Launch Dreams, Fuel Futures: Inside McNicholas High School’s 2026 Rocket Raffle

When Josh Williams was selected to join Ford Motor Company's Rising Leaders program earlier this year, it marked the beginning of an exciting opportunity. The selection process was rigorous, the expectations were high, and the experience promised to challenge participants in new ways. Now, after months of learning, collaboration, and personal development, Josh has officially graduated from the program and returned with experiences that will influence both his leadership journey and the future of the Mark William's Automotive Group. While earning a place in the program was certainly an achievement, completing it provided something even more valuable. It offered an opportunity to step outside the day to day responsibilities of dealership operations and gain a broader perspective on leadership, business growth, and the future of the automotive industry. Rising Leaders brings together a carefully selected group of future dealership leaders from across the country. With only twenty participants in each cohort, every individual is chosen because of their accomplishments, leadership potential, and commitment to professional growth. Throughout the experience, participants engaged with Ford executives, explored operational strategies, discussed industry trends, and developed leadership skills that extend far beyond the showroom floor. For Josh, one of the most memorable aspects of the program was the caliber of the people involved. "Being a part of the Rising Leaders program has been the best experience of my professional career," Josh said. "I have been a part of some great programs in the past and I can confidently say this was the most talented group of individuals I have ever worked with." Those relationships quickly became one of the defining elements of the experience. The program created an environment where participants could openly exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from one another's experiences. Every conversation offered a different perspective and every session provided opportunities to expand both knowledge and understanding. Leadership development is often associated with training and education, but some of the most meaningful growth happens through relationships. Being surrounded by ambitious, talented professionals creates opportunities to learn in ways that books and presentations simply cannot replicate. Josh found tremendous value in those connections. "I made lifelong connections with the people in this program as well as executives at Ford Motor Company." Those relationships will continue long after the program's conclusion, creating a network of leaders committed to helping one another succeed. Beyond the connections, the experience offered participants unique access to Ford's culture, innovation efforts, and future vision. Exclusive tours and immersive learning opportunities provided a deeper understanding of the company's history while also highlighting where the industry is headed in the years ahead. For the Mark William's Automotive Group, the significance of this achievement extends beyond one individual. Every investment in leadership ultimately benefits the entire organization. Strong leaders create stronger teams. Strong teams create better experiences. Better experiences create lasting relationships with customers. That philosophy has always been central to how the Mark William's Automotive Group operates. The lessons gained through Rising Leaders reinforce the importance of continuous improvement and lifelong learning. Regardless of experience level, there is always another opportunity to grow, another perspective to consider, and another way to improve. As Josh completed the program, he returned with more than knowledge. He returned with fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a greater understanding of what it takes to guide an organization into the future. Perhaps most importantly, the experience strengthened his commitment to the Ford brand and the future of the dealership. "I am very proud to be a future Ford dealer and I am excited to carry our Auto Group into the future." Those words reflect the purpose behind programs like Rising Leaders. They are not simply about developing leaders for today. They are about preparing leaders for tomorrow. As we reflect on Josh's journey from selection to graduation, we are reminded that growth is not measured by a single accomplishment. It is measured by the willingness to continue learning, improving, and investing in the future. This chapter may be complete, but the impact of the experience is only beginning.

* Photo by Hook’d Photography When Dustin Steward first cast his eyes on a 1983 Ford LTD wagon, it seemed like an odd canvas for a performance build. To many, it was just a relic of the past, a boxy, full‐size family hauler with little promise. But Dustin saw opportunity. He saw the potential to do something unexpected. He saw a chance to tell a different story at the drag strip. A Bold Beginning In January 2022 Dustin bought the wagon. It was a start. He didn’t buy it with nostalgia in mind. He bought it because he knew what he had in his parts stash could work. He already owned a pile of Mustang parts from previous projects. After a few test fits and measure ups he realized that many Mustang components could be adapted to the large Ford body with only modest adjustments. From that spark of creativity, the idea of building a full-size wagon with serious speed was born. He never intended to just restore what was. He intended to remake it. He intended to build something that would shock people when it rolled down the track. He intended to redefine what a performance car could look like. Swapping the Heart The original engine of the wagon was never part of the plan. Dustin already owned a 6.0-liter LS engine from a 2001 Chevy Silverado. It was inexpensive, robust, and a well-known quantity in the performance world. It made sense to him. So rather than stick with a Ford mill, he embraced what he already had and what made sense. He sent the block, crank and rods to be assembled by Performance Motorsports in Maysville, Kentucky. They built out the rotating assembly with K1 Technologies spec parts, Liberty Performance rods, and Wiseco pistons. Every piece was chosen to survive the turbo boost and torque demands. The assembly was done with care so the engine could be tuned aggressively yet remain reliable. To feed the engine air under pressure Dustin and tuner Bob Morrison of Morrison Tuning selected a G57 frame 88 mm turbo from On 3 Performance. That choice gives the engine headroom to grow and makes big power possible. The setup is already making over one thousand horsepower on E85 fuel. That kind of punch sits far beyond what any stock wagon ever imagined. Transmission and Drivetrain Power means nothing without a way of sending it to the pavement. Dustin built a custom Powerglide transmission using a stock case paired with billet internals. It is simple but effective. Behind that a narrow 8.8-inch Ford rear axle handles the loads. He trimmed each side of the housing by 1.5 inches so the car could run wide tires without excessive body modification. He chose 3.90 gears as a balance between launch traction and highway usability. All the pieces needed to fit inside the large wagon body, and to do so cleanly. That meant extensive fabrication. He installed Detroit Speed & Engineering mini tubs to clear massive tires while keeping a functional, usable wheelwell. The work was painstaking and risky for someone with limited fab experience. But with help from friends and his twin brother Dylan, the tubs became as clean and purposeful as anything in a pro shop. Assembly and Suspension While performance parts matter, the way they connect to the frame and road matters too. Dustin chose Viking shocks at all four corners and used Team Z rear components along with AJE front linkage. This mixture gave him control over both ride and handling without sacrificing strength. He wanted the wagon to be usable on the street yet fully capable at the strip. Because the project was done largely in a home garage environment, each step required planning and iteration. Every bracket, every weld, and every mount had to be thought through. Many nights were spent in frustration, then problem solving. But overcoming those obstacles is what gives the build character. Breakthroughs and Timeslips At Edgewater Sports Park the wagon delivered a best eighth mile slip of 5.23 seconds at 137 miles per hour. That was conservative tune work. Dustin believes that with more boost and optimized conditions a high 4 second slip is within reach. Even now the car stands as proof that a full-size wagon can be more than a cruiser it can be a weapon. The results turned heads. Many assumed it was a parts hauler, not a contender. When the hood was opened and the LS was revealed, reactions ranged from applause to disbelief. Ford purists sometimes bristle. But Dustin cares about performance first. A badge is just a badge. What matters is how the car moves. The Road Ahead Dustin plans to compete at Kentucky Dragway before the season ends, chasing that mid four second barrier. The winter will be used for tuning, reinforcement, and maybe small tweaks to squeeze more power from the setup. He has no plans to remove weight or butcher the structure. He wants that full size presence with serious speed. In the end this wagon is not about legacy or restoring what once was. It is about creating something that nobody else would attempt. It is about vision meeting grit. Dustin’s journey shows that when you refuse to follow the rulebook, you just might write your own.

Mark Williams Auto Group had the opportunity to spend a morning at La Salle High School for its annual Career Day event. This visit gave students a close look at the fast-changing automotive industry and the many career pathways that connect to it. Josh Williams, the General Manager of Queen City Ford, joined with Charlie Watson, the Marketing Director for Mark Williams Auto Group, to lead four round table discussions that helped students understand the teamwork and skill involved in operating a successful dealership. What unfolded was more than an overview of auto sales and service. It was a conversation about technology, creativity, leadership, and the many ways young people can build a fulfilling future in a growing field. From the start, Josh and Charlie focused on helping students understand the structure of a modern dealership. Many students assume a dealership is simply a place where vehicles are displayed and sold. Yet there is far more happening behind the scenes. Students learned about fixed operations, which include service and parts, and variable operations, which cover sales and vehicle inventory. They gained insight into the responsibilities of service advisors, technicians, sales consultants, managers, and support staff. Josh explained how each role depends on the others to deliver a seamless guest experience. The students were surprised to discover how closely the entire dealership team collaborates to meet customer needs and maintains a positive reputation in the community. The discussion expanded into customer experience and how much effort goes into creating a trustworthy environment for guests. Josh explained how to greet customers promptly, listening to their concerns, and communicating transparently are essential skills for every employee. Students learned that success in the automotive world is not simply about product knowledge but also about building relationships and providing reassurance during major purchase decisions. It became clear that soft skills such as communication, empathy, and adaptability are just as valuable as technical skills. Charlie then guided the conversation into the world of modern automotive marketing. Many students associate marketing with traditional print ads or television commercials. They quickly discovered that marketing today is a dynamic blend of storytelling, digital strategy, community involvement, and real time engagement. Charlie shared examples of online vehicle walk throughs, social media reels, paid online campaigns, and community events that help connect the dealership with its audience. Students saw how platforms like TikTok and Instagram have changed the way dealerships communicate with shoppers and how brands must create meaningful content rather than simply promote a product. The students asked questions about content creation and were fascinated by the idea that automotive marketing now resembles a combination of journalism, entertainment, and community outreach. Charlie emphasized that modern dealerships must build trust through transparency and consistent engagement. He also explained how analytics help guide marketing decisions by showing which messages resonate with customers. This part of the morning opened students’ eyes to the creative side of the automotive industry, a side they had not considered before. One of the most important conversations centered on choosing a career path. Many high school students feel pressure to choose between a college education and a trade profession, often without understanding the advantages of each. Josh spoke candidly about the growing demand for skilled technicians and the strong earning potential available in-service departments. He explained that technicians today work with advanced technology, complex electrical systems, and specialized diagnostic tools. Students learned that trade careers offer long term stability and competitive salaries, often without the burden of student debt. Charlie then discussed career paths on the business side of the automotive world. Positions in marketing, management, accounting, technology, and leadership offer a wide range of opportunities for students interested in four-year degrees. He explained that both paths can lead to success and that the best choice depends on each student’s strengths and long-term goals. The message was clear. A successful future can start in many places, and students should choose the direction that aligns with their interests rather than one that simply matches expectations. What made the Career Day visit meaningful was the genuine connection formed during these discussions. Students were encouraged to ask questions about salary growth, advancement opportunities, and daily responsibilities. They were able to speak openly about their concerns and curiosities regarding adult careers. Many walked away with a better understanding of how their skills could translate into real world roles in the automotive industry. Beyond career discussion, the visit highlighted the importance of community. Mark Williams Auto Group is committed to supporting schools, youth programs, and local events throughout the region. Participating in Career Day allowed the team to invest in students who are beginning to imagine their future and consider what kind of professionals they want to become. The conversations helped students realize that the automotive industry is not simply about vehicles. It is about people, problem solving, innovation, and meaningful service to the community. As the morning ended, Josh and Charlie left the students with a message about growth and opportunity. The automotive world is evolving quickly with advancements in electric vehicles, online retailing, digital communication, and service technology. Students entering the workforce over the next few years will be stepping into an industry full of possibility and innovation. Whether a student is drawn to the creative side, the technical side, the customer service side, or the business side, there is a place for them within automotive. Mark Williams Auto Group looks forward to continuing its partnership with La Salle High School and other schools in the region. The visit served as a reminder that education thrives when industry leaders and students come together to share ideas and inspiration. By supporting young people and helping them explore career options, the group hopes to encourage the next generation of technicians, leaders, creators, and innovators.