- Ricart Ford selected as one of three nationwide recipients of Ford’s 2016 Salute to Dealers Award
- Ricart Ford supports several Columbus area charities and fundraising events, including Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio and Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Bluegrass Festival
- Family-owned and operated, Ricart Ford and the Ricart Mega Mall in suburban Columbus puts employees first and provides more than 500 jobs
COLUMBUS, OHIO, March 23, 2016 – Ricart Ford is selected to receive the 2016 Salute to Dealers award by Ford Motor Company. Chosen as one of only three award recipients in the United States, Ricart Ford consistently demonstrates Ford’s unwavering commitment to the community by supporting numerous Columbus area charities. Ricart Ford will be recognized with this prestigious honor at a special ceremony on March 31, 2016 in Las Vegas, coinciding with the National Automobile Dealers Association annual convention.
Founded in 1953, family-owned and operated Ricart Ford has established a legacy within the Columbus community. Current president and CEO, Rhett Ricart follows in his father’s, Paul Ricart, footsteps in supporting hundreds of members of the Columbus community. In addition to his dealership and its community initiatives, the Ricart Mega Mall in suburban Columbus supports more than 500 employees and many Columbus charities.
“My legacy in this business is not going to be how many Ford vehicles I sell. My legacy in the business is going to be how many lives I have been able to change,” said Rhett Ricart.
The Ricart’s love of music inspired them to support the annual Musicians against Childhood Cancer Bluegrass Festival where 100 percent of the proceeds go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis. Ricart Ford is also a major contributor to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio in downtown Columbus.
“Rhett is a genuinely caring and community oriented guy. He is behind the scenes and is everything that you would want someone who is a business leader in the community to be. He cares about this community and he uses the influence that he has to make a difference,” said Ryan Wilkins, Senior Director of Communications at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
By valuing its customers and employees, Ricart Ford grew to be the number one retail Ford dealership in the U.S. for more than 15 years.
“Dad always said you take care of your customers or someone else will, but the most important people you have are your employees because they take care of those customers each day,” said Ricart.
Ford’s Salute to Dealers awards recognize dealers who go above and beyond when it comes to giving back to the communities in which they live and work. They are being recognized for exhibiting unparalleled giving, dedication and leadership to their communities. As part of the award, Ford Motor Company Fund is donating $10,000 to a charity the dealer supports.
Ford commissions a painted portrait of each honoree featuring a montage of philanthropic and volunteer activities that led to the award. Duplicates of the portraits will join a Salute to Dealers display in the lobby of Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 197,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com
Contact: Nik Ciccone
512-216-8454
Nicholas.Ciccone@DirectImpact.com