Jason and Mike Bickford stand for a photo in front of their family’s Ford dealership in Snohomish on Bickford Avenue.
Photo by Nathan Whalen
SNOHOMISH — When Lawrence Bickford, who owned a service repair shop and tow truck, bought the Ford dealership on First Street in 1934, he put his family on a path involved with car sales that continues to this day.
Bickford Ford is marking 90 years of ownership in the same family.
“At least someone has always been passionate about the business,” said Jason Bickford, vice president of sales and operations. He is the latest of four generations of the family working at the dealership now on Bickford Avenue.
Jason’s grandfather, Art, took over the dealership in the late 1970s and ran it until he retired in the late 1990s. Mike, Jason’s father, started working at Bickford Ford in 1978, became a full-time employee in 1983, and became general manager in the late ‘90s.
Mike said he has a love for vehicles. He’s restored four Mustangs over the years. Mike said his most meaningful car he has is a teal 1965 Mustang fastback which was originally sold as new at Bickford Ford.
Jason Bickford said having the dealership owned by the same family maintains a close connection to the community.
He said it takes planning to keep a business in the family and to find a relative to keep the dealership running.
Bickford Ford has sponsored youth sports teams in Snohomish, Lake Stevens, south Snohomish County and Everett, Bickford said. In addition, Bickford Ford has supported the Boys and Girls Club and makes annual fund drives for the Everett Gospel Mission, where Jason Bickford is a board member.
“They’ve been in our community for many years. They are incredible supporters of our community,” said Nancy Keith, director for the Snohomish Chamber of Commerce. Bickford Ford has been a longtime chamber member and helped with the Classic Car and Hot Rod Display that takes place in September. “You just appreciate these businesses that really understand how to give back to the community.”
Bickford Ford helped with fundraising efforts that helped pay for the construction of the Boys and Girls Club in Snohomish. That building opened in 2003. Bickford Ford also helped raise money to pay for the teen center that opened in September, said Marci Volmer, chief operating officer for the Boys and Girls Club of Snohomish County.
“They’ve been invaluable community partners,” Volmer said. The dealership has also helped with summer camps and sports needs.
While Bickford Ford has always sold Fords, it also sold Mercury cars until 2011 and Mitsubishi trucks for 25 years.
With populations in Snohomish and Marysville increasing, Bickford Ford will soon expand its campus. Construction will begin soon on a 60,000-square-foot building that will be constructed from across the street from their current building.
Currently employing more than 100 full-time and 20 part-time employees, Jason Bickford said an additional 50 employees could be hired when the building, which will house parts and service,
is complete.
Mike Bickford said when the building is constructed, Bickford Ford will have the largest Ford service center in Washington.
Jason cited several factors contributing to the growth of Bickford Ford. The local population has increased in the past 20 years, as well as there are fewer dealerships around after the closure of Sno-Country Ford in Monroe and more recently Epic Ford in Everett during those past 20 years.
Bickford Ford produced a commercial that will be featured on television and social media to commemorate the family’s 90 years thanking the community.
