“Have You Driven a Ford Lately?” Family Owned and Operated: Ronnie Thompson Ford

Ronnie Thompson Ford, a locally owned car dealership in Ellijay, has been a member of the Gilmer County community since 1994; however, the current location has been open for eight years. It is a family run with business that sees Thompson work daily with his wife, Vicki, two sons, Bobby and Heith, as well as his daughter, Jessi.The local dealership is the proud eight time recipient of The President’s Award, which is a customer service award, given to the Ford dealerships that place in the top one percent. When one visits the business one would be treated to the sites of a plethora of model automobiles adorning various walls, as well as a customer waiting area designed for comfort and relaxation.

Jessi Thompson said, “We try to keep it home and we try to make it comfy.”

Visitors can also see the memorial wall dedicated Lt. Noah Harris, who was a local war hero and close family friend killed in combat. It is part due to his memory that the Thompsons came up with the idea for the “Support Our Troops Custom Care Packages,” that are sent to U.S. troops serving overseas. The Thompsons encourage the community to donate different items that they in turn mail to the troops. They have had over 2500 care packages delivered since 2005.

Ronnie Thompson has been in the car business for over 30 years and seen the effects of a down economy before. Due to the rising cost of gas, the automobile industry has been hit particularly hard. The dealership has had to cut back on the inventory as well as update the type of vehicles sold. Many of the new trucks have “eco-boost” engines that reduce fuel consumption.

Ronnie Thompson Ford is one of many neighborhood merchants that FYN will cover in the Gilmer County Community.