The Power to Build Legacies One Generation at a Time
Veronica Maoli (L), owner of Celebrity Ford Toms River, NJ, with Melissa Longo.
By Veronica Maoli
I recently had the privilege of completing a landmark acquisition as part of the first woman-to-woman transaction of a Ford dealership.
When I joined my family business four years ago, Celebrity Motor Car Company, I couldn’t have imagined that I would be part of such an historic milestone as a co-owner just a few years later.
Given the predominately male-dominated nature of the automotive industry, I never saw myself pursuing a career in this field.
However, as my interest in the automotive dealership sector grew and with the unwavering support and encouragement of my father, I knew I wanted to dive in headfirst. I dedicated myself to completing the year-long training program for dealership leaders offered by the National Automobile Dealer Association
Academy. Subsequently, my father entrusted me with co-ownership of our newest dealership and welcomed me onto the Celebrity leadership team, empowering me to take on significant responsibilities.
Initially, I felt the weight of the multiple dealerships we operated across New Jersey and the nuances of the automotive industry, but soon I began navigating challenges, and seizing opportunities to drive our success even further.
When the Dave Cantin Group approached us about a sale, the team encouraged me to manage the entire process. My father’s trust in me at that moment, combined with the confidence he’d instilled in me, was all I needed to come to the table and work out the deal. It was an added bonus that Melissa Longo, the co-owner of Downs Ford, which we were acquiring also had a strong and supportive father encouraging her throughout the process. Our similar familial dynamics made for a smooth and monumental acquisition.
This historic transaction exemplifies the incredible achievements entrepreneurial women can attain by showcasing strength, ambition, and collaboration when taking on leadership roles in the business world.
““This historic transaction exemplifies the incredible achievements entrepreneurial women can attain by showcasing strength, ambition, and collaboration when taking on leadership roles in the business world.”— Veronica Maoli, Owner of Celebrity Ford Toms River, NJ #PowerToChangeStories”
Veronica Maoli is owner of Celebrity Ford of Toms River, NJ. https://www.linkedin.com/company/celebrity-ford-nj/ ; https://www.celebrityfordoftomsriver.com/