The new owners of Beford Ford Lincoln, formerly Carroll Halliday Ford Lincoln, were recently welcomed at a ribbon cutting with the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
New owners, Mark and Connie Beford, shared their story of how they came to Washington Court House.
From humble beginnings, in a local dealership’s detail bay washing Fords and Lincolns in 1977 to acquiring Carroll Halliday Ford Lincoln in July, Mark Beford said he’s always had a passion for the automotive business and exceptional customer service.
Mark’s passion for outstanding customer service in all aspects of the dealerships resulted in advancement from the detail bay to the sales floor to the general manager’s office. He and his wife, Connie, owned their first Ford dealership in 2003. With a career spanning 40 years, the Befords have partnered in 12 OEM franchises with used car facilities in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.
Now they say they are bringing their unique ownership approach and enthusiasm to Washington Court House.
When the Befords purchased their first Ford dealership in South Point, Ohio, they were determined to set themselves apart from the typical dealer with the mantra of “Connie Cares.” Mark and Connie said they wanted customers to feel a true connection to the dealership and to their dealership family.
This customer-centric focus resulted in Beford South Point Ford becoming a perennial winner of the coveted Ford President’s Award, due in large part to the high customer sales and service satisfaction ratings.
After 11 exceptional years at Beford South Point Ford, the Befords made plans to retire and enjoy a little slower pace of life. In 2014, they sold the dealership to Glockner Automotive Dealerships.
In late 2016, the Befords decided they once again wanted to own a dealership, but it had to be the perfect opportunity in a market with a fit similar to what they had in their South Point Ford store. Fortuitously, Dave Ogan, the owner of Carroll Halliday Ford Lincoln, had decided to sell his dealership.
With Ford’s recommendation, Ogan sold his store and entrusted the Befords to be the stewards of a dealership that first opened its doors for service in 1932.
Plans for the new Beford Ford Lincoln dealership, located at 1700 Columbus Ave., are simple, according to the new owners: provide quality service to the public while maintaining the high standards and live up to the mantra of “Connie Cares.”
“While we appreciate all that David Ogan has done in the community through Carroll Halliday, we welcome Mark and Connie Beford to Fayette County and wish them nothing but success at Beford Ford Lincoln,” said Chamber president Whitney Gentry.
