Latest news with #TripleCrownAward
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford dealer just won coveted company prize for 17th straight year. How he did it
Ford dealer Jim Seavitt has advice for car buyers looking to get a good deal: 'Buy from a dealership you trust," he said. A car buyer determines trust, he said, based on "how you feel when you come in the dealership. How you feel with the salesperson and how you feel you were treated overall." Seavitt, 77, knows a thing or two about building trust with customers. He has owned Village Ford in Dearborn since 1982 and he is one of the distinguished Ford dealers to win the automaker's prestigious Triple Crown Award — which recognizes achievements in new car sales, parts and service and excellence in customer service — for an impressive 17 consecutive years. The accomplishment was elite enough that Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley personally showed up to present it to Seavitt on July 8, the day Ford ended its employee pricing for all campaign to shift to the Zero-Zero-Zero summer sale. This sale features zero down payment, 0% interest for 48 months, and zero payments for the first 90 days on most Ford and Lincoln vehicles. "It means a lot to win it, and it means a lot more to me because I'm right here in the shadow of World Headquarters," Seavitt said. "It means a lot to my employees. It's the pride that we take in it." Village Ford occupies the dealership that Henry Ford originally built in 1947. It was called Stuart Wilson Ford until Seavitt bought it in 1982 and renamed it Village Ford. It is barely 4 miles from the Glass House, Ford's world headquarters. It got its namesake by its proximity to Greenfield Village, Seavitt said. Perhaps the fact that Village Ford operates so close to Ford's headquarters, it drives Seavitt to keep his Triple Crown victories unbroken. "Some years are harder than others," Seavitt said of his operations. "It can depend on Ford recalls, or it could be economic problems across the United States. We've been through all that in 17 years. But we've managed to win it all those times." In Michigan, Village Ford is the only Ford dealer to have won the Triple Crown Award 17 times in a row, Ford spokesman Said Deep confirmed. Deep said there are four other dealerships in Michigan that won the Triple Crown Award for their 2024 achievements. They are: Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, Taylor Ford in Taylor, Pat Milliken Ford in Redford and Bill Brown Ford in Livonia. The Ford Triple Crown Award, which started in 2001, is the top honor a Ford dealership can earn, Deep said. Only a small percentage of Ford dealerships nationwide earn it each year. For the 2024 award, only 41 Ford dealers of Ford Motor Co.'s 2,900 nationwide dealerships will receive the Triple Crown Award, Deep said. It acknowleges exceptional performance in sales, service and customer satisfaction. To achieve it, a dealership must win three Ford awards in the same year: the President's Award, Top Volume and Premier Club. The President's Award recognizes excellence in customer satisfaction in sales and service. Top Volume recognizes the Top 100 Dealers for retail vehicle sales. Premier Club honors those dealerships with top performance in either the service protection or parts departments, Deep said. Farley presented Seavitt with the President's Award, one of the three awards that goes into the Triple Crown, calling it 'an incredible achievement.' 'Thank you for taking care of the customers and our employees the way you do," Farley said to Seavitt and the crowd of over 100, mostly Village Ford employees. "It really does take a village to run a dealership like this. It takes lots of team members to do the right thing for the customers.' Later, in an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Farley said, 'We have 10,000 dealerships around the world, so the dealers who win the Triple Crown are very, very elite.' More: Ford CEO listens to dealers and credits them for performance improvements Farley said Ford's relationship with its dealers is the most important part of its business model because a dealership is customer-facing. Ford has to trust the dealers to hire the right people, to motivate them the right way, to have the right pay plans and incentives in place and to do what's right for the car-buying public. "In many ways the dealership team really helped us sort through this very difficult period of quality because when there's a recall or there's a defect in the product, they come here to the dealership," Farley said referring to the large number of recalls Ford has had in recent years. "The care in which they handle that, especially with all the new technology in our vehicles like the new Lincoln Nautilus — which won SUV of the year largely because of its interior experience — all those questions come to the dealership." Seavitt said his success started with his belief in himself and his staff. He had been the sales manager and general manager for nine years in the late 1970s at Hines Park Lincoln in Plymouth. It was at the Lincoln store when Seavitt, in 1976, hired one of the first female salespersons for Lincoln in metro Detroit. Her name was Rhonda Sabatini. "I told her you're going to get sexism and they will ask you questions they don't ask a man and you have to be ready for it," Seavitt said. "She quickly became the No. 1 sales person.' So, in 1982, when Seavitt had an opportunity to buy Stuart Wilson Ford with Ford Motor as his partner, he decided to risk all of his money, which was $150,000 at that time, to buy the store on Michigan Avenue with the famous rotunda showroom. "I mortgaged my house and the first money to go, if I didn't succeed, would have been my money," Seavitt said. "But I knew I had the sales background. This store was near the area where I grew up and I had a background in finance and insurance. I knew that would be enough to make it. And, this dealership is in Dearborn, so I thought if you're going to buy a Ford dealership, this is the place to do it." By mid-1984, Seavitt had made enough money to buy out Ford's stake in the store. Before Ford had created the Triple Crown award, Village Ford was winning individual recognitions such as the Top 100 dealership sales, the Premier Club and the President's Awards. Seavitt typically sells about 2,500 new vehicles a year and about 900 used cars. He said his store has been recognized in the top sales volume for the last 35 years, even as his sales have fluctuated a little due to various market conditions such as the Great Recession in 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the semiconductor chip shortage in 2022. What's helped is the fact that, 'We're not a normal dealership," Seavitt said. His customer base is 80% Ford employees and 15% suppliers or friends and family of employees. That means 95% of his clientele get some form of employee or friends and family discount. "So it's a very different market here than other parts of the country," Seavitt said. "It's one price. You come in and get your price. So we're talking more about how you're going to get serviced than anything else." That comes together by putting the right team in place to consistently deliver results. Village Ford employs 188 people, 155 of whom are full-time employees. Many are long-timers. For example, in 1988, he hired Shirley Peters, who had previously worked at American Airlines and Pendleton clothing store with no automotive experience. She stayed with him for more than two decades. "She was fabulous with people and she worked for me for 25 years," Seavitt said. He said when hiring he looks mostly for "good people and sociability." Experience is helpful, but not necessary, noting one of his top sales people today once managed one of the Detroit casinos. Seavitt also makes sure all his employees are involved in the processes that go into winning the President's Award, Seavitt said. That's because for that award, every aspect of a sale or service experience has to be top notch from the sale of the car being easy, the delivery of the car being perfect, then the customer coming in for service and being greeted properly, the technician repairs the vehicle correctly, the cashier has to have a smile and the porter who brings the car to the customer better have it clean, Seavitt said. "There are so many areas that touch the car that affect the survey that you have to have everyone involved," Seavitt said. To keep his staff motivated, Seavitt employs a variety of tactics. In some cases he incentivizes with money or with pride such as naming different achievers: "Service Adviser of the month" or "Salesperson of the month." 'We also have employee involvement meetings that we do four times a year," Seavitt said. "We hire someone to come in and we do exercises with them and we get employee input. It was started by Elena Ford (Ford's chief dealer engagement officer and cousin to Ford Chair Bill Ford). But a few years ago, Ford stopped it. I continued with it.' More: Car buyers set a record with more than $1,000-a-month car payments in Q2 The person Seavitt hires for the employee involvement meetings conducts team-building exercises for the staff to emphasize the importance of teamwork and capturing the Triple Crown award, he said. "What brings the customer back? Being happy with the dealership," Seavitt said. "The biggest question Ford focuses on, that we are scored on, is: Would you recommend Village Ford?" He said in sales, 96% of those surveyed said yes. In service, 80% said yes. Whether you buy a car from Seavitt or not, here is the advice he has for car buyers: 'First of all, I recommend leasing," Seavitt said. "In this market, we lease 80%, so you're always driving a new car. I recommend buying tire and wheel protection if you lease because in Michigan, if your tire and wheel gets damage, you get a free new tire and wheel." If a person buys the car, he recommends purchasing an extended warranty to be covered for up to 10 years and said to make sure it's a manufacturer's warranty, not one from an outside company. As for the typical advice experts give to come to a dealership with your credit score and financing secured, Seavitt said at his dealership, it's a soft apprach. More: The story behind how Ford's push to be America's carmaker helped it top Toyota "Because of the employee pricing and X-plan and employee financing, they get a better deal when they finance with us. It's much better than other parts of the nation," Seavitt said. "It's all mapped out with pricing and financing already set. It's a more comfortable transaction.' For those customers who are not Ford employees or friends and family, Village Ford is essentially a one-price dealership, even for used cars. If any negotiation happens, it's usually by getting more for a trade-in, he said. But, Seavitt added, "because most of our customers are Ford Motor Co. people, they know what these awards are and so that speaks to them." Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@ Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Village Ford wins Triple Crown award for 17th straight year Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gulf Coast Jam reveals entire line-up for 2026
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – Gulf Coast Jam presented by Jim Beam has announced on Thursday the entire 2026 lineup, a first in the Country On The Coast festival's history. 'To have our full lineup in place and announced this early is testament to our Jammers giving us amazing feedback and to the incredible work our team puts in year after year to make this one of the top festivals in the country at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world,' Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam COO Mark Sheldon said. 'We love showing off our home, Panama City Beach!' According to a news release, the festival's headliners for next year will include Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and Riley Green. They will be joined by at least 20 artists over the four days. 'Our four headliners are some of the most high-profile, in-demand artists we've ever had in our lineup,' Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady said. 'I mean, Keith Urban was presented the Triple Crown Award, Chris Stapleton won Male Artist of the Year, Riley Green won Single of The Year and Post Malone is one of the biggest artists in music, period. We're beyond excited about 2026!' Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam 2026 Lineup: Thursday, May 28 Keith Urban Treaty Oak Revival Wyatt Flores Cooper Alan Walker Montgomery Gannon Fremin Friday, May 29 Chris Stapleton Marcus King Jackson Dean Brent Cobb Cole Goodwin Hueston Saturday, May 30 Riley Green Koe Wetzel Ole 60 Josh Ross Ashland Craft Hannah McFarland Sunday, May 31 Post Malone Muscadine Bloodline 49 Winchester Elizabeth Nichols Them Dirty Roses Skeez All passes for 2026, including General Admission, Military, College and First Responder, The Overlook Club, Caymus Vineyards VIP Pit, Luxury Suites, Super VIP, Side Stage, hotel packages, as well as lodging partners, are available here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Nicole Kidman offers her best dating advice despite not dating much
While promoting the newest season of 'Nine Perfect Strangers,' actress Nicole Kidman offered her best 'guru' advice. In the Hulu series, Kidman plays wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko. While at the premiere for Season 2, Kidman was asked if she had any advice for those who are still dating. She told reporters that although she hasn't 'done a lot of dating' in her life, she encourages those who are still dating to 'hold your power,' according to People. 'Don't give up your power. There you go. Do you like that? Yeah. Know who you are and hold onto your power. Don't give it up,' Kidman continued. Kidman is married to country music superstar Keith Urban. They have been together since 2005 and share two daughters, Sunday and Faith. Prior to marrying Urban, she was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001. They share two children together as well, Bella and Connor. Kidman was also engaged to Lenny Kravitz for a time after meeting in 2002. The actress and her current husband recently enjoyed a public date night last week when Kidman accompanied Urban to the Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8. The couple were seen embracing each other, dancing with each other, and singing along to performances. Keith also won the Triple Crown Award. During his speech, he mentioned their two daughters and Kidman, saying, 'My wife, Nicole Mary, is here tonight. I love you, babygirl. … And our girls Sunday and Faith watching at home tonight, I love you both, too.' In January, while speaking with W Magazine, Kidman also shared the secret to her 18-year marriage to Urban. She admitted that despite not being the singer in the family, she likes to sing in the shower, and so does Urban. 'I also hear Keith singing in the shower, and I'll hear his new songs forming,' Kidman told W Magazine. 'We have a double shower. The double-headed shower: key to a successful marriage. Separate commodes and a double-headed shower!' In a separate interview with InStyle in 2019, Kidman also said it is important for her to acknowledge her family when arriving home and leaving home. 'The greatest thing our family priest told us very early on in our marriage was, 'Always kiss hello and kiss goodbye.' It just keeps you connected,' Kidman explained.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Keith Urban's Major Career News Marks a Country Music Milestone
Over a decade since Carrie Underwood was the last country artist to win the Triple Crown Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Keith Urban will be honored with the highly prestigious prize. Presented by the Academy of Country Music, the ACM Triple Crown Award is only given to artists who have already won three separate awards: New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. Urban, 57, is eligible for the distinction thanks to a series of previous wins, including Top New Male Vocalist in 2001, Male Vocalist of the Year in 2005 and 2006, and Entertainer of the Year in 2019. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 In a tribute to the "Somebody Like You" singer, the awards ceremony will include performances of his hit songs by Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney and Brothers Osborne, according to a press release. As previously announced, the 60th annual ACM Awards will be hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winner Reba McEntire and will open with a performance highlighting past ACM Songs of the Year from Clint Black, Dan + Shay, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland, Wynonna Judd and McEntire herself. The televised event, scheduled to stream on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 8, at 8 p.m. ET, will also feature performances from the likes of Backstreet Boys, Rascal Flatts, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Eric Church,Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert, plus New Artist of the Year winners Ella Langley and Zach Top.
Epoch Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
Keith Urban to Receive Country Music's Triple Crown at the 60th Annual AMC Awards
Keith Urban will receive the coveted Triple Crown Award at the upcoming 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, ACM announced on Monday. 'Congratulations, Keith—we can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you at #ACM60,' the Academy The Triple Crown Award is given only to artists who have previously won in three ACM categories: 'New Artist of the Year,' 'Artist of the Year,' and 'Entertainer of the Year.' Urban garnered 'Top New Male Vocalist' at the 2001 ACM Awards, winning 'Male Vocalist of the Year' in 2005 and 2006. He later earned 'Entertainer of the Year' in 2019. 'I've been nominated nine times, so at some point, I come to terms and accept that the nomination is the award,' the 57-year-old musician Related Stories 4/28/2025 5/1/2025 'I love what I get to do; I put everything into it,' he said. 'For me, it's always about trying to find a new way to connect ... and I love country music, I really do.' Urban has been married to actress Nicole Kidman since 2006. They have two daughters, Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith, 14. The four-time Grammy Award-winner has released a dozen studio albums throughout his decades-long career, starting with his 1991 self-titled debut album, 'Keith Urban.' He put out his most recent work, 'High,' in September 2024. The New Zealand-born, Australian-American singer is the first artist to receive the Triple Crown Award since 2010, when multi-platinum singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood was bestowed the honor at the 45th ACM Awards. The 2025 ACM Awards will be held on May 8 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the world headquarters of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. The ceremony, which will stream live on Prime Video, will be hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning country singer Reba McEntire. During the prestigious event, Urban will also be honored by performances from fellow country stars Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, and Brothers Osborne, who will sing some of his greatest hits. A variety of other entertainers will also take the stage during the awards show, including Wynonna Judd, the Backstreet Boys, Rascal Flatts, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, and Miranda Lambert.
