Episode 22 of the Miracle Ford Podcast is here! John Haggard sits down with Simone Pearson, the Parts and Service Zone Manager at the Ford Motor Company. If you’ve ever wondered if aftermarket parts or original equipment manufacturer parts are better for your vehicle, you don’t want to miss Simone’s advice! They also talk about:

Simone’s Past Experience How to Keep Maintenance Costs LowTruck Month and Best Selling TruckExpress Service and Mobile Service BenefitsHow Ford Achieves Customer Satisfaction

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02 Welcome to the Miracle Ford podcast where you will be able to learn the best ways to purchase or lease, maintain, and accessorize your vehicle. Also, how to sell your vehicle for the highest resale value possible when you’re ready to. Also, facts about various vehicles to help you make the right choice for you. And also in the high technology area, some of the really cool features about the new Ford lineup at Miracle Ford in Gallatin. I’m your host, John Haggard, and throughout each month right here, we’ll have different team members join us for a Miracle as well as factory representatives to bring you tips that you can use. By the way, we also post a transcript of each podcast so that you can easily refer to it for information that you would like to have right there at your fingertips. On today’s podcast, we’re talking to Simone Pearson, she’s the Parts and Service Zone Manager at Ford Motor Company for the Memphis region, which does include Nashville and the Gallatin area. Hey Simone, welcome to the podcast!

Simone Pearson 1:01 Hi, thank you for having me.

John Haggard 1:02 Glad to have you! We appreciate taking the time to check in with us. Before we get started, people always like to know, well, who is it behind that voice? So before we learn a little bit about what you do at Ford Motor Company, tell us a little bit about your career and sort of how you wound up here.

Simone Pearson 1:19 Yeah, no problem. So my name is Simone Pearson, originally, I’m from Indianapolis, but I grew up outside of Dallas, a suburb called Keller. I went to Purdue University and studied business management, with a concentration in marketing and finance. I wound up at forward actually through Purdue, one of the recruiters came and saw me and I fell in love from there.

John Haggard 1:43 I’m sure they said, “We’re impressed with that lady. She’s smart if she goes to Purdue, and we want her at Ford!”

Simone Pearson 1:49 Exactly what happened.

John Haggard 1:50 Well, there you go. I mean, let’s just call it what it is. So what do you like to do on your time off when you’re not working, Simone, like hobbies or recreation, things that are just fun for you.

Simone Pearson 2:01 So the biggest thing I like to do is travel. I will travel anywhere, anytime. It doesn’t matter, obviously not right now because we have a little travel ban going on. But I love to travel and then I love watching sports. So I’m really hyped for this March Madness that’s coming up.

John Haggard 2:18 Yeah, there you go. Any favorite team?

Simone Pearson 2:21 Honestly, no, not really. I guess I have to root for Purdue since we’re probably gonna make it kind of far.

John Haggard 2:27 Think so? So all right.

Simone Pearson 2:29 I hope so.

John Haggard 2:30 All right. Well, we will see. Speaking of sports and things that you like, is there one thing about you, Simone that people would be surprised to know about you if they knew it?

Simone Pearson 2:42 In 2018, I traveled to Tokyo, and actually I did Mario Kart in the streets. So my friend and I, she was Mario and I was Luigi. We were riding the streets of Tokyo in our little suits. Yeah, it was cool.

John Haggard 3:00 Do you speak any Japanese by the way?

Simone Pearson 3:02 N

Welcome to episode 21 of Miracle Ford Podcast! Host John Haggard welcomes back Jim Galvin to the podcast, the General Manager of Miracle Ford in Gallatin. Jim shares exciting insight into how Miracle Ford has become the successful company that it is today, and even more about the future of the company. They also talk about the following topics:

Jim’s Upbringing With Father, Jim Galvin Sr.Surprising Family Values That WorkHow to Keep a Family Company Healthy & Alive Miracle Ford’s Biggest MilestoneThe Best Company Advice from Jim’s FatherThe Exciting Future of Miracle Ford

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02 Welcome to the Miracle Ford podcast where throughout each month you’ll be able to learn the best ways to purchase, lease, service, maintain, accessorize, and also sell your vehicle for the highest resale value possible when you’re ready to do it. You know, we also do discuss vehicle model details, and also the latest technology that makes driving a new vehicle really cool compared to just a few years ago. As always, you can find show notes right here and a transcript, along with the links to content that we do talk about right here on our website, Miraclefordtn.com. Also on Apple podcast, Google Play Podcasts, and on Spotify. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on any of those platforms, and share! I’m your host John Haggard. Today’s episode we have the honor of welcoming back Jim Galvin with us. Jim is the general manager at Miracle Ford in Gallatin. Welcome back, Jim!

Jim Galvin 0:57 John, thank you. It’s good to be back and look forward to the podcast. And hopefully, the viewers out here will be able to learn a little bit about our milestone that is participating as we speak now.

John Haggard 1:09 Yeah, let’s talk about that. Because we understand that Miracle Ford did recently celebrate an important milestone in its history. Tell us a little bit about the milestone and how it was achieved, Jim.

Jim Galvin 1:20 Well, and thank you, John. First of all, we are celebrating a milestone. If you think about it, not too many businesses can say, “We celebrated 40 years in business.” When I say 40 years, it’s 40 years since 1980. And plus, not only that, John, it’s family-owned. If you put those two together, it equals success, hard work, commitment, and loyalty to our customers in our community. And believe it or not, it all starts with my father, Jim Galvin Sr., who was the original owner, CEO of Miracle Ford, and now Miracle Auto. And I must say I couldn’t be more proud of what my father has achieved of making the success of the Miracle Automotive Group and we look forward to many years as what he has taught us.

John Haggard 2:06 Well, you said Miracle Ford was founded in 1980. You had said, Jim, in an earlier podcast that your father had worked for Ford Motor Company first for I think it was 25 years before founding Miracle Ford in 1980. What do you remember him telling you about what it was like to work for Ford? I would assume he would come home and around the dinner table sometimes talk about “Hey, I was on the road. I went here, I went there” and he would talk about Ford.

Jim Galvin 2:34 Well, you said it, John, he was definitely on the road. But dad lived an interesting life when he worked for Ford Motor Company. I can remember a lot of examples. I can remember the time where I first walked into the main headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. And when I first walked in the main headquarters, all I could see were men in blue, pinstripe suits. Everybody was in a blue suit. You think about In a corporate world back then, you would not dare not be in a suit. It just blew me away seeing all these guys in a suit. It sort of freaked me out because I was probably eight or nine years old and I’m thinking, “Wow, Dad, look at these people! They must be really

Welcome to episode 20 of the Miracle Ford Podcast. Host, John Haggard, sits down with Clay McCool, a member of the Extreme Service Team at Miracle Ford located in Gallatin, TN. Clay talks over how the team he is a part of assists their customers in finding the best deals and prices on their purchases. They also talk about the following topics:

Clay’s BackgroundA Very Interesting Skill That Clay Has…Miracle VIP Advantage ProgramWays the Extreme Service Team Can Help YouTruck Month at Miracle FordHow to Contact Clay

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02 Welcome to the Miracle Ford podcast where you will be able to learn about the best ways to purchase or lease, maintain and accessorize your vehicle and how to sell your vehicle for the highest resale value possible when you’re ready to. Also, facts about various vehicles to help you make the right choice. And in the high technology area, the really cool features about the new Ford lineup at Miracle. I’m your host, John Haggard and throughout each month right here, as you probably already know, if you’ve been listening to the podcast, we do have different team members join us from Miracle to bring you tips that you can use. And by the way, we do post a transcript of each podcast so that you can easily refer to it for information that you would like to have at your fingertips. On today’s podcast, we’re talking to Clay McCool, he’s a member of the Extreme Service Team at Miracle Forward in Gallatin. Hey, Clay, welcome to the podcast.

Clay McCool 0:55 Hey, John. Thanks for having me.

John Haggard 0:56 Glad to have you. Hey, before we get started, folks always want to know who are the people behind the scenes? Tell us a little bit about you like what you were doing before you came to Miracle Ford?

Clay McCool 1:07 Well, before I came here, I was actually a manager at a country club. And before that, I actually did the sales over at a martial arts school here in Gallatin, the Gallatin Martial Arts.

John Haggard 1:20 Wow. So nobody better fool with you, right? Are you black belt?

Clay McCool 1:25 Actually, yeah, multiple different areas there. Yeah.

John Haggard 1:28 Wow, you are a black belt. That is that’s pretty serious. So how in the world do you go from managing a country club to its not jitsu stuff I guess is it? What do you call it?

Clay McCool 1:40 Actually, I do taekwondo, jujitsu, hapkido, gumbo, quite a bit actually.

John Haggard 1:48 And so how did you wind up in the automotive business of all things? That’s quite a background.

Clay McCool 1:53 Well, John, I really kind of wanted to change the change of atmosphere even if you will. And my dad he’s been working here Miracle and well just kind of took it up and I loved it ever since.

John Haggard 2:03 Sort of like father like son?

Clay McCool 2:05 Yeah, absolutely!

John Haggard 2:07 Now, what does your dad do at Miracle Ford?

Clay McCool 2:10 He is the painter.

John Haggard 2:12 Wow. Okay, so he’s back in the body shop.

Clay McCool 2:15 Mm hmm.

John Haggard 2:15 Are you from Gallatin?

Clay McCool 2:17 I am, actually. Yeah.

John Haggard 2:18 All right. So tell us where you went to school and what you majored in and kind of where you went from there.

Clay McCool 2:24 Well, I went to Gallatin High, got my diploma. And actually, from there, I just kind of went straight to work. First thing I did was moved to California and started working on the signs. So, I guess I got homesick came on back.

John Haggard 2:37 Yeah, and so you said you were working on signs in California. Tell us about that.

Clay McCool 2:43 I’d be the electrician. So, what they would do is they would blow the glass for the lights, the neon lights, they give me the cabinet. I’d take all that and put it in the cabinet put it with the transformer,

Welcome to episode 19 of the Miracle Ford Podcast. In this episode, John Haggard sits down with Mary Gauerke, the marketing manager of the Gallatin Parks and Recreation Department. She’stalks about the department and the exciting news of the upcoming Miracle Park. They also talk about the following topics:

Mary’s Experience With 4-H ProgramsMary’s Milwaukee Background4-H Then vs 4-H NowMary’s Travels and Her Favorite CountriesMary’s Fondness Of CarsWhat Miracle Park Is All About and Who It’s ForWhere Miracle Park Is LocatedHow to Contact Mary

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02 Welcome to the Miracle Ford Special Edition Podcast where we also interview community leaders and shakers on upcoming events that are of interest to the Gallatin-Sumner County area, even outside of the area. And today, we’re excited to have Mary Gauerke on the podcast. Mary is the marketing manager for the Gallatin Parks and Recreation Department. Hey, Mary, welcome to the podcast.

Mary Gauerke 0:24 Thank you! Happy to be here.

John Haggard 0:26 Glad to have you here. And I think before we dive into your role and what you’re doing there, people want to say well, who is Mary Gauerke? So before we talk about Gallatin-Sumner County, and for those who are new to the area, or may know you and just want to know more about you, tell us a little bit about your background. Did you grow up in Gallatin or are you an import from somewhere?

Mary Gauerke 0:49 I’m an import.

John Haggard 0:50 You’re an import?

Mary Gauerke 0:51 Yes. I’m a Midwestern import from the burbs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And I’m a mom and a wife. And I have two beautiful teenagers at Hendersonville High School.

John Haggard 1:08 Let’s go back just for a moment when you were in the Midwest, and you’re saying Milwaukee area, did I get that right?

Mary Gauerke 1:14 Yes, yes, Milwaukee area. I’m from the largest village in the state of Wisconsin. Menominee Falls, Wisconsin.

John Haggard 1:23 Alright, so when you were in high school, sometimes, high school can be some of the most fun years and sometimes the most formative years in terms of where people go from there. But, what did you do in high school that was maybe the most fun?

Mary Gauerke 1:39 I have a couple of things that stand out in my head. It seems like, that’s been decades ago that I was in high school, but the two things that stand out are one: I participated in a program called the Art Satellite Program where I got to leave my high school at noon and got on a bus that was chartered through the school system. And that bus would take me to downtown Milwaukee. And I got to spend the rest of my day at the Milwaukee Art Museum during this Art Satellite Program. So I studied curative art, art by the masters, drawing, and painting, and that was my emphasis. And so, you know, in those formative years, where you think, Oh, I just, I just don’t fit in. I was very blessed to, I guess being at a high school that just embraced the arts. And I found my niche and that was in Visual Arts and I had so much fun doing that and learning from professors and learning from, you know what it’s like to run a museum, a world-class museum and that was probably one of my bigger things that I remember from high school. And the other one is that I was very, very much involved in the 4-H Program in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. And now as a mom, my kids are highly involved in Sumner County 4-H.

John Haggard 3:30 Is there anything different today about 4-H versus years ago?

Mary Gauerke 3:36More now. They embrace technology, they embrace STEM. They embrace the deep learning of animals and our impact on how we can make animals better whether it’s equine or swine but see I was a burbs kid, so I did not grow up with cars and cooking, really at all my background in 4-H was with photography, with drawing, and painting with ce

Welcome to the first episode of the Miracle Ford Podcast of the new decade! For our first episode, we go straight to the ART of it. Host John Haggard talks to Bryan Deese, Gallatin-based muralist and street artist who has worked for various companies and events, both local and national. Together, they discuss the following topics:

Where Bryan Grew UpHow Bryan Got Into Mural and Street ArtHis Transition From Graphic Design to Full Time Mural and Street ArtistBryan Deese’s Art HeroesExciting Projects He Has Done RecentlyCreative FreedomIs the Gallatin Local Government Supportive of His Works?Most Memorable Artwork He’s Done so FarUpcoming Art ProjectsDoes Bryan Accept Commission Projects?Bryan’s Interesting ObsessionHow to Contact Bryan

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02 Welcome to the Miracle Ford podcast where, throughout the month, you’ll be able to learn the best ways to purchase, lease, service, maintain, accessorize, and sell your vehicle for the highest resale value possible when you’re ready. We also discuss vehicle model details and the latest technology that makes driving a new vehicle really cool compared to just a few years ago. I’m your host, John Haggard, and you know, as always, you can find show notes and a transcript along with links to content that we talked about right here on our website miraclefordtn.com and also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts and on Spotify. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on any of those platforms, and share. Another cool thing that we get to do and that’s to interview community leaders and shakers in the Gallatin-Sumner County area, who are part of great projects. Got a lot of things that are going on and, on today’s podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with Bryan Deese, muralist and street artist. Bryan, welcome to the podcast!

Bryan Deese 1:03 Hello! Thanks for having me.

John Haggard 1:04 Glad to have you! Before we learn about what a muralist and street artist is and does, tell us a little about you. Are you from Gallatin?

Bryan Deese 1:14 I’m from Nashville. I grew up in Nashville, kind of all over that area, and then have been up in Gallatin now for about 10 years.

John Haggard 1:22 So from Nashville. Where did you go to school in high school here?

Bryan Deese 1:27 Well, I went to two schools. I went to Franklin Road Academy in South Nashville, with my area. And then I graduated from Hillsboro High School in the Green Hills area of Nashville,

John Haggard 1:39 The Burros, I think they call that, or something like that.

Bryan Deese 1:41 Absolutely, full of pride.

John Haggard 1:42 Yeah. Was that a good football team when you were there?

Bryan Deese 1:48 Not great when I was there. They have gotten a lot better with the coach they have. Fitzgerald has had a lot of success and they won a state championship after I left. But the Gallatin handed it to them pretty well the last season.

John Haggard 2:01 So a muralist and street artist, I guess maybe, before we really dive into that, how would you define that term? If somebody says, “Well, what is a muralist and a street artist?”

Bryan Deese 2:13 Yeah, mural artist mural list is anyone who’s painting murals and that could include indoors or outdoors. Street art is more specifically refers to the outdoors and painting, you know, on the streets where people walking, driving can see the work.

John Haggard 2:33 From Nashville, how did you wind up in Gallatin?

Bryan Deese 2:37 Well, I was living in Madison in 2007. And the recession hit and Madison got really shady there. I kind of starting to have a family and looking for greener pastures and found them at little Northeastern Gallatin and moved out here and have loved it and really embrace this community and just enjoy a lot of things about it. And so that’s kind of what brought us out here.

John Haggard 3:05 And when

Welcome back to the Miracle Ford Podcast! And for the second time around Jim Odell, the Used Car Manager at Miracle Ford joins us. In this episode, he and host John Haggard talk more on tips on how to buy a used car. Topics discussed:

How to Ensure That You Are Not Buying Other People’s Problems When Buying a Used CarHow to Check on the Vehicle’s HistoryDebunking Other Myths About Used CarsWhat Is a Certified Pre-Owned and Its Advantages?What Is a Powertrain Warranty?Miracle Ford VIP AdvantageCan Out-Of-State Customers Buy Used Cars from Miracle Ford in Gallatin, TN?Pre-Owned Deals Right Now at Miracle Ford

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02 Welcome to the Miracle Ford podcast where, throughout the month, you’ll be able to learn the best ways to purchase lease service, maintain, accessorize, and also sell your vehicle for the highest resale value possible when you’re ready to do it. You know, we also discuss details of the latest and greatest vehicles and technology here today and coming soon.

As always, you can find show notes and a transcript along with links to content that we talked about right here on the website www.miraclefordtn.com. Also on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts and on Spotify… and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, if you will on any of the platforms and share. I’m your host, John Haggard, and on today’s podcast, we have the honor of having Jim Odell with us. Jim is the used car manager at Miracle Ford in Gallatin. Jim’s going to be sharing tips on how to buy a used car. Jim, we’re excited to have you back.

Jim Odell 0:56 Well, I’m excited to be back, John. Thank you for inviting me

John Haggard 0:59 Well, thanks for coming. And for those that didn’t hear, by the way, Jim was on the podcast on episode 11. And in that episode, we were able to get to know Jim quite a bit more and some of the work he does at Miracle Ford. Let me see, Jim, if I remember correctly, you did grow up in New Jersey. Am I right?

Jim Odell 1:15 That is right. Yes. Northern New Jersey, just 20 or so minutes outside New York City.

John Haggard 1:20 There you go. And I think you also mentioned that you are also a musician in your other life. And I believe you play the drums, right?

Jim Odell 1:27 That’s right. Yes.

John Haggard 1:29 Three-piece band, as well as in church.

Jim Odell 1:31 Yes, exactly.

John Haggard 1:32 And on that podcast, we also talked about maintaining your vehicle for resale. Anything new happening in your life at this point?

Jim Odell 1:41 No, no, pretty much going along as usual. And that’s a good thing.

John Haggard 1:45 All right. Well, let’s just go along as usual then. So in this episode, we want to dive deeper into tips on how to buy a used car. And you know, some people can be nervous around buying a used car because they’re saying, Well, you know, you’ve probably heard the phrase, I don’t want to buy someone else’s problems.

Jim Odell 2:03 Oh, yes, that’s exactly right. And that’s… I was expecting you to say something to that, then that was one of the first things that I was going to mention is what are people’s concerns? Am I buying someone else’s problems? And you know, that can be a concern. I understand that aspect of it.

John Haggard 2:19 How do you answer that question?

Jim Odell 2:22 I would say the few things that you would look for is some type of history of the vehicle. Now our dealership uses CarFax. Carfax is a very popular platform for getting that information. So when you’re buying a used vehicle, we’re more than happy to show you the Carfax history and kind of break it down for you. Here’s a vehicle that has had one owner. It’s been maintained. There’s a lot of platforms that subscribe to Carfax – we do. So when you bring a vehicle into our s

It’s starting to get cold outside but it’s still warm in this special episode podcast. This week, we have Chief Victor Williams of the Gallatin Fire Department. A native of Delray Beach Florida, Chief Williams has been the fire department for only four years! Get to know him more as he, together with host John Haggard, discusses the following topics:

How He Ended up from Delray Beach to the Gallatin Fire Department?What Chief Victor Does on His Time-OffHis 27-Year Service as a FirefighterLife Before FirefightingTips to Prevent Fire During WinterHaving a Fire Extinguisher at HomeWhat’s up and Coming for the Gallatin Fire DepartmentSpecial School Programs for Future FirefightersAnnual Events at the Gallatin Fire DepartmentFire Chief’s Biggest Challenges Today

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02 Welcome to the Miracle Ford Special Edition podcast where we also interview community leaders on topics of interest to the Gallatin and Sumner County area. Today we’re honored to have Chief Victor Williams of the Gallatin Fire Department on the podcast. Chief, welcome to the podcast.

Chief Victor Williams 0:18 Thank you so much, John. I count it an honor to be here and I look forward to our conversation.

John Haggard 0:24 Well, me too, and glad you are here because we’ve got some good questions for you. And before we dive in, though, as to what’s going on in at the Gallatin Fire Department today for people who may be new to the area or new to the podcast, tell us a little bit about you or did you actually grow up in Gallatin?

Chief Victor Williams 0:42 No, I didn’t, John. Actually, I grew up in South Florida, and I am a recent transplant here in the Tennessee area and in Gallatin more specifically. I grew up in a little city called Delray Beach and, just for reference purposes, Delray Beach is a long I-95 corridor on the eastern side of South Florida. And if you look at a map, Delray will be centered about 50 miles northeast of Miami, so most people know where Miami is. And about 20 miles northeast of Fort Lauderdale. So we sit just about 20 miles north of Fort Lauderdale and about 10 miles south of West Palm Beach. So that’s where I grew up. Lifelong resident, I spent 52 years of my life there before we relocated here to Gallatin.

John Haggard 1:32 Now, what got you to Gallatin all the way from Florida?

Chief Victor Williams 1:36 Well, I was working in the Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department. I had been working there for 23 years and I was about a year and a half away from retirement. And being 52 years old, I believe that I was too young to really retire. I didn’t think my wife would want me sitting around, you know, around the house at 52. I think I would have driven her nuts. So I was looking for something to do because I felt that I still had a lot to offer to the fire service.

And I just so happened to be searching and I came across a posting on indeed.com, in which the city of Gallatin was in a current national search for fire chief. So that was back in September of 2015. So I put in an application in September, and I received notice of an interview in December. So I came up to Gallatin with my wife, did the interview, we kind of stay for a few days, took a look around the community drove around trying to get familiar with it.

A week later, I received a phone call from Miss Debbie Johnson, who is the Human Resources director and I was notified that I had been unanimously chosen to be the new fire chief for Gallatin. So, my wife and I then had a discussion to decide if we want it to take the offer, which we did. And so three months later, we were relocated here in Gallatin, which I started working for the Gallatin fire department on March 7, 2016. So that’s basically how I got from Florida here to Middle Tennessee and in the city of Gallatin.

John Haggard 3:18 What a story and to hear you unanimous! I think there are people out there who a

If you’re shopping for a Ford Ranger, you need to hear this episode! In this episode of the Miracle Ford Podcast, host John Haggard talks to Chris Laye, Ford Sales Zone Manager, about the new 2019 Ford Ranger, its exciting features and technology. Other topics discussed include the following:

Chris’s Start in the Automotive IndustryChris’s Favorite Travel DestinationWhat Does a Sales Zone Manager Do?The Growth in Ford Market in Gallatin, TNThe Rise of SUVs and TrucksThe New 2019 Ford RangerAwards the 2019 Ford Ranger Has Already GarneredThe Most Exciting Features of the New Ford RangerFord Ranger Technology That Everyone Should Know OfAndroid and Apple Car PlayFord Ranger’s Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy Pick a Ranger over Other Brands and ModelsChris’s Go-to Hometown RestaurantUpcoming Mustang-inspired SUV This November

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02 Welcome to the Miracle Ford podcast where you will learn the best ways to purchase, lease, service and maintain, accessorize, and sell your vehicle for the highest resale value possible when you’re ready, and also to learn more about the capabilities and fun features of new vehicles. I’m your host, John Haggard, and throughout each month, we’ll also have special guests join us and you’ll also see a transcript of each podcast for quick reference. If you need some additional information, you can just go find it. On this podcast. We’re speaking today with Chris Laye. He’s the Ford Sales Zone Manager for Zone C in the Memphis region. Hey Chris, welcome to the podcast.

Chris Laye 0:40 Thanks, John. Thanks for having me. Man. I’m excited to be here and excited to talk about the all-new Ranger and the new products we have coming out.

John Haggard 0:47 Good. I think a lot of folks always want to know about the future. We know about the past but hey, what is coming up? So before we dive into the world of Ford, and get an idea as to what is upcoming, tell us how did you get started in the automotive business. There were a lot of professions you could have gone into, why automotive? How did you get there?

Chris Laye 1:05 Yeah, absolutely. So if you spend enough time around Ford employees, you’ll probably hear the phrase, “my blood runs blue”.

John Haggard 1:12 Yeah.

Chris Laye 1:13 And that’s certainly the case for me. So my grandfather’s on both sides of my family worked for Ford Motor Company, as well as my father. So actually, I held the same position that I do now. So kind of following in their footsteps. But when I was growing up, I started out working at a local dealership, washing cars in the summers and high school and helping out with events. From there, I went to college where I had an internship with the marketing sales and service team out of Atlanta. And at the end of my internship, I was fortunate enough to receive a full-time offer, which I accepted and that’s how I got my start in the automotive business. So kind of always been in my blood and Ford has it as well.

John Haggard 1:53 Yeah, it was very interesting. Your story parallels that of Jim Galvin, dealer principal from Miracle ord. Because I said hey, how did you get started? He said, Well I, you know, went to work for my dad I started washing cars to get gas money so I could go to school and all this type of thing. So I guess it really does sometimes run in the family. Did you do anything before automotive, like, you know, maybe you were working in a restaurant when you first got your driver’s license or anything like that.

Chris Laye 2:18 To go back to Mr. Galvin. Jim Galvin’s father, Jim Galvin SR., actually worked with my grandfather in Ford. So yeah, small world. So I was excited to be covering that story as well. So the only other job actually had that wasn’t automotive-related was I worked at an animal shelter and I think my freshman year of high school, which I

This week we once again have a special guest visit us on the podcast, Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown! Mayor Paige grew up in Gallatin, left to go to college at the age of 18, and ended up landing back in Gallatin several years later. This interview is chalked full of details about Paige’s life and her work for the City of Gallatin.

Topics Discussed:

Mayor Paige’s youth and her time away at College in FloridaHer return to Middle Tennessee and her work at the Nashville Network and News Channel 5 in NashvilleWhat Paige likes to do in her time offHow Paige became interested in becoming a mayorThe reporting structure of the Gallatin City GovernmentThe largest challenges that Paige has faced as MayorWhere Gallatin’s revenue comes fromFuture initiatives for the Gallatin City GovernmentHow to bring to business to GallatinGallatin, TN. Reader’s Digest 2017 Nicest Place in AmericaThe hardest question that Mayor Paige has ever been askedThe economic future of Middle TennesseePaige’s struggle with LeukemiaPaige’s History in the Circus and as a Magician’s AssistantThe future of educationHow to find a job in GallatinWhy visit GallatinHow to get in touch with Paige

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02

Welcome to the Miracle Ford Special Edition podcast where we also interview community leaders on topics that are of interest to the Gallatin area. And today we’re honored to have Paige Brown on the podcast. Paige is the Mayor of Gallatin. Mayor, welcome to the podcast.

Mayor Paige Brown 0:19

Well, thank you. I’m honored to be here. Thank you for the kind words from the beginning.

John Haggard 0:22 Well, I appreciate your taking the time out to be with us. And we always like to learn about the person behind the job a little bit. So tell us about you. Are you from Gallatin?

Mayor Paige Brown 0:33 I am from Gallatin. I tell people frequently so this is not anything new or shocking to most people probably, but I grew up here and I could not wait to leave! And… I did. And so yeah, I grew up here, went to high school here and came back here when I was in my mid to late 20s. And have been, well worked in Nashville for most of my career. But always lived or most of the time lived somewhere close to Gallatin or in Gallatin.

John Haggard 1:07

And when you said you left Gallatin, like most everybody I think who turns 18, let me get out of here and go explore another part of the country. Did you leave the state?

Mayor Paige Brown 1:15

Oh, I was so desperate to leave. I graduated high school early.

John Haggard 1:19

Wow.

Mayor Paige Brown 1:22 And left. Yeah, I went to Florida. I went to school in Florida and then stayed down there to work in a couple of different jobs after I graduated from college. But yeah, wound up with a job back in Nashville. And so that’s what brought me home.

John Haggard 1:36

Okay, so yeah, tell us about that. What was the job? What brought you back?

Mayor Paige Brown 1:40

I came back to work for a company that did shows for Nashville Network, which doesn’t exist anymore, but people still do remember it. I probably worked on 14 shows there, doing all different kinds of things. My background is journalism. And so was a reporter for the most part. But I’ve done a lot producing. I’ve done a lot of talent work. Just all kinds of weird things as I made a living growing up. And then the last 11 years of my career in television, I was actually at News Channel 5 in Nashville. And I was an executive producer there.

John Haggard 2:20

All right, so did we see you on the air? Or were you behind the scenes?

Mayor Paige Brown 2:24 I did some on-air work in my early days of channel five, but not for long, and prior to that I always did on-air work.

John Haggard 2:31

And then you mentioned the Nashville Network. Now, I think if I remember, that was a country music network for the most part?

Mayor Paige Br

Welcome to the 13th episode of the Miracle Ford Podcast! This week, host John Haggard is joined by Jessica Raymond, the Service Manager at Miracle Ford. Jessica has been with the company for more than 11 years! In this episode, Jessica talks about how she started in Miracle Ford and her love for cars. She also shares how to keep your car at its top value for a long time – you don’t want to miss that! Enjoy the podcast!

Jessica Raymond’s Personal BackgroundHer Move from Florida to NashvilleHer Hobbies and Activities When Not at WorkHer Start at the Car Business with Her FatherHow She Deals with Upset CustomersBeing a Woman in a Male-Dominated IndustryJessica’s Favorite Tasks at WorkWhat She Likes About CarsHow She Started at Miracle FordWhat She Likes About Her JobThe Number 1 Service Function at Miracle Ford How to Enhance Your Car’s Value for Trade-InTrust Factor in Service and RepairHow to Contact Jessica Raymond

Transcript

John Haggard 0:02

Welcome to the Miracle Ford Podcast where, throughout the month, you’ll be able to learn the best ways to purchase, lease, service and maintain, also accessorize, and sell your vehicle for the highest resale value possible when you’re ready to do it. You’ll also find out about new technology on new vehicles. I’m your host, John Haggard, and throughout each month right here we do have different team members join us from Miracle Ford to bring you tips you can use and you’ll also see a transcript as you know of each podcast right here you can easily refer to it, get the information you need quickly. Today’s topic is the Miracle Ford Service Department and how to get the best service and longest life out of your vehicle. Very important there. And on this podcast, we have with us, Jessica Raymond. She’s the service manager at Miracle Ford in Gallatin. Hey Jessica, welcome to the podcast!

Jessica Raymond 0:54

Thank you. How are you doing today, John?

John Haggard 0:56

I am doing great! You know when I think of service in the car business I know you all put up with a lot of abuse sometimes. And you got things coming at you – top, bottom, and sideways. So a lot of respect and hats off to folks who work in the service department. So, there you go. Hey, before we dive in, by the way for people who are either new to this area may not know you or even Miracle Ford about you. Did you grow up in the Gallatin area?

Jessica Raymond 1:23

I grew up in the Hendersonville area, so really close. I moved here from Florida and lived in Hendersonville for most of my life. So…

John Haggard 1:32

What part of Florida were you in?

Jessica Raymond 1:35

The Sarasota area?

John Haggard 1:36

Okay, so what got you to Nashville? A lot of people say, “Hey, I’m in Florida, you couldn’t get me to move anywhere.”

Jessica Raymond 1:41

The business actually got me to Nashville because of my father. He actually came up here with a local family and worked with them for 30 plus years. So we’ve lived here and worked with them a lot of my life. So…

John Haggard 1:55

All right, and you were how old when you moved here?

Jessica Raymond 1:58

About five.

John Haggard 2:00

Okay, about five. So where did you go to high school? Was at Hendersonville high school?

Jessica Raymond 2:04

It was. Yes, sir.

John Haggard 2:05

All right. All right. So you have family obviously here in the area as well as you.

Jessica Raymond 2:09

Yes, sir.

John Haggard 2:10

Gotcha, gotcha. Now in your career, did you elect to go to college? Or did you graduate high school and go to work early? What was your plan?

Jessica Raymond 2:19

I was starting the car business with my father as a file clerk and went to college for Business Management decided that wasn’t my field. So I went back to what I knew best in the car business and has been here ever sinc