Mark Williams Auto Group Connects With the Next Generation of Business Leaders at UC

Earlier this year, we shared exciting news about Queen City Ford General Manager, Josh Williams being selected to participate in Ford Motor Company's prestigious Rising Leaders program. At the time, the journey was just beginning. We talked about the significance of the opportunity, the competitive selection process, and the potential impact it could have not only on Josh's professional development but also on the future of the Mark William's Automotive Group. As one of only 20 participants chosen for the cohort, Josh joined a select group of emerging leaders from Ford dealerships across the country, all brought together with a shared purpose: preparing for the future of the automotive industry. Today, we're proud to share the next chapter of that story. Josh has officially graduated from Ford's Rising Leaders program, completing an experience that he describes as the most rewarding of his professional career. While the original announcement focused on the opportunity ahead, this milestone offers a chance to reflect on the experience itself and the lasting impact it will have moving forward. From the beginning, Rising Leaders was designed to be much more than a traditional leadership program. Participants were immersed in advanced leadership development, operational strategy, executive collaboration, and exclusive experiences that provided a unique look inside Ford Motor Company. Through a combination of virtual learning sessions and in-person events, participants gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry while developing the skills needed to lead organizations into the future. What made the experience truly unique, however, wasn't simply the curriculum. For Josh, it was the people. "Being a part of the Rising Leaders program has been the best experience of my professional career," Josh shared. "I have been a part of some great programs in the past and I can confidently say this was the most talented group of individuals I have ever worked with." Throughout the program, participants had opportunities to engage with Ford and Lincoln executives, collaborate with dealership leaders from across the nation, and gain perspectives from individuals facing many of the same opportunities and challenges within their organizations. Those conversations often became some of the most valuable moments of the experience. Leadership can sometimes feel isolating. Every dealership operates differently, every market presents unique circumstances, and every leader faces difficult decisions. Rising Leaders created an environment where participants could openly share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from one another's successes. The result was more than professional development. It was the creation of meaningful relationships that will continue long after the program's conclusion. "I made lifelong connections with the people in this program as well as executives at Ford Motor Company," Josh said. Those relationships represent one of the program's greatest strengths. The opportunity to connect with talented leaders from across the country creates a network of peers who continue supporting one another long after graduation. In an industry that changes as quickly as automotive retail, having access to that collective experience and knowledge is invaluable. Another highlight of the program included exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences that provided participants with a deeper understanding of Ford's history, culture, and future direction. From historic facilities to innovation previews, participants gained firsthand exposure to the people and ideas helping shape the next generation of the Ford brand. Experiences like these offered more than insight into products and operations. They reinforced a broader understanding of leadership and the responsibility that comes with guiding an organization into the future. For the Mark William's Automotive Group, that's where the story becomes especially meaningful. When we first announced Josh's selection into Rising Leaders, we discussed how leadership development ultimately benefits everyone, from employees and team members to customers and the communities we serve. That belief remains just as true today. The lessons learned throughout the program extend far beyond conference rooms and presentations. They influence how teams are developed, how challenges are approached, and how organizations continue evolving in an increasingly competitive environment. Strong leadership creates stronger cultures. Stronger cultures create stronger teams. And stronger teams create better customer experiences. That connection is why opportunities like Rising Leaders matter so much. At Queen City Ford, we have always believed that investing in people is one of the most important investments we can make. Whether it's developing employees, supporting professional growth, or creating opportunities for future leaders, those efforts help build an organization capable of serving customers at the highest level. Josh's graduation represents another step forward in that commitment. The knowledge, perspectives, and relationships gained throughout the program will continue influencing our dealership for years to come. New ideas, fresh approaches, and expanded industry insights all contribute to creating a stronger organization prepared for the future while remaining focused on the values that matter most. As the program came to a close, it also reinforced something Josh has always believed about leadership: growth never stops. The most effective leaders continue learning, continue listening, and continue looking for ways to improve. They understand that leadership is not about reaching a destination. It's about committing to a process of continual development. That mindset is reflected in Josh's vision for the future. "I am very proud to be a Ford dealer and I am excited to carry our Auto Group into the future." Those words capture exactly why this achievement matters. Graduating from Rising Leaders is certainly an accomplishment worth celebrating, but perhaps even more important is what comes next. The relationships formed, the lessons learned, and the experiences gained are now being carried forward into the future of our organization. When we first shared Josh's acceptance into the program, we knew it was the beginning of an important journey. Now, having completed that journey, one thing is clear: the impact is only just beginning. On behalf of everyone at the Mark William's Automotive Group, congratulations to Josh on this incredible achievement. We are proud of everything he has accomplished and excited to see how this experience continues to shape our team, our dealership, and the customers we proudly serve every day. The first chapter was about being chosen. This chapter is about what was gained. The next chapter is about putting it all into action.

The strength of McNicholas High School has always been rooted in its sense of community. That spirit was clear during the 2026 Rocket Raffle, an event that brought together students, families, alumni, and local supporters in a shared effort to expand access to Catholic education. With the raffle now complete, its meaning extends far beyond the final drawing. While one ticket ultimately won a grand prize, real success belongs to an entire community that chose to invest in students and their future. A Fundraiser with a Purpose That Lasts The Rocket Raffle is one of McNicholas High School’s most impactful annual traditions. Its purpose is centered on providing tuition assistance to families who value a faith-based, academically strong education but may need financial support to make it possible. Each ticket sold in 2026 contributed directly to that mission. The funds raised help ensure that more students can benefit from the school’s rigorous academics, spiritual development, and supportive environment. The theme Launch Dreams; Fuel Futures reflects what the event accomplishes in practice: transforming community participation into meaningful educational opportunity. Community Support That Amplifies Impact A defining feature of the Rocket Raffle is the way it unites the wider community around McNicholas’ mission. This year, support from partners such as Queen City Ford helped bring additional energy and visibility to the event, contributing to the excitement surrounding the grand prize drawing. Their involvement reflects a broader tradition of local organizations stepping forward to support education and student opportunity. These partnerships strengthen not only the event itself, but the long-term ability of the school to serve its students. Students Driving the Mission Forward Students play a central role in the Rocket Raffle’s success each year. In the weeks leading up to the drawing, they actively promote ticket sales, engage with families, and help spread awareness throughout the community. Beyond fundraising, these responsibilities provide meaningful experiential learning. Students gain confidence in communication, learn how to work toward shared goals, and develop leadership skills that extend far beyond their time at McNicholas. The Rocket Raffle becomes, in many ways, a hands-on extension of the school’s mission to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. A Build-Up of Excitement As the February 5 deadline approached, excitement steadily built across campus and throughout the broader community. Conversations about the raffle became more frequent, outreach efforts intensified, and participation grew as the final drawing neared. This gradual buildup of anticipation is part of what makes the Rocket Raffle so effective it creates a shared experience that engages the entire school community over time, not just in a single moment. By the time ticket sales closed, attention turned fully to the upcoming live drawing scheduled for February 6, 2026. A Pep Rally to Remember The culmination of the Rocket Raffle took place during a school-wide pep rally that captured the spirit of McNicholas High School. Students filled the gym with energy and anticipation as the live drawing began. As numbers were announced and the final ticket was revealed, the atmosphere reached its peak. When the grand prize winner was announced, the room erupted in celebration. The prize a 2025 Ford Bronco was a highlight, but the moment represented something larger: the success of a community-wide effort that brought people together around a shared mission. The True Value Behind the Prize While the vehicle drew attention, the true importance of the Rocket Raffle lies in its outcomes. Funds raised will directly support: Tuition assistance for families Expanded access to McNicholas High School Academic and extracurricular programs The school’s faith-based educational mission Each ticket represented a meaningful contribution toward student opportunity. Long-Term Impact on Students and Families The effects of the 2026 Rocket Raffle will continue long after the event concludes. Students will benefit from increased access to education and school programs, families will receive needed financial support, and the broader McNicholas community will continue to strengthen through shared purpose. The raffle demonstrates how collective effort can translate directly into real-world impact. Appreciation and Continued Tradition McNicholas High School extends heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this year’s Rocket Raffle. Students, families, alumni, volunteers, and supporters all played essential roles. Special thanks go to Queen City Ford for their partnership and support in helping make this year’s event a success. As a long-standing tradition, the Rocket Raffle continues to grow in both participation and impact, reinforcing a culture built on generosity and opportunity. In the end, the 2026 Rocket Raffle was about far more than a drawing. It was about a community coming together to ensure that more students can truly launch their dreams and fuel their futures.

At Queen City Ford, we know that exceptional customer experiences do not happen by accident. They are built through intention, commitment, and strong leadership at every level of our organization. From the showroom to the service drive, the quality of leadership behind the scenes directly influences how we show up for our customers every day. That belief is why we are proud to share an important milestone for our dealership: our General Manager, Josh Williams, was selected to participate in Ford Motor Company’s prestigious Rising Leaders program. The Rising Leaders program is a national leadership development initiative created by Ford to identify and support the next generation of dealership leaders across the country. It brings together top-performing managers from Ford dealerships nationwide, offering them the opportunity to strengthen leadership skills, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with Ford leadership. Participation is competitive, and selection reflects both past performance and future potential. For Queen City Ford, Josh’s participation is not just a professional achievement it is a reflection of our long-term commitment to our people, our culture, and our customers. Leadership That Shapes the Customer Experience Strong leadership sets the tone for everything that happens within a dealership. It influences how teams communicate, how challenges are handled, and how consistently customers receive the level of service they expect and deserve. When leaders are supported, trained, and encouraged to grow, that investment ripples outward through the entire organization. The Rising Leaders program focuses on exactly these principles. Participants engage in intensive learning sessions centered on personal growth, leadership development, collaboration, and long-term business excellence. The curriculum is designed to help leaders navigate an automotive industry that continues to evolve from technology advancements to changing customer expectations while staying grounded in values that never go out of style: integrity, accountability, and trust. By investing in leadership development, we are investing in the systems and people that make a difference in every customer interaction. Learning Beyond the Day-to-Day One of the most valuable aspects of the Rising Leaders program is the opportunity for participants to step away from the daily routines of dealership operations and gain a broader perspective. When leaders are immersed in the day-to-day demands of running a business, it can be challenging to pause, reflect, and reimagine how things could be done better. Through this program, leaders like Josh have the chance to learn from other successful dealers across the country, share experiences, and exchange best practices. These conversations provide insights that cannot always be found in textbooks or training manuals. They come from real-world challenges, successes, and lessons learned in dealerships just like ours. Bringing those insights back to Queen City Ford helps us remain forward-thinking while staying deeply connected to the local community we serve. It allows us to refine processes, strengthen our team culture, and continue building an environment where employees feel supported and customers feel valued. Investing in People, Not Just Processes At the heart of leadership development is a simple truth: people drive success. The Rising Leaders program reinforces the importance of investing in individuals, providing clear pathways for growth, and empowering teams to reach their full potential. Josh shared how meaningful this experience has been for him and how it aligns with our dealership’s philosophy: “Being part of the Rising Leaders program has reinforced the importance of personal growth and investing in our people. Providing a clear path for development helps ensure long-term success and the highest level of service for our customers. I’m looking forward to the next two sessions with a talented group of leaders.” This perspective speaks directly to what we strive to achieve at Queen City Ford. When leaders prioritize development both their own and that of their teams it creates an environment where accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement thrive. That environment translates into consistency for customers, whether they are purchasing a vehicle, visiting our service department, or returning for their next appointment. Strengthening Culture for Long-Term Success Leadership programs like Rising Leaders also reinforce the importance of culture. A strong culture does not happen overnight, and it cannot be sustained without intentional leadership. It is built through clear expectations, open communication, and a shared commitment to doing what is right. By participating in this program, Josh is gaining tools and insights that help strengthen our dealership’s culture from the top down. That includes fostering teamwork, supporting employee growth, and ensuring that every team member understands how their role contributes to the bigger picture. For our customers, this means working with a team that is aligned, motivated, and focused on delivering a positive experience at every touchpoint. A Partnership with Ford, A Commitment to Customers We are grateful to Ford Motor Company for its continued investment in leadership across its dealer network. Programs like Rising Leaders demonstrate Ford’s commitment to supporting dealerships not just as businesses, but as organizations made up of people who serve their communities every day. For Queen City Ford, this partnership strengthens our ability to grow responsibly and sustainably. It ensures that as we move forward, we do so with leaders who are equipped to guide our team through change while staying true to our core values. Most importantly, this investment ultimately benefits you our customers. Leadership development helps us build a stronger, more consistent team that is committed to trust, transparency, and long-term relationships. Looking Ahead Josh’s participation in the Rising Leaders program is one step in our ongoing journey to be better, better leaders, better teammates, and better partners to our customers. As he continues through the remaining sessions, we are excited about the ideas, insights, and strategies he will bring back to our dealership. Thank you for choosing Queen City Ford and for being part of our continued journey forward. Your trust motivates us to keep investing in the people and leadership that make a difference every day.