Bob Ambrose, Denny Mullis, Benny Robles Sr.Published: January 9th, 2012

Published: January 9th, 2012

After graduating with a degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, Denny Mullis secured a position working at Ford Motor Credit where he would work for 12 years. It was there Denny would befriend colleagues Benny Robles Sr. and Bob Ambrose. As fate would have it, the three friends would later become partners in owning Bartow Ford Co.

Denny began working at Bartow Ford in 1984 as the Finance Manager and in 2001 he became Secretary/Treasurer. After working at Bartow Ford for 27 years, Mr. Mullis says, “The best part of Bartow Ford is the people that work here. It’s like one big family.”

Raised in Mulberry, Florida, Denny is a simple kind of man to all that know him. A married father of two and grandfather of five, he is an avid hunter and fisherman, and loves Clay Pigeon Shoots. He enjoys sports, and is an alumni USF football season ticket holder.

Benny Robles Sr., President &Chairman of Bartow Ford, has known Denny for over 40 years. “In the many years I have known Denny, he has been my co-worker, my boss, my partner, and my friend. I hope to be associated with him for another 40 years.”

Hazel Kendrick, F&I Executive Officer at Bartow Ford, spoke of her experiences working with Denny. “I have worked with Denny since he began his employment with Bartow Ford.  He is a genuine, caring gentleman. What a blessing and a joy he has been to Bartow Ford and to me.”

The sportsman also loves to help others and this shows through his dedication to the community. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the largest Christian sports organization in America. He is also very passionate about his involvement with the Peace River Center in Bartow.

Mr. Mullis is on the steering committee for Peace River’s annual event, “Full Moon Howl”, an event sponsored each year by a group of local business people to raise money for The Peace River Center. He also represents Bartow Ford at the Polk County Youth Fair every year.

Reba Zoellner, Advertising Rep at 97 Country/WPCV, has known Denny since he was in diapers. “He has always been a super nice person. He was the whole neighborhood’s kid, everyone loved him. Denny is one of my favorite people.”

January 1, 2012 marked a significant turning point for Denny as he will no longer hold stock in Bartow Ford. He will, however, remain a consultant for Bartow Ford although spending less time at the dealership.

Denny added, “The last 27 years at Bartow Ford have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my career. The employees (friends) have made my job enjoyable and I will still get around to everyone on their birthday and anniversary when I am here-old habits are hard to break.”

One of Denny’s favorite mission statements is from Ernest Smith, founder of Bartow Ford: “Mr. Smith always said if we take care of our employees they will take care of our customers. Bartow Ford goes above and beyond to take care of its employees, and I think that’s why everyone cares so much about each and every customer.”