In many large dealerships, customer service can sometimes take a backseat to sales quotas. But that’s not how things are done at Mike White Ford. The motto of this dealership is “Continuous improvement through service to others.” One Mike White Ford employee (of many) who exemplifies the sentiments of this motto is Michael Hedden, Commercial Account Manager. After six years at Mike White Ford, he has virtually perfected the art of putting customers first.
Never Losing Focus
Michael’s path to his current position is peculiar. Before working in the car business, Michael was a professional photographer with his own business down in Pasadena, California. After moving to northern Idaho some years ago, he decided to hang up his cameras (professionally, at least) when it became clear that a job that required working on other peoples’ schedules was incompatible with the family life he wanted. That’s when Michael decided to switch gears and got a job in car sales at Mike White Ford.
Michael’s career in the sales department quickly evolved, and soon he was working in the fleet department. He moved up to assistant fleet manager and now manages the commercial fleet business at the dealership. His commitment to detail and his knack for building strong customer relationships has propelled Michael to this position – pretty good for a guy with no experience in the auto industry before landing at Mike White Ford.
On a typical day, Michael can be found orchestrating vehicle orders, meticulously poring over the specific vehicle requirements for his fleet customers, preparing bids and quotes, and ensuring the smooth delivery of vehicles to clients. His attention to detail and technical expertise make him an invaluable asset to the dealership. He also assists the finance department whenever he has a spare moment.
Putting Others First
But it’s not just about the job for Michael; it’s about his personal philosophy. He firmly believes in the power of giving to others. Mike White’s mission statement about “service to others” resonates deeply with Michael’s own philosophy, and one of his favorite sayings is, “Love is not love until you give it away.” He firmly believes that when you make your own life about helping others, good things happen in your relationships and life. His experience at Mike White Ford confirms that it makes good things happen in business, as well.
The company ethos of service is not just bluster. Michael has known Mike White to take a loss on a transaction to ensure a customer was treated right. Mike White Ford is a place where customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal.
But Mike White doesn’t just care about customers; he cares about his employees, also. Nearly every employee at Mike White Ford will tell you that the best thing about Mike White Ford is the camaraderie and morale of the people who work here, and Michael is in 100% agreement. He finds immense satisfaction in the teamwork that defines the dealership and the concern that Mike White shows for all of his employees.
To illustrate the point, Michael mentioned something that happened in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many other dealerships were taking steps to minimize risks and financial exposure in the face of uncertainty, Mike White Ford did the opposite: the dealership went out and bought as much inventory as possible. Why? Because Mike White knew that almost 100 families depended on the jobs at his dealership. Shrinking the business was not going to help them.
Mike White has an unwavering commitment to his employees and customers, and his employees reciprocate and share that sense of loyalty, respect, and service. Michael Hedden is gratified that he can work at a place where his personal values align seamlessly with his work life, and he often shares lessons from his work experiences with his family. In his free time, Michael enjoys life’s simple pleasures – camping, fishing, and spending quality time with his family. These moments of relaxation provide him with the balance he needs to excel in his demanding role at the dealership.
If you are in the market for fleet vehicles for your company, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more responsive and dedicated partner than Michael Hedden at Mike White Ford. Give him a call and find out what he can do for you. Whether you need fleet vehicles for your company or just a personal vehicle for yourself or your family, contact Mike White Ford or visit one of our showrooms in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint.