Friendly Ford celebrates 40th year

World's happiest mayor, meet the cheeriest car dealership owner in the world.

Friendly Ford's Ed Olliges always seems to be in good spirits, but April was full of joyful occasions that included a 40th anniversary party for the dealership, which Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman attended.

"I've never been prouder than I am right now to be a Ford dealer," said Olliges, who started out as a salesman 55 years ago selling Fords in Southern California. In 1970, after having moved to Las Vegas, Olliges saw Decatur Boulevard was going to be a major thoroughfare and snatched nearly nine acres just north of Western High School to build his first dealership.

Now, 40 years later, Olliges credits his family, Ford Motor Co. and, of course, approximately 170 employees for Friendly Ford's success.

"As you can see, it's all about the people," Olliges remarked as he surveyed the many historic pictures on display in the dealership's main lobby. "The building may be just brick and mortar, but it's everybody in this organization we're celebrating."

Friendly Ford, which was initially named Rancho Ford Sales, opened its doors for business April 12, 1970. The students at neighboring Western High School, however, resented the "Rancho" name and made it clear to Olliges it wasn't going to be tolerated because of the rivalry with Rancho High School.

"We had the sign up and everything ready to go, but we had a little trouble with the students. Some broken windows and other minor vandalism," Olliges explained. "Our manager went over to high school and pleaded our case that we just wanted to be friendly and that's how we came to change the name to Friendly Ford. Now, we're great neighbors. True story."

Last Friday, employees, friends and representatives from Ford Motor Co. and Ford Motor Credit gathered at the dealership at 660 N. Decatur Blvd. to celebrate Friendly Ford's 40th year and to receive the Partners in Quality Award for 2009. According to Mark Witthar, Ford Motor Co.'s regional manager for the Phoenix region, Friendly Ford was only one of two dealerships outside California to earn this recognition.

"Friendly Ford is an institution in Las Vegas," said Mayor Goodman, who delighted all with his signature showgirl-on-each-arm entrance. "I even tried to make a sale outside before I came in. Seriously, though, you should all be very proud. Friendly Ford has a great boss, great product and great employees."

Mayor Goodman, however, wasn't the only one garnering attention.

Besides the two beautiful sheet cakes (one sugar-free, by the way), employees were eager to know when the 2011 Ford Fiesta on display would be ready to sell. According to Witthar, Ford customers can look for the much-anticipated car -- that is expected to compete with the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit -- on showroom floors in about two months.

"We've certainly seen incredible growth in Las Vegas, and I think we've done a good job growing with it," Olliges said, referring to the three major expansions Friendly Ford has undergone since it opened 40 years ago. "And, thanks to our mayor, who's been our good-luck charm, we're looking forward to the next 40."

Friendly Ford, a 13-time winner of Ford's President's Award for exceptional achievement in customer satisfaction, is located at 660 N. Decatur Blvd., one block north of U.S. Highway 95, and can be contacted at 866-409-2494 or www.FriendlyFordLV.com.