Eagle Ford is Joburg’s Trusted Independent Ford Dealer for Over 40 Years
If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself
When you walk into the Joburg-based Eagle Ford, where over 50% of the business is repeat business, one thing is clear: The people on the floor (and those behind the scenes) are there because they want to be. In fact, some have been part of the company right from the start and saw it evolve from a humble beginner dealer to a respectable business. “We probably are the largest independent Ford dealer in the country. It’s an ongoing battle between us and Lazarus in Centurion, who are also independent,” says John Landey, who founded the business with his late business partner, Henk Gillesen in 1983.
Behind the brand
John Landey has many reasons to celebrate this year. Apart from personally being in the motor industry for 50 years, the family man is also celebrating being married for 50 years. The recent birth of two additional grandkids – twins – is yet another reason to pop the bubbly.
“It’s good that South Africa has never embraced Sunday selling for cars,” Landey says, “because at least people can still have a bit of a family life.”
Apart from being a grandpa with a legacy to live up to, John Landey is also a man who continues to inspire colleagues and employees with his business-orientated mind and entrepreneurial spirit. He has always been an entrepreneur at heart. Fresh out of college, he initially launched himself into the business world by selling cosmetics, camping gear and insurance. It was only after that, in 1973, that he landed himself in the motoring industry.
"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself"
Back then, the motor industry – especially the used car business – was a hard industry to be in. Yet, he kept his head high and chose to wear the white hat, promising customers a good buy from a good guy. That was McCarthy’s Car Bar for you, which later evolved into the start of something even he could not fathom: An independent Ford dealership that still stands 40 years later. Now, Eagle Ford offers its strong return customer base, as well as new customers the ultimate one-stop shop, including an additional Mahindra and Mazda offering.
More than just a good deal
Eagle Ford services about 60 cars daily, and if you buy a car from them, you can wash your car there for free for three years. According to Landey, they do about 1200 free car washes per month. In addition, they also have a body shop for minor repairs, and you can even buy your tyres from them.
The dream team
Of course, as with any business, Eagle Ford has had its ups and downs. Still, 40 years down the line they have a lot to be grateful for, including a dream team.
A large part of a good team comes down to good leadership, though. His admirable leadership is not something he would highlight himself, but Landey agrees that there are definitely a few key characteristics that make a good leader. Staying focused on the job at hand when navigating through tough times is one, as well as keeping his people motivated. “Making work fun; making it nice to come to work,” he says.
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Challenges and changes
A lot has changed over the past 40 years. Eagle Ford’s premises used to house a Trek petrol station, which they bought from Trek. The corner also used to be home to a Standard Bank branch, which Eagle Ford eventually also bought. They started out on 2000m² and now occupy around 25 000m², which says a lot about the business in itself.
The country, and obviously the company’s demographics have also shifted since opening in the 80s. Where Eagle Ford initially saw only white buyers (and largely white employees), they are excited about now having a more balanced customer and employee base.
Many of the staff at Eagle Ford started out as trainees, with a number of them now filling management positions. With a passion for training, Landey was also involved in setting up Ford Motor Company’s Ford Academy, through which all the training is done mainly online, especially for the sales team.
For Eagle Ford, 40 years included managing change and coming out stronger. “Luckily we came out of it,” says Landey. “I think South Africans are a bunch who manage to overcome these difficulties.
