Ford dealership has been in McLaughlin family for 63 years
In his early years working for his father, Bill McLaughlin said he received some of the best advice of his life from his dad, Fred McLaughlin.
"He told me, 'You always be honest with your customers and always be honest with your employees,'" he said.
That has worked out well for the younger McLaughlin, who has worked 47 years at McLaughlin Ford on North Main Street, including close to 30 years as the general manager. His dad bought the local Ford dealership 63 years ago in 1961 from Horne Motor Co. when it was on Sumter Street. It moved to North Main five years later in 1966.
The dealership is known for having long-time employees and repeat customers, he said, and McLaughlin attributes his father's words of wisdom to the business' longevity.
Much has changed in the automobile industry through the decades.
"Ford has gone from the Model T in 1922 to the 'Model E' for the Mach-E electric Mustang and the F-150 Lightning Truck, which is also totally electric," McLaughlin said. "It's odd to look under the hood and not find an engine in it."
The dealership also keeps up with the latest technology and equipment for the service and sales departments to include iPads and tablets, he added.
The company also brought on board a mobile service vehicle at the beginning of this year to do light maintenance work at a customer's house or workplace so he or she does not have to come into the service shop and wait.
Despite technology and other changes, keeping a good reputation and providing good customer service are still keys to success, McLaughlin said.
As far as car and truck sales, the signature Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for more than 40 consecutive years, he added. The sporty Mustang is also popular. Other big sellers include the Ford Explorer and the new Bronco, McLaughlin said.
Collecting old cars is a hobby for the long-time business owner, and he has eight in the former body shop on site. They include a 1930 Model A Ford, which came after the Model T, a 1934 Ford model, a 1955 Crown Victoria and a 1965 Mustang, the original year for the sports car.
His career in the industry has not been without scary moments, to include the COVID-19 pandemic, gas shortages, periods with high interest rates and even Hurricane Hugo, which caused lots of damage throughout Sumter.
"It blew out all the windows in the front, and it peeled the roof back on the building," he said. "Cars had a lot of damage from materials blowing around from a gas station that was located across the street."
Still, it has been a good career, and McLaughlin said he is thankful for the customer base.
"We thank Sumter and the surrounding area for their business and appreciate the opportunity to serve everyone," he added.