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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 2014-09-24, Page 9Wednesday, September 24, 2014 • Lucknow Sentinel 9 Troy Patterson/Kincardine News Montgomery Ford Sales Ltd. in Lucknow and Kincardine came under new ownership on Sept. 2, 2014. L -R: New general manager Craig Beck is seen with Jean and Ian Montgomery, who will be stepping aside at the end of September. Troy Patterson/Kincardine News Montgomery Ford Sales Ltd. has a number of employees with decades of experience. L -R: Lynn Finlayson (20 years), Ron Cook (16 years) and Gord Kemp (27 years). Montgomery Ford confident legacy will be maintained under new owners Troy Patterson Kincardine News The torch has been passed from Montgomery Ford Sales Ltd. in Lucknow and Kincar- dine, but the company has committed to maintain the family name, service and busi- ness atmosphere that saw it weather 66 years strong. The Penn Group of compa- nies took over ownership of the car dealerships Sept. 2 and plans to honour the reputation fostered by the business over the years. Ian Montgomery, who will be stepping aside at the end of September, said he's confident general manager Craig Beck will honour both the company name and work environment the Montgomery's have fos- tered since his father started the Lucknow dealership in the fall of 1948. "We had Craig come in and he was with us a month before we made the final decision," Ian said. "(Penn) do bring a vast knowledge of the auto industry with them. We didn't just want to hand it over to anyone:' With some staff members serving over 20 years with Montgomery Ford, Ian said he wanted to ensure the new owners would "treat staff in the family-oriented way and con- tinue with the kind of service we've provided over the years:' With the passing of his nephew Greg Montgomery in February, the family decided it was time to move on from the business and ensure both the name and the reputation were well taken care of. Ian has been with the family company for 40 years, which was formerly managed by his brother James until his passing in 1993. The business was founded by his father Gordon in 1948, which over the years included a farm equipment sales element unti11972. James was handed the reigns in 1982 when the brothers bought the business, with Ian then taking on the role of dealer principal in Lucknow and heading the sales department. The family also operated Montgomery Bus Lines for a time. Ian said some of his most memorable moments were expanding the businesses, opening the Kincardine deal- ership in 1982 and expanding the operation in Lucknow at the site of the old furniture fac- tory in 1986. Kincardine's deal- ership received a complete renovation in 2012. "The staff we have are good people and the customers we had are loyal," he said. "Our customers would buy regu- larly. We call them by their first name and many have become more than just customers, but friends of ours and the staff' Ian said both communities have notable differences in their customers and commu- nities. He said it was always important to the family that customers were greeted appro- priately and treated with respect. He and his wife Jean have had the opportunity to watch their staff members' children grow up and their communi- ties grow over time. Ian said Valerie Gillies/Lucknow Sentine Long-time employees at Montgomery Ford Sales Ltd. In Lucknow include from left: Dale Hayes (29 years), Scott Rodger (23 years), Allan Snowden (27 years). he's enjoyed his involvement in coaching sports teams, chambers of commerce, his lime on the Wmgham Hospital Board and other community involvement. "If you don't put time into the community, you don't get it back," said Ian. "A salesperson sells the first car. Service sells everything after that:' Ian said the Ford product is now more superior than it ever was, noting that advances in computers and Hybrid tech- nology have changed the busi- ness over the years. "The product has gotten superior to what it ever was," said Ian, noting the safety fea- tures have made significant changes that save lives and prevent injuries. His favourite Ford is a 1965 Mustang Convertible, which he's had about four over the years. Jean said Ian hopes to MUMS MUMS * MUMS * MUMS * MUMS * MUMS * MUMS 1404 Grey Ox Ave (Conc. 4), Pine River Church East 8kms or North of Lucknow to Grey Ox Ave than 3km west Open Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri. & Sat. 8:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. Closed Sun. & Tues. GET YOUR FALL MUMS TODAY! • Tomatoes Romas • Decorative Corn • Apples • Squash • Gourds • Pumpkins • Mini straw bales 4 reduce MUMS mums mums mums mums mums mums s focus a bit on woodworking after he takes a break from the business, as well as develop some trails on their property outside of Lucknow. The business employs close to 40 people between Lucknow and Kincardine. Ian said it was important that the new owners took on the existing staff with the changeover, as well as the name. "It's time for someone with more energy to take over," said Ian. "This group has the energy and the advances in technol- ogy to move the company forward:' The Penn Group is the owner of Fox Chrysler in Owen Sound, Midland Honda and Midland Chrysler, as well as Powerband Exchange, an online auction and appraisal website. Beck said he's a "huge advo- cate" of businesses supporting community initiatives, sports and activities and plans to con- tinue Montgomery Ford's con- nections in both Kincardine and Huron -Kinloss. "I'm excited for the opportu- nity and also thankful," Beck said. "The staff have welcomed me and I'm looking forward to working with everyone in the community:' The company plans to expand various business ele- ments, as well as focus on remaining both quality and service-oriented. For more information visit www.montgomeryfordsales. com SAVI \GS BUSHEL Fall coupons LL, are back! See insert in today's paper hydro'..-.' one Partners in Powerful Communities