About Barrow journal. (Winder, Ga.) 2008-2016 | View Entire Issue (March 9, 2016)
PAGE 2A BARROW JOURNAL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 50-YEAR CELEBRATION Ford representatives recognized Akins Ford in Winder for 50 years in business. The presentation was made during a 50-year event at Akins Ford last month. Photos by Alex Pace Long-time community sponsor Akins Ford celebrates 50 years in Winder BREAK GROUND Attendees look on as Brad Akins breaks ground on the 50 year remodel and expansion of Akins Ford. CELEBRATE WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS The Akins family and friends celebrated the 50th birthday of Akins Ford in Winder on Feb. 23. By Alex Pace Journal Reporter A local family is cele brating 50 years of business in Barrow Coun ty. Akins Ford, located in Winder, is celebrating its 50-year mark by reflecting on the years and looking forward to future expan sion. The owner, Brad Akins, who took over the dealer ship when he was 23-years- old, said the family has enjoyed looking back over the years. “It's an honor to be a part of an organization that has sustained the ups and downs of the last 50 years," said Brad. The Akins family pur chased the dealership in 1966. Roger Akins had begun working at Thrifty Motors in downtown Wind er in 1965 with the under standing that he would one day buy the company. The dealership moved in 1965 closer to where it is located today at 220 West May Street. A gas sta tion now sits on the comer where the old dealership was located. Roger Akins purchased the company on Feb. 23, 1966. His brother, Harold, began working at the deal ership and later purchased it after Roger purchased a Ford dealership in Gaines ville. Shortly after, Harold Akins moved his family from Buford to Winder. Brad said he grew up in the family business. “I grew up here," said Brad. “I started working here in the late 70s. If I wasn't in school or playing sports, I pretty much spent most of my time here work ing on cars." And after graduating from high school in 1984, Brad began working at the dealership full time. In March of 1989, Harold was diagnosed with leuke mia. He needed a bone mar row transplant and had no family match. A matching donor was later found, but since Harold's case was unrelated and high-risk, few doctors would accept his case. Harold traveled to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle in August 1989 for the surgery, leaving Brad in charge of the deal ership. In early December, Harold's body seemed to accept the transplant and the family thought he was on the early path of recov ery. “Except, right before Christmas that year, some of his blood count numbers began to have some varia tions," said Brad. “And by the time we got to Christ mas, it was determined that his body was rejecting the transplant.” Brad said Harold's body was too weak for another transplant surgery. Harold Akins passed away on Feb. 23, 1990. Harold had named Brad a minority owner of the company and after Harold's passing, Brad became the youngest car dealer in the country. Since taking over the dealership, Brad says the company has been fortu nate to consistently be named one of the top Ford dealers. The company has been recognized for top retail sales in both Ford and Chrysler automobiles and in Ford Ram truck sales. AKINS FAMILY While in Seattle with his father, Brad became friends with a clinical coordina tor, Julie, a native Alaskan, who would later become his wife. The two have three daughters, Ashley, Jessica and Madison. Brad’s brother, Brian, also works at Akins Ford. He and Brad have been doing tow truck upfitting on-site for the past 10 years. Brad and Brian's mother, Shirley, also works at Akins Ford. REMODEL Akins Ford is celebrating its 50 years with a remodel to its site. The dealership moved to its current loca tion in 1988. The dealership previ ously expanded its detail department and in 2000, the dealership built a body shop. The expansion will add an additional 18,000 square feet to its site. The new expansion will include a 4,000 square foot showroom addition for a 10-car display, new exte riors, expansion to its cus tomer lounge and a ware house. The remodel completion is expected in July. Akins Ford also plans to add new jobs, includ ing technicians, accessories positions, sales representa tives and accounting sup port. Community members gathered on Feb. 23 to cele brate the groundbreaking of the remodel. Several local government leaders spoke at the event, along with rep resentatives from Ford and Chrysler. Barrow County Chamber president Tommy Jennings thanked Akins Ford for the continued commitment to the county. “A lot has changed in this community in 50 years," said Jennings. “We’ve seen things come and go, and the landscape of Winder and Barrow County is not the same as it was 50 years ago. But the one thing that has remained a constant here is Akins Ford.” Jennings also thanked Akins for supporting the community. “Anytime you see a ball team, certainly you're going to see an Akins Ford sponsorship," said Jen nings. “Anything that goes on in the community, there is Akins Ford's support behind it." Harold Akins was a youth athletics supporter and after his passing, the fami ly wanted to do something in his memory. The Akins family was instrumental in bringing the YMCA to Winder, and donated a portion of the dealership’s property for the site. Winder mayor David Maynard spoke about Akins Ford’s impact on Barrow County, both eco nomically and in communi ty service to the YMCA and other groups. “We would be a poor er town without the Akins family having located this business here,” said May nard. “And for that Brad, I am grateful." Become a hospice volunteer. You can make a profound difference in the lives of patients - when it matters most. Call Ashley at 770.765.3222. & Ashley.Puckett@LHCgroup.com HALCYON Athens • 706.316.2214 HOSPICE r s3vry Barrow County Senior Center 80 Lee St., Winder Open to all county residents 60 and over ~ Daily Lunch, Bingo, Billiards, Bible Study, Cards, Day & Overnight Trips, Fitness Classes Guest Speakers and more ~ www.facebook.com/barrowseniors 770-307-3025
