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Okotoks Ford Lincoln Opens New Facility After a year of construction, Okotoks Ford Lincoln has proudly opened the doors to an amazing new home designed to offer the best in customer service. Located on almost five acres of land, the new facility is 42,000 square feet and features separate Ford and Lincoln vehicle showrooms, a used car centre and a stand-alone Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centre. More than 600 people showed up for the official grand opening event on September 21, 2016 that welcomed customers, suppliers, staff, friends and senior officials from Ford Motor Company of Canada. As part of the celebration, country music singer George Canyon performed for one hour and signed autographs for those in attendance. The Calgary Burns Club Singers and the Rocky Mountain Pipe Band also provided entertainment throughout the late afternoon and evening. Special guest Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, thanked Gerry Wood, principal owner, for his investment in the dealership, his commitment to Ford and Lincoln and his dedication to helping the community. Operating as part of the Wood Automotive Group owned by Wood, the new Okotoks Ford Lincoln has increased its service area to 30 bays and is equipped to handle everything from Fiestas to Super Duty diesel trucks. The new amenityrich customer lounge has a fireplace, 60-inch television mounted on the wall and a great new coffee bar. New car owners can explore and learn about their new vehicle’s features without facing the elements in the dealership’s two new indoor delivery pods. Gone will be the days of standing in two-foot snowdrifts with a salesperson as they try to show the exciting features of a brand-new vehicle. The old dealership building has also been given a new life with a renovation and facelift. It is home to the new Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centre which will offer speedy oil change and lube service, as well as automotive detailing services.
The current sales area has also been redeveloped to serve as the home of the Okotoks Ford Lincoln used vehicle sales department. The dealership has a staff of 51 and a full parts department. The team consists of Rick Cherrington, general manager; Rory Wood, general sales manager; Ken Brown, sales manager; Wayne Darcy, used vehicle manager; Mike Smolcic, service manager; and Nellie Sandfly, parts manager. As owner of some of the largest dealerships in Western Canada, Gerry Wood has never lost sight of the importance of personal service and a fair deal. He started his legacy as a pioneer in Calgary’s automotive industry in 1983 when he acquired Southridge Lincoln Mercury, and renamed it Woodridge Ford Lincoln. Ten years later Wood expanded to form Wood Automotive Group, which now encompasses five automotive dealerships and a separate All-Makes Collision Centre facility for auto body repair and maintenance. Okotoks Ford Lincoln has been committed to exceptional customer service and satisfaction for over 25 years. This new facility will continue the tradition, serving Okotoks and the surrounding foothills for many years to come.
TOP: GERRY WOOD BOTTOM: RORY WOOD, GENERAL SALES MANAGER OF OKOTOKS FORD LINCOLN WITH GUEST BRAD STYNER
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NOVEMBER 2016 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM