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.
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