Octogenarian still in business after 50 years
Even after 50 years in business and reaching 87 years of age, Alamo Ford, owner of Alamo Ford Auto Detailing Service in Lodi, doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon.
“I won’t stop working because I was always taught to work hard,” he said.
Ford is a one-man show doing what he enjoys best.
“I do it by myself. I’m not rushed and my customers give me plenty of time to do the work,” he said.
Ford says he considered retiring in the past but in an effort to remain active and keep busy he decided to keep the business going. If it had not been
“I won’t stop working because I was always taught to work hard.” ALAMO FORD, OWNER OF ALAMO FORD AUTO DETAILING SERVICE IN LODI
for his customers, Ford said he would not have been able to stay open as long as he has. Their positive feedback is what has kept him going, he said.
“I thank the customers and the public and everyone that has called on me in the past, and I’m grateful that I have had the experience to stay open this long,” he said.
Ford’s career in car detailing began when he was in high school. After working for a car wash on Cherokee Lane, in 1967 Ford decided it was time to open his own detailing business.
For more than 40 years he remained at his initial location at 600 N. Sacramento Street. For a brief twoyear period he moved to 227 E. Pine St., before returning to his original location. Eight years ago he moved to his current location at 20 W. Lockeford St.
Over the years he has seen several car dealerships and other business come and go, but he was able to remain in business. He’s also seen car makes and models get discontinued and others evolve over the past five decades.
Nowadays Ford said he only does one or two vehicles a day, but back when he first started the business and had help he was detailing at least five in one day.
Even though the pace has slowed down, Ford said he is proud that he is still able to work by himself. He plans to keep going until he unable to do the work.
Despite the several changes in the industry over the years, Ford said he managed to keep up with the times, and doing so has kept the business thriving.
Ford, who resides in Stockton, is a father of eight and grandfather of nine. Ford’s children have been very supportive of him and his business. At one time they helped him at the shop before going of to pursue their own careers.
In his spare time Ford enjoys tap dancing and listening to music.
“At one time I was Stockton’s best tap dancer,” Ford said. “I just love tap dancing.”