Dealer Highlight: Bob Neff Talks History, Community & Setting An Example
Bob Neff has spent over 30 years as a leading force for good in Cape Girardeau, creating an environment at his dealership where people can learn and thrive, while also giving back to the community at every turn. At the helm of the 106-year-old Ford Groves, Bob has built a team based on teamwork and kindness. We thank him for his time.
HISTORY OF FORD GROVES
Ford Groves, officially known as the Fred A. Groves Motor Co. Inc. is 106 years old and is the 25th oldest Ford dealership in the world. Mr. Groves owned the store from its start in 1914 until retirement in the early ‘70’s. He sold the store to his General Manager, L Edgar Massey, who later invited his two key sales managers, Dennis Underwood and Cliff Irwin as partners. In 1986, Massey and Irwin retired and sold the business to Bill Schicker and Charlie Lesseg. Shortly after, Bob Neff was hired to become the General Manager and soon became a partner. Dennis Underwood remained a vital part of the store until his retirement in 2020, ending a 62-year run. Schicker and Lesseg maintained ownership until their passing, and the store in now owned by Bob and Bari Neff.
LEADERSHIP
The current leadership team, most of whom rose through the ranks at Ford Groves, is truly an outstanding team. Working together for common goals as opposed to individual departments has never been better.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Active involvement in the community is vital to our mission. Many area organizations benefit from involvement and/or monetary support from the Ford Groves team including local hospitals and schools, chambers of commerce, the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Humane Society and the American Cancer Society and many, many more.
LIVING AND WORKING IN CAPE GIRARDEAU
We’ve been in Cape for 33 years and enjoyed countless blessings. The community is welcoming, supportive and continues to grow and prosper. We’ve raised our three children and developed many wonderful friends. But equally important is having the privilege to work alongside an outstanding and dedicated staff at Ford Groves. So many of these blessings are the result of Bill Schicker providing us the opportunity to come to Cape and sticking with us through all the challenges. We will be eternally grateful.
LESSONS AND ADVICE
Become a servant leader. Set the example for honesty and integrity. Hire nice people and provide the training and support they need, then let them do their job. Also, the vital importance of cultivating and maintaining relationships. As time goes on that importance grows exponentially.
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