Farewell message from the Chairman, Anthony Gordon – 4th Quarter 2025
Farewell Message from Chairman Anthony Gordon
Dear Ford MDA Members, Supporters, and Friends,
My time as Chairman of our great association is coming to an end at the close of 2025. I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve this extraordinary family of dealers. As I prepare to pass the baton, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we have shared – celebrating our accomplishments, confronting challenges, and looking ahead to a bright future for the Ford MDA.
Year in Review
As my term comes to a close, I reflect on the growth and progress we achieved together.
We strengthened the Ford MDA community by increasing minority dealer representation – welcoming many new minority dealers into our family and moving closer to parity across all Ford and Lincoln dealerships. Early in my tenure, I proposed a coaching program as a “safety valve” during challenging times; we laid its foundation and expanded training opportunities to support performance and leadership development. Another cornerstone was forging stronger partnerships with Ford Motor Company and Ford Credit. Through active committees and open dialogue, we ensured our collective voice was heard and turned that collaboration into tangible support for our dealers. Our association remains financially healthy and continues to enhance member benefits. Notably, we introduced a benefit covering NAMAD membership dues and conference registration, encouraging everyone to engage with the broader minority dealer community.
Conference Highlights
In 2024, our 11th Annual Conference in Carlsbad, California embraced the theme “Servant Leadership.” This gathering was a great success – dealers, families, and partners came together to learn, share, and celebrate the servant leadership that defines Ford MDA. In 2025, our 12th Annual Conference at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida carried the theme “United Voices, Accelerating Impact.” With a record turnout, we witnessed how speaking with one collective voice amplifies our influence. Through inspiring keynotes, workshops, and an awards ceremony honoring minority dealers, we felt the power of our collective roar. Both conferences left us energized and united.
Industry Challenges
Like the rest of the industry, we faced our share of challenges, and our solidarity proved our strength. In 2024, persistent inventory shortages and quality control issues tested us. We tackled these hardships together by working closely with Ford – advocating for more inventory and supporting each other with creative solutions to serve customers despite the shortages.
By 2025, the economic landscape began to improve as interest rates fell, easing financial pressure. This shift opened new opportunities, and Ford MDA provided guidance on leveraging these improved conditions to benefit our dealers. Throughout the ups and downs, our association offered steady support and communication, so no member faced the storm alone.
Welcome to Incoming Chairman
As I step down, I am confident that our association is in excellent hands. It is my honor to welcome our incoming Chairman, Luis Somoano. Luis – dealer principal of Doral Lincoln, Lincoln of Cutler Bay, and Ford of Kendall – brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission. He has served Ford MDA as Treasurer and Executive Committee member, and he represents us on the NAMAD Board. Luis exemplifies integrity, vision, and servant leadership. I am confident that under his leadership, Ford MDA will continue to thrive. Please join me in congratulating Luis Somoano as he takes the helm – he has my full support, and I know he will have yours as well.
Closing Reflection
Serving as your Chairman has been the honor of my life, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. My faith has guided me – as an ordained minister, I believe leadership is a form of service, and I have been blessed to serve all of you.
I want to express my gratitude to our Board and staff for their dedication, to every member for your support, and to my wife for her love and encouragement. As I pass the torch, I remain committed to our mission. We will continue to speak with one collective voice to champion parity for minority dealers. I urge you all to stay unified and engaged: support our new Chairman, stay active, and keep lifting each other up. In unity there is strength – our collective voice will remain a force for change.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives and businesses; I will always cherish the relationships we have built in this Ford MDA family. I pray God continues to bless each of you, your families, and your dealerships.
With faith, teamwork, and determination, Ford MDA will reach greater heights in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
Anthony Gordon
Chairman (2024–2025)
Ford Minority Dealers Association
