The Grand Master and His Blue Jacket
A third-generation Ford dealer, Lucy Dembeck's path initially led her away from the automotive industry to Boston. Now, two years into her role as operations manager at Mike Dorian Ford, she was offered the unique opportunity to participate in the new Rising Leaders program, designed to develop the next generation of Ford and Lincoln dealers.
"I think the program has been wonderful because it's so rare to get a group of like-minded individuals in the room," Dembeck said. "Ford is family oriented, and it's awesome to see that."
Her family history with Ford dates back even further, to her great-great-grandfather who worked at the Ford foundry.
"All of my grandparents were so grateful to Ford Motor Company because it gave them so much opportunity to raise and educate their families," said her mother, Carolyn Dorian.
Lucy's grandfather, Mike Dorian, would go on to open the doors of Mike Dorian Ford in 1964 after having success in the used car business. He asked Carolyn Dorian to leave her job at the automaker and join him at the dealership in 1991.
Many Ford dealerships across the country are family-owned and operated, carrying on a legacy of traditions. Ford created the Rising Leaders program to support family members and others who will eventually take on management roles in dealerships. It offers leadership training, exposure to dealer forums, and unique Ford product and history experiences. Its small forum nature allows for an intimate learning environment.
"I think it's important to develop the next generation of leaders for our Ford and Lincoln dealers," said Elena Ford, chief dealer engagement officer at Ford Motor Company. "My hope is that they can take everything they learn here and bring it back to the dealership while also staying connected to each other."
Dembeck and her peers all echoed that same sentiment.
“Ford made us feel like family, and that experience has strengthened my pride in this brand.”Ryan Yoder, 3rd generation Ford dealer
“I’ve built deeper relationships with my Rising Leaders classmates than I ever could’ve imagined," said Ryan Yoder, general manager of Hacienda Ford of Kingsville and 3rd generation Ford dealer. "Ford made us feel like family, and that experience has strengthened my pride in this brand. It drives me to lead our stores with the same hospitality, dedication, commitment, and care that Ford has shown us.”
Many of us aspire to live up to our parents' expectations, a feeling compounded when the business is a family legacy. As the first class of Rising Leaders head home with their heads held high, you can almost hear the whisper from mother to daughter: I'm so proud of you, and your grandfather would be, too.
Shannon Field is the dealer training & productivity manager overseeing the Rising Leaders program at Ford.
