Editor’s Note: This blog was first published in August 2019. Since then, Ted Taylor has celebrated his 40th anniversary with America’s Car-Mart. Here’s what Ted shares about reaching this milestone:
“I have been blessed to work 40 years at Car-Mart. Through good and bad times, my desire and commitment to do what is right have not wavered. It’s often difficult to recognize that our failures are what bring about the most personal growth. Overcoming those failures and challenges brings about unique satisfaction and helps foster my desire to never give up and to keep on the right path. We should never quit seeking to do what is right, according to the will of God.”
On his first day, March 20, 1985, as a Sales Associate for America’s Car-Mart, Ted Taylor was instructed to hand wax every vehicle on the lot. The count that day was 21, and they sold three vehicles.
One cold winter morning, Nan Smith, Car-Mart’s Chief Operating Officer, called Ted, the General Manager of the Rogers lot, asking him to drive a tractor to ‘job #850’ approximately five miles away and unload 2,000 lbs. of copper roof flashing because their contractor was out of town.
Another day, Bill Fleeman, founder and Car-Mart’s President at the time, showed up at Car-Mart of Fayetteville with a tape measure and remodeling plans splashed on a napkin. Right then and there, Bill and Ted started to remodel the store.
Ted’s 1989 Spring Break promotion featured 30 tons of sand where Ted and his staff created a beach scene. They borrowed a jet ski and sailboat and built a lifeguard stand, boardwalk, and volleyball court. The scene was a definite head-turner. At the conclusion of the promotion, they returned the sand, and Ted took a vacation to a real beach.
Such were commonplace occurrences at Car-Mart, according to Ted, the company’s Director of Expansion. It’s the Car-Mart culture to do whatever needs to be done and to help your fellow associates and customers. And, when it comes to Car-Mart, Ted knows a thing or two. After all, he is a 40-year Car-Mart veteran having joined Car-Mart in 1985 when the company boasted 12 locations.
This committed, dedicated and enthusiastic mindset exists today at Car-Mart. “These are authentic elements that define the culture of our company,” says Ted. “Everything is your job if you’re assigned to do it.”
Baby blue and $600
Ted’s Car-Mart story started with his purchase of a 1976 baby blue Mercury Cougar in 1983. He spotted the car on Car-Mart’s lot in Fayetteville, Ark. The sign on the window said ‘cash.’ He did not have enough cash, and the manager accepted a deposit even though it was a cash sale. The previous owner had towed the vehicle to trade it in and they allowed Ted to repair it so he could take it home, hence the $600 price. Ted kept that car for several years.
That was the moment when Ted experienced what he refers to as the ‘uniqueness’ of Car-Mart. Shortly thereafter, he purchased and financed a car from Car-Mart for his wife – another distinctive Car-Mart moment for Ted.
And, then there was his first day at Car-Mart of waxing cars.
“It became abundantly clear to me early on that what I was being told about the company wasn’t just hype. The plan was to grow a large business and be a profitable, successful company,” says Ted, who asserts that Car-Mart offers opportunities to both associates and customers. “It’s not just about a check; it’s about making a difference. The opportunity that Car-Mart allows people to have is unparalleled. It’s been proven time and time again. At Car-Mart, you can experience personal growth and financial stability and impact on the lives of our customers. The culture makes it unique.”
Car-Mart culture – more than a poster
Car-Mart has benefited from strong leadership, starting with the founder, Bill Fleeman. Indeed, Car-Mart’s vision has not wavered since its founding – to deliver an experience that provides customers with flexible financing, and quality, used vehicles that meet their budget and needs.
“Many companies display their company values on a poster on the wall. But at Car-Mart, we live it,” says Ted. “Our culture is not just something we talk about. We walk the walk and talk the talk at Car-Mart.”
Ted emphasizes that Mr. Fleeman’s unwavering focus on customers was foundational to Car-Mart’s culture. He requested dealerships refer to the store’s kitchen area as the ‘customer lounge’ instead of the ‘employee breakroom,’ highlighting the importance of putting customers first. Additionally, serving fresh popcorn to customers was part of his vision to enhance customer experience.
Since 1981, Mr. Fleeman’s customer-centric vision has been a guiding influence for Car-Mart.
“It was this kind of focus on customers and associates that occurred back then and still happens today,” Ted says.
“Our culture thrives on the relationships we build with our loyal, repeat customers. Many have bought multiple vehicles—some as many as 15 or 20! They often bring their kids and grandkids into the Car-Mart family. We know them by name; they’re family to us. This strong bond reflects our commitment to exceptional service and is at the heart of the Car-Mart experience.”
“It doesn’t get much better than that. While this company is not perfect, it’s the closest I’ve ever found,” continues Ted. “What makes Car-Mart successful is we’re willing to work harder and longer hours than our competition.”
From mechanic to Car-Mart
Ted, a gainfully employed mechanic in 1985, was asked to apply for a job at Car-Mart. During a third interview with Mr. Fleeman, he was offered and accepted the job as a part-time salesperson in Fayetteville and Springdale. After one month, he entered the company’s Management Trainee program, and three months later, he assumed responsibility for the Bentonville store.
He opened a new Car-Mart location in Arkadelphia, worked as an assistant manager and manager at several locations, and served as a district manager. Early in his career, he received the Manager of the Year Award for his leadership and performance.
By working at Car-Mart, he has learned the value of relationships. “Relationships are extremely important at Car-Mart,” says Ted. “We do what is best for our associates and customers, as well as what is best for our company. That is unique.”
For Ted, the best thing about working at Car-Mart is the satisfaction of helping people. “That’s the biggest reward,” Ted says. “There’s something – even from the outside, people can see – what’s so special about Car-Mart – it’s the people.”
It’s also the sense of fun that exists within Car-Mart. During Ted’s tenure, he has witnessed numerous fascinating trades as part of Car-Mart’s renowned “We Trade for Anything” program. He has seen everything from a hearse to an antique tractor. “These were all fair trades,” smiles Ted. “We’re all about helping our customers get into vehicles. That’s what Car-Mart is all about!”
Car-Mart’s special element – its people
Ted’s personal values align well with Car-Mart as he’s always been a person of action. Growing up on a farm, he learned to be resourceful and creative in solving problems. He was active in various activities and worked part-time jobs throughout high school and college.
And, while he doesn’t hand-wax vehicles at work these days, Ted still enjoys the company he joined when he was just a young man starting in his career. At the end of the day, it’s the people who he believes are Car-Mart’s secret sauce and why he’s stuck around for so long.
“If you enjoy what you’re doing, that’s key to a long and successful career at Car-Mart,” concludes Ted.
Join our team!
If you’re like Ted and want to work at a company where you can make magic happen, come work at America’s Car-Mart. Go to Car-Mart.com/careers to learn about job opportunities at Car-Mart in our 12-state area.
Drive Your Dream Car Today
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