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Ford Honors Fred Martin with 3rd President’s Award
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio -- Tuesday was a banner day at Fred Martin Ford where the dealership’s owner, Fred Martin, received the prestigious President’s Award from the Ford Motor Co. as he celebrated 40 years in business.
“My heart has always been here with Ford,” Martin said. “I like the way the people treated me. I always thought Youngstown was a good place to be.”
Martin was 31 in June 1972 when he began selling Ford cars. Both father and grandfather owned dealerships – but not Ford dealerships.
The President’s Award, which Martin’s dealership has won three times, recognizes dealers who, based on customer surveys, provide the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Ford regional manager Elizabeth Dwyer noted, “Less than 10% of the dealers in the country achieve this distinction. It’s given based on customer survey responses for satisfaction as well as achieving what we call sales expectancy.”
In reminiscing about his career, Martin said, “I am a man who was always glad to get up and go to work. I never resented that at all. I wanted to do that. I loved being around cars. The only thing that worries me about my age is I won’t get to see what the cars look like in 30 years.”
Following the awards ceremony, Martin and his employees took part in a luncheon at the dealership to celebrates it 40th year in business.
Copyright 2012 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.