This summer, family owned Atchinson Ford in Belleville celebrated 50 years of providing shiny new vehicles to their friends in the community.
Old-timers will remember the first Atchinson, Norman “Dutch”, and his dealership across from Belleville High School. Then, as the business grew, the Atchinson dealership moved to a modern, new building on Belleville Road near Tyler, where it flourishes today.
It’s all about people, the commitment to learn the industry product and educating customers by building a trustworthy relationship.
A lot can happen in 50 years. General manager Craig Atchinson, Dutch’s grandson, said it’s been a wonderful experience growing up in Belleville, going to Belleville High School, marrying Medina and together raising their two daughters Ava, 9, and Ella. 7.
This third-generation Atchinson is dedicated to keeping the family dealership moving forward and steadfast through the current economic climate. Craig’s brother Todd works in computer support for the family venture.
Since 1995, Craig’s pleasant and respectful manner seemed to flow naturally, like it did with his father Kurt, now the company’s CEO, who led the family business until passing the day-to-day work on to yet another Atchinson.
“We credit our success to offering the best customer service by our award-winning sales and office staff, some who have been with us for 37 years,” Craig said.
“We educate our sales staff to the fullest when it comes to knowing the Ford product line and we stay on top of the new models.”
Craig said the combination of sales experience and product knowledge is what separates them from other Ford dealers. Atchinson Ford has earned Ford Motor Company President’s Awards as recently as 2009 and 2010 and Ford Credit Partners in Quality Awards for nine years running.
“We build relationships with our customers and maintain them through their vehicle ownership and beyond. They become repeat customers and become part of our family,” he said.
When you build relationships, you get involved in your community and give back, he said. From public service positions in local government to non-profit organizations, the Atchinsons have made a habit out of giving.
Kurt Atchinson is a longtime member of the Van Buren Township Downtown Development Authority. His efforts on the DDA helped build a new fire station on Belleville Road and develop Quirk Park next to township hall. Kurt also has served as past-president of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce three times in the past 40 years. Craig currently is a director on the chamber board and wants to stay involved in the local business community.
The Atchinson family also supports the Boys & Girls Club of Romulus/Belleville, Friends of Michigan Animal Rescue, Van Buren Soccer Association, Kiwanis, Lions, Belleville Rotary, Belleville High School Athletics and Booster Clubs.
Atchinson also provides programs around the holidays to help the less fortunate with annual food donation drives, supporting the local food bank through First United Methodist Church in Belleville.
In 2010, the dealership raised $6,000 for BHS during the Drive One 4UR School test drive campaign. Two weeks ago, this year’s effort raised $8,000.
Craig believes the future is brighter for Ford Motor Company and he looks forward to the next new model year.
When Ford recently brought back leasing to its finance division, the move was instrumental in hitting the economic ground running in a positive direction.
The dealership is always ready to implement the next program of discounts and incentives. Craig also added that he couldn’t have a better relationship with Ford Motor Company than he does today.
“We have the all-newly-designed 2012 Escape coming soon, along with the all-new Fusion and the redesigned Taurus, that we’re excited about,” he said
Craig admits the atmosphere at the dealership got a bit cloudy when Ford announced cutbacks and rounds of shutdowns several years ago. Other car companies followed suit.
“There were times of uncertainty when the announcements were made,” he said.
“We tried to stay positive and put our focus on ourselves, our sales staff, and our customer service,” he added.
And it’s working big time. He said he believes the worst of times are behind them.