SRQ MAGAZINE | BRANDSTORY: Sarasota Ford, January 2019

THE CAR OF YOUR DREAMS

FLORIDA’S PREMIER FORD DEALERSHIP SERVING SARASOTA, VENICE, BRADENTON AND NOKOMIS At Sarasota Ford, their team is committed to getting you behind the wheel of the car of your dreams for the right price. They are a team of professional sales; further, their unwavering dedication to customer service and community, schools, events and charitable causes make buying a car at Sarasota Ford a one-of-a-kind experience.

A S P E C I A L B R A N D STO RY M A R K E T I N G F E AT U R E | S R Q M A G A Z I N E | J A N U A RY 2 0 1 9

AT SARASOTA FORD, THEIR TEAM IS COMMITTED TO GETTING YOU BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE CAR OF YOUR DREAMS FOR THE RIGHT PRICE. THEY ARE A TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL SALES; FURTHER, THEIR UNWAVERING DEDICATION TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNITY, SCHOOLS, EVENTS AND CHARITABLE CAUSES MAKE BUYING A CAR AT SARASOTA FORD A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE.

OUR STORY Family owned and operated for more than two decades, Sarasota Ford has been a stronghold of quality products and services with their customers at the forefront of their minds. “Our first core value is WOW the customer,” explains Matt Buchanan, owner of Sarasota Ford. “I always tells our employees: I may sign your checks, but the customers pay you. The customer is the reason we are all here and have such great jobs.” It’s these remarkable core values on which the firm foundation of Sarasota Ford is built, recognizing the importance of promoting a healthy, enjoyable work environment and supporting the culture of creating a sense of family within the workplace. Employees are empowered to make decisions on their own, provided with the tools to go above and beyond to assist the customer without going through the hassle of first receiving approval from a supervisor. Voted in the top ten “Best Places to Work” in Sarasota-Manatee for two years running, Sarasota Ford knows that happy employees provide outstanding service, which in turn creates happy customers. It is this circle of life that sustains Sarasota Ford, and Buchanan can’t say enough about the service they provide: “We love taking care of our customers; it’s our favorite part of what we do!”

Although you’re sure to be wowed by the personalized, thoughtful customer service, Sarasota Ford begins to impress even before you’ve had the opportunity to speak with one of their team members. The Sara-

sota Ford dealership itself is a destination stuffed to the gills with amenities, unlike anything you’ve come to expect when purchasing a vehicle. Recently expanded and remodeled, Sarasota Ford has breathed incredible new life into its place of business, featuring a full-service café with fresh baked goods, a dark, calming relaxation room with Aqua massage chairs, a stunning movie theatre with surround sound and Osaki zero gravity massage chairs, as well as complimentary organic coconut oil popcorn and, of course, donuts and coffee.

The changes are still coming, with Sarasota Ford recently purchasing nearly four acres, which will house a new 25,000 square foot facility, opening up more parking spaces, helping tremendously with traffic flow and allowing the team to take even better care of their customers. It would not be unexpected to find yourself lingering at Sarasota Ford, long after the keys to your new vehicle have been handed over.

vehicle, and even longer relationship with the dealership itself.

On top of the copious amenities and unparalleled customer service, Sarasota Ford has the know-how and the dedication to quality that simply makes it an incredible place to shop. As the largest volume dealership in tri-county area by far, Sarasota Ford provides an incredible selection of vehicles and outstanding pricing. In their state-of-the-art Quick Lane Facility, Sarasota Ford is able to perform all work on their fleet of Fords in-house, keeping their prices low and allowing them to support the customer throughout the long life cycle of their

Should you have the good fortune to find yourself on the showroom floor at Sarasota Ford, there is one thing that stands out: a sense of pride. Each and every team member you interact with is excited to share details of the wonderful things Sarasota Ford has to offer, both for the customers and local community they serve and the employees they support. There is much on the horizon for the dealership, and for a company as locally focused and service driven as this one, positive growth for Sarasota Ford means positive growth for the entire community.

Although the work being done inside the walls of Sarasota Ford itself is fantastic, it’s the dealership’s reach out into the local community that truly sets it apart. “We love supporting local organizations, whether it be non-profits, local schools or anybody in need,” shares Buchanan. “Without a strong community we are nothing; it is 100% of our future.” Recently launching its One Community, One Team program, Sarasota Ford believes that a strong community helps unite everyone and makes us feel part of something greater than ourselves. From incredible stand-alone service projects to their ongoing opportunities to nominate deserving teachers, first responders, members of law enforcement or selfless community servants to receive complimentary and unforgettable experiences, Sarasota Ford is a true champion of walking the walk.

A S P E C I A L B R A N D STO RY M A R K E T I N G F E AT U R E | S R Q M A G A Z I N E | J A N U A RY 2 0 1 9

HURRICANE MICHAEL RELIEF As the world watched, Hurricane Michael swept the coast of Florida and devastated the panhandle. Entire towns were wiped away, homes were destroyed, pets were displaced, schools were shut down and lives were lost. As the aftermath of this tragic storm unfolded, and the struggles the victims would face in the following months became clear, Sarasota Ford knew that sitting back and watch fellow Floridians suffer was simply not an option. Transforming their showroom in a supply donation center for those impacted by Hurricane Michael, Sarasota Ford rallied the community and collected donations of clothing, food, supplies, toiletries and countless other critical items for those affected by the storm. Members of the local community did not hesitate to step up, filling a Ford Transit Connect with donations; but Sarasota Ford decided to take it a step further. Led by owner Matt Buchanan, the dealership team filled an entire Ford Transit with donations of their own.

When reflecting on the victims of Hurricane Michael, Buchanan had no reservations; “They’re part of everyone’s family. When a community is in need, it’s important we all team up and help one another.”

SARASOTA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL UNIFORMS When Matt Buchanan was introduced to Sarasota High School football Coach Spencer Hodges, there was an immediate connection. A former football player himself, Buchanan was interested to learn about the progress of the high school program and the needs of the department. Coach Hodges was already working hard on his Return The Pride program, involving players, parents and families in fundraising for the team. “In the new age we live in, it’s easy to get disconnected,” remarks Coach Hodges. “We’re trying to build a program that’s as community based as we possibly can.” Buchanan was immediately moved to support the Sarasota High School football team, and their need for new uniforms was the perfect opportunity to give back. Sarasota Ford supplied the entire department, both JV and Varsity teams, with all-new uniforms, surprising the players in their locker room this past September. “I hope a lot of other businesses and communities jump on the bandwagon,” says Buchanan. “Sports are a great uniter, and I think that the more we can celebrate these individuals that are working hard and doing things the right way, that’s what this is all about.”

New Vehicles Certified Pre-Owned State-of-the-Art Showroom Community Outreach Customer Service — Media Entertainment Room — Café Featuring Espressos and Freshly Baked Goods — Free Wi-Fi and Comfort

SARASOTA FORD

707 S. WASHINGTON BLVD |

SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34236

SARASOTAFORD.COM

| 888-349-4989