- May 9, 2024
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At some point in life, most people find themselves surrounded by shiny new cars in a dealership showroom. For many dealers, the number of people considering a new car purchase has declined in recent years, but that's not the case for Palm Coast Ford..
"We have had an increase in sales every month," said Don York, general manager of Palm Coast Ford. "We’ve never had a month where we have gone backward."
York joined the new and previously owned car dealership as general manager in April 2010.
While York proudly speaks of the dealership’s success during the past two years, he gives the credit to his staff of 70.
"The key to this dealership lies with my employees," York said. "When you have upper management thinking of the dealership as their own, they just make smarter decisions for everybody. From the technicians to the office staff everybody has a lot of pride in the company."
The employees' service-minded dedication shows in the number of repeat customers who are saying good things about their experiences buying and servicing cars. York said that more than 50% of Palm Coast Ford customers are repeats and referrals.
"It takes a lifetime to build a reputation and one minute to ruin it," York said. "You’re only as good as your employees."
The dealership typically has about 350 cars on the lot and additional pre-owned selections off site.
"If you don’t find what you’re looking, for we have access to two other dealerships for pre-owned vehicles," York said.
Customers can begin shopping for their new car before they walk through the showroom doors by logging onto the website (www.palmcoastford.com). Options include in-depth information for those wanting to research the different features, including mileage and vehicle specifications. Detailed photos of cars inside and out and available colors allows customers to do their research.
The website includes new and pre-owned inventory, an interactive car loan application and the ability to explore leasing options, all from the privacy of your home. Customers can also use the website to schedule service appointments.
Buyers considering trading in their current vehicle can get a better idea of the trade-in value by answering a few questions through the Black Book appraisal program.
Other services provided by the dealership include lifetime oil changes, loaner cars with every new or used purchase and a service shuttle.
As with most successful businesses, the Palm Coast Ford staff is involved in other aspects of the Flagler community.
"We sponsor the Sunset Festival the end of each month at the Daytona State College Amphitheater," York said. "The radio station puts it on, and we sponsor and pay for everything to have it free for the public."
Community involvement goes beyond outdoor festivals and are an important aspect of local business, according to York.
“We have a good group of partners, we do a lot with the city and Rotary Club," he said. :The more community involvement, the better off you are."
Palm Coast Ford
1150 Palm Coast Parkway
Phone: 447-3380
