When employees of a Ford Lincoln dealership group learned about Ford Next Generation Learning’s involvement in the local school district, the response was remarkable. Bridgett Davis, Social Media/Website representative at Bob Thomas Ford Lincoln, reached out when she heard about our collaboration with Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS). Anxious to learn more, The Lincoln dealership initiated a meeting to explore potential contributions to the effort.
The initial contact with General Sales Manager, Ryan Johnson, and Bridgett paved the way for discussions on how the dealership could actively engage with the community. Eager to support education, they sought an introduction to the school district.Then, during my November 8th visit to Fort Wayne for the Ford NGL community designation event, I had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with key members of the dealership team, including Ryan, Bridgett, and the New Vehicle Sales Manager, Nikki Hicks. Their goal is to enhance community engagement. They recognize how offering teachers and students meaningful insights into career possibilities within their dealership can deliver potential benefits to the community and everyone involved. Currently, Bob Thomas Ford Lincoln is actively participating with one school district in Drive 4 UR School, a test-drive program that collaborates with schools to raise funds, with each test-drive contributing a $20 donation. While that program is considered a big success, it is a program that is more transactional in nature. Engaging teachers and students around careers and supporting related learning experiences can create sustainable relationships that are truly transformational.
Speaking of transformation, the automotive industry is in the midst of a transformation itself. As the industry transitions from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to Electric Vehicles (EV), the service sector will undergoe significant changes. EVs, with their advanced technology, require a workforce with a strong technological background. While availability of ICE vehicles will continue into the foreseeable future, there’s a unique opportunity for young people to explore careers in the automotive industry through a technological lens. The automotive industry’s evolution offers students a chance to delve into these careers through a technology-driven perspective. In addition, dealerships and dealership groups like Bob Thomas Ford Lincoln present additional avenues for student’s to also explore careers in marketing, finance, and sales.
Nikki Hicks and Ryan Johnson did attend the Ford NGL designation event and are enthusiastic about future engagements. I look forward to tracking their ongoing engagement and will share updates as Fort Wayne Community Schools of Success continue to unfold.
By the way, during my visit to the district, I had the pleasure of exploring two impeccably maintained 1976 Mark IVs designed by fashion designer Bill Blass which are owned by Bob Thomas. He is the owner of the highly successful Bob Thomas Dealership Group. Seeing those beautiful rides of the 70s added an extra touch of unique fun to the visit. While always a pleasure to visit a Ford NGL Community, once in a while there are also some unexpected and memorable perks! Unfortunately, they did not let me drive off in one of those beauties – as I may have not come back!
