The Brown County Fair

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.

* 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.