Lakeland Ford Remains Among Nation’s Elite
PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL | DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LAKELAND AUTOMALL
Lakeland Ford can proudly call itself an elite dealership without venturing into hyperbole. For the eighth consecutive year, the dealership located at 1430 W. Memorial Blvd. was awarded the prestigious Ford President’s Award, a distinction given to only 340 of more than 5,000 Ford dealerships nationwide.
The honor, presented by the 122-year-old automobile manufacturer, recognizes dealerships that demonstrate exceptional customer service and leave customers satisfied thanks to a great overall experience.
In addition, Lakeland Ford garnered its fifth straight Ford’s FCSD Premier Club Award recognizing the dealership for outstanding performance in parts and service. This award is even more exclusive than the aforementioned Presidents’ Award as it’s only bestowed upon 97 Ford dealerships nationwide.
“We have been blessed by talented people who have called Lakeland Automall home for decades,” says owner and president Greg Balasco. “What makes our dealerships best in class is unequivocally our people. From those that are answering the phones to others serving and selling new Ford, Hyundai and Genesis vehicles—and everyone in between—our team of talented associates is the biggest reason for our sustained success! Our team loves to have fun selling and serving vehicles and making a difference to those in the community!”
Lakeland Ford—and its parent company Lakeland Automall, which includes Lakeland Hyundai and Lakeland Genesis—has been serving the Lakeland Community for more than 70 years.
The business has greatly supported the community through philanthropic endeavors that currently include but are not limited to partnering with Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Economic Development Council, the Lakeland Rotary Club, United Way of Lakeland, SPCA, Humane Society and Lighthouse Ministries.
“We feel so blessed to serve the Lakeland community and feel honored to be able to give back to this community we love,” says Balasco. “Lakeland Automall has a long standing tradition of giving back especially to Lakeland schools, teachers, children’s hospitals, United Way of Lakeland, and pet charities. Our customers have provided so much to us and we feel grateful to give back to the Lakeland community.”
The dealership group, which has garnered a 4.6-star rating on Google with nearly 3,000 reviews, is known for more than just being a premiere new and used car dealership. It is home to a state-of-the-art body shop, a reputable service department and a cafe operated by Lakeland staple Fresco’s Southern Kitchen.
Balasco has transformed the dealership since he purchased it from Bill Mutz and Marcy Mutz-Wickenkamp in 2011 through large expansions, including opening the Genesis dealership
in 2024.
“Ford has been represented in Lakeland for the past 70 years and we are excited about what the future holds,” says Balasco. “As America’s dominant American automotive manufacturer, Ford will continue to provide us (Lakeland Ford) with the best product that customers want to drive. Lakeland Ford will always provide our customers with a place to purchase award winning Ford products as well as a comfortable setting to service their Ford trucks and SUVs.”
Balasco and staff celebrated winning the Ford President’s Award and Ford’s FCSD Premier Club Award for Parts and Service with a special luncheon on August 6.