Ford's Triple Crown Award, of which Gaudin Ford is one of 17 dealerships out of 4,000 in North America to receive the honor this year, is a combination of three levels of evaluation, said Hovik. To win the Triple Crown, dealerships had to have won the President's Award, which tracks top sales, and the Premier Club in Customer Service Award in the same year.

As the original Ford dealership in the valley, Gaudin banks on not only its historic reputation, but relies on its many long-term employees to carry on what family patriarch Don Ackerman started more than 50 years ago. And, the company motto has remained the same: "Always take care of the customer."

One of the methods Hovik uses to inspire his co-workers is to remind them to treat customers as they'd like to be treated, or how they'd like their mothers to be treated if she was buying a car. "We have people in departments here at Gaudin who have been with us for more than 20 years," Hovik said. "Every day they exceed every level of professionalism and do their jobs with pride."

Hovik said this is a great time to be a Ford dealer, especially with the introduction of the 2010 Ford Mustang and its great new interior design.

"When you buy a vehicle here, we want you to be completely satisfied. If you're not, raise your hand and let us know," Hovik said. "We'll do everything we can to rectify the situation. And that's why Ford recognized us with this award."

Gaudin Ford is located at 2121 E. Sahara Ave., and can be contacted at 731-2121 or by visiting www.gaudinford.com.