CARY, N.C. -

Rob Ruth carries a lot of weight on his shoulders when he checks on all segments of Bob Ruth Ford, which is located in Dillsburg, Pa. He’s charged with ensuring profitability of the entire dealership, overseeing new- and pre-owned vehicle sales as well as service and parts departments.

“I was born into the car business, and it has been a way of life for me ever since.  I most enjoy helping others and making people happy,” Ruth said.

That reference to family is what inspires Ruth to make his store one of the shining stars in the Blue Oval’s network.

“I most admire individuals like my father who came from nothing and worked hard through many different positions in a dealership to eventually own his own store,” Ruth said. “His guts and hard work have given me and the rest of our team of employees a great opportunity to be a part of a successful dealership.”

That success also came when the automotive industry — and the U.S. economy in general — navigated through one of the most challenging times since the Great Depression. And it was through used vehicles that Bob Ruth Ford thrived.

“I am most proud of our achievements during the economic downturn beginning in 2008,” Ruth said. “During this time, our company was able to increase our sales and profitability and to put ourselves in a position for future growth and additional market share. 

“Our main focus was to build our pre-owned department to a point where the dealership was able to remain profitable without a single sale of a new vehicle,” he continued. “This proved to me that we were able to adapt and overcome in an environment where most companies were trying to just hang on.”

Rob Ruth, 39, is the vice president/general manager of Bob Ruth Ford.

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