Dealer roundup: Mark Williams grows in Ohio; charity work at Jim Ellis
This dealership news roundup includes another store gaining new ownership as well as a group launching its annual charity work during the holiday season.
According to a news release from the Tim Lamb Group, the firm brokered the sale of Woody Sander Ford in Cincinnati to the Mark Williams Auto Group.
Chris Infantino of the Tim Lamb Group indicated the third-generation dealership was sold after its three owners — Matt Sander, Ed Crawford and Mike Kaiser — announced their retirement.
Infantino helped facilitate the transaction, which closed on Nov. 17.
Mark Williams decided to utilize Cincinnati’s “Queen City” nickname to rename the dealership Queen City Ford.
The Mark Williams Auto Group also owns three additional dealerships, all located within a 50-mile radius of Cincinnati. They include Beechmont Ford in Cincinnati and Mt. Orab Ford and Mt. Orab Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Mt. Orab.
“We are excited about the opportunity to grow our customer base on the westside of Cincinnati and look forward to welcoming all of the Woody Sander customers to Queen City Ford,” Williams said in the news release.
Williams will continue to operate Queen City Ford out of the facility consisting of 40,000 square feet and located at 235 W. Mitchell Ave. in Cincinnati.
Spreading holiday cheer at Jim Ellis Automotive
Meanwhile in the South, the Jim Ellis Automotive Group announced the start of its seventh annual holiday giving campaign supporting the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Running through Jan. 2, each of the 20 Jim Ellis family owned and operated dealerships will donate a portion of every new or pre-owned vehicle sale to the food bank.
Each year, Jim Ellis Automotive selects a local charity to support with a holiday giving campaign.
Through its efforts, Jim Ellis Automotive has donated $320,000 to groups supporting women and children in need across the Atlanta area with this annual campaign.
“It’s hard to imagine a child going to bed hungry,” Jim Ellis Automotive Group vice president Stacey Ellis Hodges said in a news release. “Our hope is that this donation can bring holiday cheer to a child and their family in a time of need. Every child deserves to have a full belly and a happy heart. Together, we want to give the gift of love.”
Kyle Waide is president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank
“Jim Ellis Automotive has partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank in our efforts to fulfill our mission to end hunger since 2006,” Waide said. “Every $1 donated enables the Food Bank to be able to provide up to three meals for our neighbors in need.
“We appreciate and value the Jim Ellis partnership and look forward to your continued impact,” Waide went on to say. “Thank You!”