The Brown County Fair

As someone who works at a dealership, I spend a lot of time thinking about what makes a vehicle fit into someone's everyday life. Of course, we talk about technology, capability, cargo space and comfort. Those things matter. But I think some of the best vehicle experiences happen outside of the dealership. They happen when you have nowhere specific to be. When the weather is cool enough to wear a sweatshirt. When the leaves are changing. When you decide to take the scenic route instead of the fastest one. That is why fall might be my favorite time to drive around Cincinnati. And if you are looking for a vehicle that fits both everyday life and weekend adventures, the Ford Bronco Sport deserves a place in the conversation. For this fall road trip, we are skipping the traditional destination. Instead, we are building an entire day around some of the things Cincinnati does especially well: coffee, books, neighborhoods and a little bit of exploring. First Stop: Coffee and a Slow Morning Road trips do not need to start at sunrise. Sometimes a good fall adventure begins with sleeping in a little, putting on your favorite sweatshirt and heading out for coffee. Cincinnati has become home to an incredible number of independent coffee shops, each with its own personality. Whether you are looking for something modern, artistic, quiet or community-focused, there is a place for you. For this particular road trip, I would start in Over-the-Rhine. The neighborhood itself is worth exploring, especially during fall. Historic buildings, local restaurants and tree-lined streets make it one of those areas where you can easily spend more time than you originally planned. For a coffee stop with a little extra personality, visit Iris Book Cafe. Iris is more than a coffee shop. It is also a bookstore and gallery, giving visitors a chance to slow down and enjoy a completely different kind of atmosphere. Browse through used and collectible books, order a coffee and take a break from the pace of the week. Honestly, that sounds like a pretty good Saturday to me already. But we are just getting started. The Ford Bronco Sport Was Made for Flexible Plans The thing about Cincinnati is that you never really know where the day is going to take you. You might leave home planning to get coffee. Then someone suggests lunch. Then you see a sign for a park. Try Devou Park, it has one of the best views in Cincinnati! Then you cross the river. Then suddenly you have been gone for six hours. That is exactly why versatility matters. The Ford Bronco Sport gives drivers a compact SUV that feels comfortable in the city while still offering the adventurous capability that makes you want to keep exploring. Its size makes it practical for everyday driving and navigating around town. At the same time, its available features and flexible interior make it easy to pack for a weekend, bring along gear or load up everything you find throughout the day. And if you are anything like me, you somehow always come home with more stuff than you left with. Books are dangerous that way. Head East for Another Cincinnati Favorite After spending some time downtown, point the Ford Bronco Sport toward Hyde Park. One of the great things about planning a Cincinnati road trip is that you can experience completely different neighborhoods without spending hours in the car. Hyde Park has its own personality, and it is an especially nice place to spend time during the fall. Make a stop at Coffee Emporium for another coffee or an afternoon pastry. Coffee Emporium has long been part of Cincinnati's coffee scene and is known for its house-roasted coffee and relaxed atmosphere. It is the type of place where a quick stop can easily turn into an hour of conversation. Grab your drink and spend some time enjoying the neighborhood. Fall road trips should not be scheduled down to the minute. Leave room for unexpected stops. Bookstores Are Better in the Fall I am convinced bookstores are seasonal. Sure, you can visit one in July, but there is something about fall that makes browsing shelves feel even better. Maybe it is because we are all preparing for more time indoors. Maybe it is because a stack of books and a warm drink suddenly feels like an excellent weekend plan. If you are in the mood to continue the book-themed road trip, Joseph-Beth Booksellers is another Cincinnati destination worth visiting. The large independent bookstore offers plenty to explore, and its connected bistro makes it easy to turn a quick bookstore stop into a longer outing. This is also where the cargo space in your Ford Bronco Sport may come in handy. Because no one ever goes into a bookstore intending to buy seven books. It just happens. Take the Road Less Traveled One of my favorite things about driving in the fall is that the destination becomes less important. You notice things. The leaves changing along the road. A neighborhood you have not visited in years. A local business you did not know existed. A park that looks completely different than it did during summer. The Ford Bronco Sport fits that mindset. It is a vehicle designed around adventure, but adventure does not have to mean crossing a mountain range. Sometimes adventure is simply deciding not to go straight home. Take the longer route. Avoid the interstate. Explore some of the roads around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky that you normally drive past without thinking twice. You may be surprised how much there is to discover close to home. End the Day Across the River For the final stop, head toward Covington. The drive across the river alone is enough to remind you why Cincinnati is such a great place to explore. The skyline views, bridges and changing fall colors create the perfect backdrop for a weekend drive. Make your way to Roebling Books & Coffee - Covington. It combines two of the best parts of a fall afternoon: a good coffee and a good bookstore. Located near the iconic Roebling Bridge, the shop offers books, coffee and a welcoming atmosphere for people who want to browse or simply sit for a while. It is also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding neighborhood and riverfront area. Pick out one more book. You have come this far. More Than Just a Drive At the dealership, we see people purchase vehicles for all kinds of reasons. A growing family. A new job. More space. Better fuel efficiency. A vehicle that can handle weekend adventures. The Ford Bronco Sport checks a lot of those boxes, but what stands out to me is how naturally it fits into the unexpected parts of life. The last-minute road trip. The fall weekend. The day that starts with coffee and somehow ends with a trunk full of books. That is what vehicles are really for. They take us places. This fall, take advantage of everything Cincinnati has waiting just outside your driveway. Find a new coffee shop. Visit a local bookstore. Drive somewhere you have never been. Take the scenic route. And if your adventures call for a versatile, capable SUV, come see the Ford Bronco Sport for yourself. You might be surprised where it takes you.

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.

The electric vehicle market has spent years chasing bigger batteries, longer range, luxury interiors, and impressive performance numbers. Now Ford is taking a different approach with a vehicle that could be just as important for a completely different reason. Meet the Ford Fathom, an affordable electric pickup that is expected to start at $28,350 with a standard range battery. That price alone makes the Fathom interesting, but there is much more to this new Ford electric truck than its MSRP. Ford is building the Fathom around the idea that an electric vehicle should be practical, useful, easy to live with, and affordable enough for everyday buyers. The result could be one of the most significant electric pickups in the Ford lineup. Affordable Electric Trucks Are Finally Becoming Real For years, shoppers interested in electric trucks have faced a difficult choice. They could purchase a traditional gas-powered compact pickup at a reasonable price, or they could step into an electric truck with a much higher starting price. The Ford Fathom is designed to change that equation. With a starting MSRP of $28,350, the Fathom enters the market at a price point that is much easier to understand for everyday buyers. It is not trying to be a luxury truck. It is not trying to compete with the biggest and most expensive electric pickups. Instead, Ford is focusing on the fundamentals. You get five seats, a truck bed, a frunk, modern technology, bidirectional power capability, and an electric powertrain in a compact package. That is a compelling proposition. Compact Size Could Be One of Its Biggest Advantages The Ford Fathom will have a footprint comparable to the Ford Maverick. That is important because compact pickups are incredibly useful for people who want truck functionality without driving a full-size truck every day. The Fathom should fit comfortably into the lives of commuters, homeowners, outdoor enthusiasts, small business owners, and families who need flexible cargo space but do not want a massive vehicle. Ford also says the Fathom is projected to have more passenger volume than a Toyota RAV4. That suggests the engineers were not simply focused on making the exterior small. They were also thinking about how to maximize the space inside. For an affordable electric pickup, that could be a major selling point. A Truck Designed Around Everyday Life The name Fathom itself reflects the thinking behind the vehicle. The word fathom has traditionally been associated with measuring depth, while its older meaning refers to the span of a person's outstretched arms. Ford says the name was inspired by a deep understanding of the person who will drive the truck. That philosophy is reflected in the vehicle. The Fathom is designed for the workday commute just as much as it is for a weekend adventure. It can carry people, equipment, groceries, recreational gear, and other cargo without requiring owners to compromise on everyday usability. The combination of a frunk and pickup bed adds even more flexibility. Performance That Could Surprise People The Fathom may be affordable, but Ford is not ignoring performance. The company has targeted a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. That is a very ambitious target for an entry priced electric truck. Electric motors are naturally well suited to delivering strong acceleration, and the Fathom could benefit from that instant response. For everyday drivers, quick acceleration is not just about speed. It can make merging onto highways easier and give the truck a more responsive feeling around town. If Ford reaches its 4.5 second target, the Fathom could offer an unexpectedly fun driving experience. Technology Comes Standard in the Conversation The Ford Fathom is also bringing modern technology into the affordable electric truck segment. A large, high-resolution touchscreen will serve as a major part of the experience of the interior. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be supported, giving drivers familiar ways to connect their smartphones. Ford is also taking an interesting approach to navigation. The Fathom's infotainment system will use Apple Maps, and the next generation BlueCruise system will be integrated with Apple Maps for a more seamless highway experience. Every Fathom will have the hardware needed for Ford's next generation of BlueCruise capability. When activated, BlueCruise provides a hand off, eyes on driving experience on designated highways called hands free Blue Zones. The Fathom will also feature a digital car key, giving owners another convenient way to interact with the vehicle. Bidirectional Power Adds Real Utility One feature that deserves more attention is bidirectional power capability. An electric truck can be more than a vehicle that transports people and cargo. With the right technology, its battery can also become a source of electrical power. For Fathom owners, that could prove useful during outdoor activities, work projects, or other situations where portable electricity is valuable. It is another example of Ford focusing on what people do with a truck rather than simply loading the vehicle with expensive technology. The Universal EV Platform Changes Everything The Fathom is the first vehicle to use Ford's Universal EV Platform. The platform has been engineered around simplicity and thriftiness. Ford plans to reduce complexity and use fewer parts while maintaining the functionality customers expect from a modern electric vehicle. A 400-volt electrical architecture is part of that strategy. The bigger story is what happens after the Fathom. Ford says the Universal EV Platform can support a broad family of affordable electric vehicles, ranging from vans to three row SUVs and smaller B segment vehicles. That means the Fathom is not simply another model. It is the starting point for a much broader strategy. Ford Fathom Versus Slate Truck The Slate Truck will be one of the most obvious competitors for the Fathom. Both vehicles are targeting shoppers who want an affordable electric pickup, but their approaches may be different. The Slate is expected to be extremely focused on keeping costs down. Ford appears ready to offer some additional creature comforts, including power windows and an audio system. That distinction could matter to buyers who want an inexpensive electric truck without feeling like they are giving up every convenience. Why the Fathom Matters The Ford Fathom arrives at an important time. Electric vehicles are becoming more common, but affordability remains one of the biggest barriers for mainstream shoppers. A vehicle that combines electric power with a starting price below $30,000 could help address that problem. The Fathom also gives buyers something many affordable EVs do not offer: a truck bed. That makes it relevant to a much broader group of people. Whether you are carrying tools, loading weekend equipment, making a trip to the hardware store, or simply want the flexibility of a pickup, the Fathom is designed to fit into a normal routine. Ford has called the Fathom a potential Model T moment for the brand. That may sound ambitious, but the strategy behind the truck is easy to appreciate. Make the vehicle affordable. Keep the design practical. Use technology where it adds genuine value. Build the vehicle on a platform that can support many future models. If Ford can execute that plan, the Ford Fathom could become much more than an affordable electric pickup. It could be the beginning of a new generation of attainable Ford electric vehicles. Pre orders are expected to begin in early 2027, and the Fathom is shaping up to be one of the electric trucks we will be watching most closely.