60 years we have taken care of business.
Driven by principles of Integrity, Trust and Honesty, Bartow Ford has a strong
foundation for weathering the storms of these economic times.”
Superior leadership claims have been proven in merits.
Bartow Ford has earned Ford Motor Company’s Annual Presidential award 14 times,
5 consecutive times as a Partners in Quality Award with Ford Motor Credit and
has held the membership of Ford’s Top 100 Volume Dealers Club for over 20
years.
Kevin Giacomini, Ford Regional Sales Manager, Orlando Region
adds, “Benny Robles and the team at Bartow Ford have been great representatives
of the Ford brand for many years. They have established a leadership in sales,
customer satisfaction, and as members of the community. Ford is very fortunate
to have dealers like Bartow Ford to sell and service our many fine products. We
look forward to many more years of this great relationship.”
Central Florida has grown
to expect the community involvement Bartow Ford has engaged in for decades. The
Drive for Excellence is entering the 16th year. The program acknowledges
juniors and seniors of Polk
County schools who enter
a drawing, qualified by working hard to obtain A’s and B’s and students who commit
to perfect attendance. 20 finalists are drawn and one will win a brand new
Mustang. In conjunction with Publix and the local Wal-Mart, Bartow Ford
participates in an annual “Back-To-School” supplies donation promotion. Another
channel for their education advocacy is through Polk Education Foundation in
which Bartow Ford gives away two $1,000 scholarships.
Each year Bartow Ford bids on pigs at the county fair to
support the Future Farmers of America. Benny says “The pigs are raised by the
FFA students and auctioned. In January 2009 we will bid on pigs and the funds generated
go towards the students’ education.”
In December Bartow Ford will host their first holiday toy
giveaway for needy families. The staff has prepared to purchase $10,000 worth
of toys to giveaway at the dealership on a date forthcoming.
Bartow Ford is a member of the Southern Ford Dealers.
Southern Ford Dealers are Pewter Partners making Ford the official car of the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These Ford dealers have a contest give away for tickets
to each home game. The winners of these tickets qualify for the half time
Ford/Buccaneers Blitz giveaway where a new Focus or Flex is given away. For
contest rules and entry go to http://www.BartowFord.com
Bartow Ford is one of the most successful Ford Dealerships
in the country and their owners, managers and employees are committed to
serving the community for the next 60 years.
Bartow Ford Company has proudly served Polk
County, Central Florida and the Tampa Bay
market since founded in 1948. Florida’s
#1 volume Ford Super Duty and Commercial Truck dealer along with 30 acres of
property provides an inventory selection to suit everyone. Being a premier Ford
Dealer the additional services provided are expert service technicians using
OEM Ford auto parts, a body shop, car rental service, full detail service, an
accessory department and financial services. To learn more about Bartow Ford
Company go to http://www.BartowFord.com.
If you would like more information about this topic, or to
schedule an interview with Benny Robles Sr., please contact Shalie Aikman at 727.409.1376 or shalie@bartowford.com
.
Finalists will be announced the week of April 27th-May 1st 2009 on FM 97.5 and will be notified by phone. Finalist
must be present to win. No entries accepted after April 25th. If you
have any questions or concerns please contact the Quality Care
Department at (863) 533-0425.
