Thank you for visiting us. We wish to introduce you to some of our members who are most anxious to be of service to you. The have included a short bio of themselves and also some key reasons why they have chosen Family Ford as their place of employment. It is our hope that you will feel comfortable enough to visit us and experience our hassle-free and honest environment first-hand.
Scott Voorhees General Manager
Hi, my name is Scott Voorhees and I am the General Manager of Family Ford. In my previous life, I was a wildlife research biologist and a financial analyst for a major drug manufacturing company. I left those fields because something was missing…I wanted to work with people one on one, so I officially began my career in the Automotive Retail Business in 1985 as a sales consultant. I held several positions in this business such as Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, Director of Sales for a large metropolitan Dealer Group and then Dealer Operator and General Manager.
Later, when I was working as a consultant in the Retail Automotive Industry, I met Corey Shaker of Shaker Automotive Group. That was in July of 1997. I have been here ever since…my home away from home. I commute over 100 miles per day just to work with the Shaker Organization. I like their philosophy of taking care of the customer…we want to earn your business and the business of all your relatives and friends. Our repeat business is huge and far exceeds similar dealerships. I think our success is because we make it fun for both our employees and our loyal customers. Please stop by and see for yourself.
I am married nearly thirty years to my wife Dot, who in addition to raising our two daughters also raised five guide dogs for the blind and currently works for a non-profit organization as their Events Coordinator. My oldest daughter, Emily is a professional equestrian and my younger daughter, Kristen is off to college soon. I am very proud of them all. I have a BS Degree in Biology/Chemistry and an MBA in Finance and Operations from the University of Miami in Coral Gables Florida. I am a pilot and for the past 6 years my passion has been soaring in gliders on my time off from work.
Hi, I am Howard Eber, Sales Manager. I’ve been with the Shaker Family since 2006. I have spent nearly 30 years in Automotive Sales Management. Prior to that, I was, among other things, a newspaper reporter in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
I am married and we have one son, Ryan, who recently graduated from the Berklee College of Music (Boston, Mass.). Ryan has embarked on a career in Music Production and Engineering and is interning at Mix One Studios in Boston.
As victims of empty nest syndrome, my wife and I have focused our parental attentions on our twelve pound, eight year old Brussels Griffon, Baron, who can steal anyone’s heart with a single look!
Whenever spare time allows me, I am deeply and passionately involved in helping “at-risk” adults and adolescents. Aside from that, I am a devotee of the music of Miles Davis and the Allman Brothers Band.
Should I have a few extra minutes at the end of each day, I enjoy the writings of Bill Wilson, Kurt Vonnegut and Hunter S. Thompson.
Hi, My name is Bill Schuld. I am the Service Director for Familyford,Shaker's Linc-Merc-Kia and Shaker's Quick Lane. I have been in the automotive Business since 1968 and with the Shaker Automotive Group for four years.
I have worked in almost every Parts and Service departments from a car cleaner to upper management. I can not ever imagine working in any other field,automobiles have been my life and my enjoyment.
I am married for over 35 years,have two sons and a newborn grandson. Please stop by and visit us.
Hi, my name is Dan Laliberte, I am the Parts Manager at Family Ford.I have been in the automotive industry for 20 years. Before joining the Shaker Auto Group in 1992, I was a certified alignment tech at a private garage for three years.
I started at their brand new Auto Care facility as a parts counter person before moving to Family Ford where I earned my certification as counterperson and then master certification as Parts Manager from Ford Motor Co.
Married with three children, my wife and I enjoy watching our two girls play soccer and our son play football. I spend my free time coaching my son's football team and camping with my family.
Please feel free to stop by and say hello when you visit our dealership, I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Wanda Chiles and I began working as a salesperson when there were very few females in that position and loved it enough to continue for 8 years. I then was promoted to Business Manager for 12 years. I have been employed as Business Development Center manager for the Shaker Auto Group for seven years now and have definitely found my “home” due to Corey Shaker and Steven Shaker. Their philosophy of “THE CUSTOMER ALWAYS COMES FIRST” is totally in sync with my own outlook.
In my spare time I love officiating at weddings as a Connecticut Justice of the Peace!
Hi, I’m Dan Alkas and have recently joined Family Ford as their Loan Specialist and Sales Associate. My career in the automotive business started by accident. After leaving the Navy, where I spent four years on the flight deck as a plane handler, I got hired as a sales person and soon became a manager. That was in October of 1982 and I have worked in all positions of the sales department.
As a loan specialist, I work with finance companies that specialize in helping people with credit issues get a second chance and rebuild their credit. I work closely with these lenders and give all my clients the straight story. So, whether it’s new or used, credit issues or not, stop by and see me at Family Ford.
When not working, I spend my time at home working on my house, landscaping and trips to Florida.
Hi, my name is Jim Reed. I have been in sales at Family Ford for the past 26 years and I also take care of our website pre-owned inventory and pictures. I enjoy working here with the Shaker's Family and over the years have aquired a wonderful customer base.
I was born and raised in Waterbury and enjoy working around my home, I have a passion for the game of golf.
Hi, my name is George. I have been with Family Ford for 15 years! I enjoy helping families get vehicles to fit their needs and wants. Being a family man myself (12 year old son, 9 year old daughter), I understand the importance of getting their right vehicle.
Another reason I am here so long is the Shaker Family are great to work for and we are here for our customers after the sale as well. The owner, Corey Shaker also interacts with our guests, and even helps clean deliveries when needed!
I am also fluent in Spanish for our guests who prefer to speak to a spanish speaking sales person. Come and see what it is like to join our family!
We are a non-pressure customer based dealership who really cares, hope to see you soon, George.
Hi, I'm Cathy Reed - some may know me as the lady who likes "PURPLE". I've been selling automobiles and trucks since 1986. My husband, Billy also works for the Shaker family at the Lincoln Mercury dealership. My brother-in-law Jim also sells here at "Family Ford". When my husband and I first met he thought it would be a good career for me. I've built my customer base giving great deals, with attention to detail. I like to treat people the way I would expect to be treated - this is one of the biggest purchases an individual makes in their lifetime and I like making the experience a positive one.
Billy and I have 3 beautiful daughters - Katie 22, Emily 15, and Melanie age 6. We love having flexible schedules to be there for basketball games, dance classes and family outings. We moved to Wolcott 5 years ago and enjoy putting the finishing touches on our home. Come in to say hi and have a cup of coffee. You'll be glad you did!
Ron LaPlante has joined Shaker's Family Ford since August, 2008, and many of his loyal customers have followed.
"I spent 16 years selling cars and trucks at Crestwood Ford in Watertown," LaPlante said. "It was time for a change." "This is a great dealership", he said. 'We have more product and when you have more to choose from, you sell more."
LaPlante was skeptical about the Shaker's Super Service Program while he worked at Crestwood Ford. But now that he deals with the program every day he is astounded. "The service offered at Family Ford is tremendous," LaPlante said, "I decided if you can't beat them, join them."
LaPlante lives with his wife Diane and their Chihuahua, Tiffany. "I love my new job and invite all my family and customers to join me at Family Ford."
Hello, My name is John Clark and I have been with Family Ford and the Shaker Auto Group for almost 2 years now. It is the first Dealership I have worked in and I must say I would not want to be anywhere else. Corey and his Family have been absolutely wonderful to work for since day one. At what dealership can you go in and have the owner say hello or even get you a cup of coffee!! That is a regular occurrence here at Family Ford, and that's what I like.
I was born and raised in Thomaston CT, where I now live with my Fiance Tanya, and our dog Charlie who we rescued from the pound. I am a die hard Yankee fan and am currently in a one-sided love affair with Golf. On Wednesdays you can find me on the course...usually in the trees. So stop in some time and say hello, and come down and experience first hand what we have to offer here at Family Ford!!
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