Sam Scism Ford gets a face-lift

From Highway 67, it looks as if Sam Scism Ford is undergoing a growth spurt. Its roof has crept high into the sky, compared to where it used to be. If it looks as if they’re adding a second floor, well, they are.

“We’re adding 20,000 square feet,” explained President Kent Scism. “We’ll have a new showroom, waiting area, offices and service ride-up. That means you’ll be able to come right in and leave your car without having to go back outside.”

There may even be a cafe where customers can sip on coffee and donuts while their cars are serviced. In another area, Scism says there will be a kiosk where customers can plug in their computer for Internet access while they wait. They’ll be able to stay on the job while the Ford folks do their job.

The new addition will give the company 50,000 square feet of building at the site to which they moved in 1969. The old showroom roof will come off and the area will be totally re-done and opened up so there will be more room for the business to show what its got.

Scism expects the interior work to be finished by February. It may be later when the final paint job is completed outside.

“My brother (Charlie) and I haven’t agreed yet on the color of the outside,” Scism confessed. “We may not get it painted until the weather warms up.”

He says the renovation with a price tag of about $2 million is the biggest the business has undertaken in its history. Customers with inquisitive minds have asked what’s going on and so have passersby who called the business to ask about the changes.

Will the new space change the way they sell cars?

“Hopefully, we will sell more cars!” said Scism.