On June 10, 2011, the Bartow Ford Family celebrated the 87th birthday of its founder, Ernest Smith.
Mr. Smith enjoyed cake and fellowship as the employees of Bartow Ford gathered in his honor; he even joined in as employees sang him “Happy Birthday”. The celebration was a great opportunity for everyone to see, and talk with, Mr. Smith.
Benny Robles, President of Bartow Ford, enjoyed celebrating Mr. Smith’s birthday, he said, “It was great to celebrate another birthday for Mr. Smith and that he was able to celebrate his eighty-seventh birthday with all of his family, Bartow Ford.”
Mr. Smith has made great impressions on the Bartow Ford Family for over 60 years. Even though he no longer works full-time, he still stops in almost every day and the employees enjoy getting to see him.
“I’ve known Mr. Smith for a long time and he is a very kind, humble man so it was very special to be able to celebrate his birthday with him,” said Mark Whitehurst, Internet Salesperson.
Fore more photos click here.
Wyatt Jones has a 42 year history with Bartow Ford; in fact, he used to work at the small-town dealership. During high school he was able to earn work credits, towards graduation, for having a job while in school. Working in the New Car Get-Ready department at Bartow Ford, Wyatt reminisced about the type of man that Ernest Smith is. “Mr. Smith always looked out for his employees; he even asked me once, if I needed a loan to buy tools to work on the vehicles.” Wyatt worked at Bartow Ford for three years until he was offered a job at the emerging Polk County Emergency Services.
In addition to his fleet purchases, Wyatt owns a Ford Edge, F-250 and 2008 Shelby GT 500 – all bought from Bartow Ford. The Shelby GT was purchased for a “project car”, as Wyatt describes. “I told my wife (Susan) that I wanted to buy a project car to help occupy my time, so I bought the Mustang,” Wyatt continued, “When Susan found out, she wondered why in the world I had bought a Mustang until she saw it was a Shelby Cobra – she instantly said ‘I love it!’” Wyatt’s Shelby Cobra, aptly tagged with the license plate titled “One Dark Star,” was featured in the January 2011 edition of The Mustang Times magazine. Mr. Jones is also a member of The Mustang Clubs of America and has showcased his Mustang at various car shows.
The awards ceremony recognized the top sales performers for 2010. In acceptance was Kristie Carter for Fleet sales, David Willoughby for Used Car sales and Marty Wilson for New Car sales. Each recipient received an engraved, hand-blown glass trophy and a standing ovation. Achieving this accomplishment 14 years consecutively, Marty shared these thoughts; “Being salesperson of the year requires a lot of hard work, time and dedication. To be the best you have to love your job, love and believe in the company you work for, love your coworkers and your supervisors.” Kristie echoed these sentiments asserting, “This was the 8th year in a row that I have been Commercial Salesperson of the year. It’s a great honor to be called the best, especially when you work with the best,” Kristie said, “I work with great and talented people that have been a reflection on me – I contribute my success to them.”
y Robles Sr. and family join Diana Perriera, Brighthouse Representative, and her husband at a Tampa Bay Lightning Game at the St Pete Times Forum.
One of the very first vehicles sold by Bartow Ford is now on display in the showroom, thanks to the generosity of Jeannette and Bert Albritton. The Albrittons recently donated their 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Tudor.
“That’s what makes restoring cars so special,” says Wayne Stevens, Service Manager, “the memories it holds for people.” Restoring old vehicles is Wayne’s hobby, so he was in charge of tracking down all the parts needed for the Tudor. Wayne has also restored a 1952 Ford Truck, a 1953 Ford Truck, and is currently working on a 1940 Ford Truck.
During its many years with the Albrittons, the engine had to be replaced once. After being stripped, the original engine, transmission, and frame remained with the car; though nearly everything else had to be restored and/or replaced.
