Dealership News

Colorful gathering highlights Friendly Ford’s 46th anniversary

Friendly Ford kicked off its new year while celebrating its 46th anniversary April 8 at the dealership situated at 660 N. Decatur Blvd.

In the dealership’s traditional fashion, the event was highlighted by several Las Vegas showgirls along with another appearance by former Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman, who is now the Ambassador for Las Vegas and the chairman of the host committee of the Las Vegas Convention Authority.

Goodman said visiting Friendly Ford during each anniversary celebration has become an annual gathering.

Highlighted by a 1970s theme, dealership Chairman Ed Olliges thanked his staff for continued dedication to Friendly Ford. In addition, the staff was provided with breakfast.

“It’s all about our customers,” said Olliges, whose dealership opened April 9, 1970. “That has been our motto for the past 46 years and it goes without saying that it will remain our motto.”

As part of the monthlong anniversary celebration, Friendly Ford is offering the choice of a bed liner or up to $500 for the registration of a vehicle or a LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System.

Further information can be found by visiting www.friendlyfordlv.com or by calling the dealership at 702-870-7221.

Towbin hosts career day for young adults

Josh “Chop” Towbin, co-owner of Towbin Automotive, hosted more than 20 young adults from St. Jude’s Ranch for Children and affiliated programs March 26 to discuss career growth, trends and some keys to professional success.

”We worked with St. Jude’s Ranch last fall to sponsor the Color Dash and I immediately felt a connection with these young people,” said Towbin. “I wanted to get across to them that it doesn’t matter who you are, if you work hard you can make a good living for yourself and your family. My goal was to provide some tools to help make that a reality.”

Towbin was joined by senior-level employees who have all been promoted from within and worked their way up through the company. Guest speakers included Director of Operations Joe Petikyan, who has been with Towbin for 15 years; General Manager Rennie Roopchand, who has been with Towbin for 16 years; and Corporate Manager Jerrell Carroll, who has been with Towbin for 13 years. The group talked about their respective backgrounds and their path to Towbin Automotive, which included tragic loss, disadvantaged environments, foster care systems and other obstacles.

“No matter where you came from or how you grew up, don’t ever let somebody tell you that you can’t do something,” said Towbin, during the event. “Take the doubt from those negative people and use it as motivation.”

The young adults, 15-25 years of age, are part of Crossings, a program of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, that supports abused, neglected and homeless young adults. The intensive residential and counseling program prepares young adults to integrate into society by teaching life, social and work skills and addressing psychological issues.

The group was treated to lunch at Towbin Dodge and was interactive with questions and comments for Towbin and the team during the discussion. The questions ranged from specifics about cars and the industry, to life advice and how to overcome emotions in a professional setting.

Following the discussion session, Towbin took the young adults and faculty on a full tour of the Towbin Dodge dealership, through the showroom and service center, to explain the business operations and the workflow of a day.

Towbin Dodge is located at 275 Auto Mall Drive in Henderson.