Westline Ford in Vanderhoof has proven its superiority again after wining a national award for the third time.
The Vanderhoof-based Ford dealership was awarded the 2014 President’s Award by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ford of Canada’s highest dealership honour. It is presented annually to dealerships who demonstrate outstanding achievement in sales and customer satisfaction. The location also won the fixed-right-the-first-time award through the service department which comes directly from customers who when surveyed, indicated their vehicle was repaired correctly the first time.
“Earning The President’s Award signifies our entire staff’s dedication to delivering superior customer satisfaction day in and day out,” Harvey Derksen, Westline Ford manager said. “I couldn’t be more proud to receive this recognition, especially since it comes from the people we value most – our customers. They’re the reason we are able to accept this award. This is also the best staff we’ve ever had.”
Kim Giesbrecht, sales woman at Westline, has worked for two other Ford dealerships but appreciates the family-like atmosphere in Vanderhoof.
“When someone comes in we take care of them more than other dealerships would. If you have a car booked for service we will give you something to drive for the day. If someone’s looking at buying a vehicle they can take it for the night or weekend, it’s less formal than other dealerships. We assist them in making the decision versus pushing them into it,” she said.
The Vanderhoof location is the only northern BC dealer to win this year and serves people of Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, Fort St. James and Vanderhoof. They are commended on supporting various community events and organizations in those areas such as Ducks Unlimited, 4-H, Vanderhoof Children’s Theater, the Vanderhoof Curling Club and endless minor sports.
Employee Steve Little feels the biggest reason they stand out is because the staff care about their neighbours.
“Harvey donates to community groups, [employee] Jeff Verduzco coaches wrestling and I’m a city councillor. Everyone here is involved in something in town and when we talk to customers it’s like talking to a friend,” he said.