Sample book with community resources insert

up with “The Right Choice” slogan. Focusing even more directly
on the customer experience, Arrow underwent another
remodel shortly thereafter. Instead of desks–consultation centers;
expanded service drive and parts warehouse; and, a new
finance and delivery showroom allowed customers to drive
their vehicles right off the showroom floor.
Always on the lookout for “a Better Idea” to enhance the
customer’s buying experience and to encourage his employees,
Seaton delved into the motivational techniques of Zig
Ziglar. This experience evolved into what became known as
the “I Can Attitude,” and took concrete form in a team meeting
where the key props were an empty can of green beans
and a selection of magazines. Team members cut out the eyes
from magazine photos, then pasted them on the can. This “I
Can” pencil holder would then sit as a reminder on each
team member’s desk as a visible cue of Arrow’s working philosophy.
This was followed up by an “I Can” Kids program
in the schools and a sales campaign at the dealership—all of
which spread the idea further into the community, and
demonstrate Arrow’s ongoing efforts to reach out to the community
it serves. In a more serious vein, Arrow teamed up
with KTXS TV, KEAN Radio and the Abilene Reporter News,
in 1998, to honor teachers and mentors who work with children.
“Teacher Tribute” served as a “thank you” to inspirational
teachers. Then, in 1999, Arrow joined forces with
Cumulus Radio, KTXS TV and Love and Care Ministries to
help Abilene’s homeless. This annual effort, “Mission
Thanksgiving” has provided much-needed clothing, food
and cash to the homeless for twenty years. Today it includes
over fifty-five sponsors and 1,000 volunteers. Arrow Ford
believed in collaboration before collaboration was cool.
The twenty-first century would bring profound changes
to society in general and the automobile industry in particular.
From the atrocities of September 11, 2001, to the Great
Recession of 2009, major adjustments have had to be made
in all walks of life and the people of Arrow Ford Mitsubishi
would rise to the occasion. Seaton responded by focusing his
best efforts within the leadership of his industry, working on
special financing programs to help with the disruptions
faced by consumers through service on the HSBC Dealer
Council and the Zurich Insurance Dealer Council. He also
served as Chairman of the Texas Automobile Dealers
Association in 2006, representing over 1,400 dealers at the
state and national levels.
During this period, Arrow continued to expand its used car
operations, adding locations and staffing to the extent that the
terms: Discount Center is under the leadership of Bargain Bin
Bubba, Program Car Center led by Gerald Welch, and Special
Finance 1 and 2, became “household names” across the area.
Arrow also created a nostalgic showroom Christmas display
featuring animatronics from Thornton’s department store,
which grows bigger every year. In 2003, the Chrysler and Jeep
franchises were added to Arrow’s vehicle line-up, ultimately
ranking in the nation’s top ten percent for customer satisfaction
and claiming the Jeep 5-Star Dealer Award.
Arrow continued to grow by adding Auto Accessories and
More, a company designed to sell accessories for all makes
Above: Eagle statue dedicated by Arrow Employees following the attacks
of 9/11.
Left: Arrow Ford updated exterior following the 2014 remodel.
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