Mount Gambier’s Barry Maney Ford has been awarded the 2021 Ford Presidents Award for Dealer of the Year at a recent event in Brisbane.

The ceremony recognised Ford’s highest performing dealerships and their staff across all departments with Barry Maney Ford’s Dealer Principal Barry Stafford receiving the award on behalf of the company.

Adding to their ever-growing list of accolades it is the fourth Ford award the company has received in the last six years.

Ford Motor Company chief executive and president Andrew Birkic presented the award, paying tribute to the success of Barry Maney Ford and what it brings to the Ford network by setting a platform for all to aspire too.

Mr Stafford said while the award was not expected it was gratifying for his team to be recognised for their hard work.

“Our staff do an excellent job week in and out so to get recognition for the dealership is extremely pleasing,” he said.

“The award criteria include being outstanding in customer satisfaction, sales and service so it is a combination of everyone in the dealership, from the reception in the front end to the detailers in the back and everyone in between.

“It is not something we focus on throughout the year, we focus on looking after our people and then they focus on the customer.”

Mr Stafford said recognition from the community was first and foremost, but the award was a pleasant bonus.

“We see ourselves as part of the community and we give back to them as they give to us,” he said.

“I think it is really important that we see ourselves as not just a car and truck dealership but part of the community, and we have lots of families that rely on this dealership, not just internally, but externally as well.

“We are proud of the things we do here and our place in such a supportive community.”