The Webster Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Randy Henderson of Henderson Ford has been chosen as Business Person of the Year for 2012. The award was presented at the Webster Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Before Business Meeting held on January 26, 2012.
Randy studied economics and political science at Duke University before he decided to try his hand in the business world by starting a trucking company as an owner operator.
In 1982 Randy entered the automotive industry and held positions in finance, sales, and management. With that experience under his belt, Randy bought his first car dealership in 1994 in Marion Ohio – selling Chrysler and Dodge products. This was the beginning of a long relationship with Chrysler Corporation.
Randy, a man of immense faith, feels that he was led by God to come to the Rochester area. So, in 1998, Randy and family relocated here and Randy purchased Webster Chrysler Jeep, in Webster - where life is worth living and owning a business. We’re very pleased that Randy has been led to our community.
In 2003 Randy bought Webster Ford and in 2005 he purchased Greece Ridge Lincoln Mercury. In 2007 when Randy merged the two dealerships, Webster Ford Lincoln Mercury was born.
In 2009, Chrysler Corporation closed the Webster Chrysler dealership and Randy focused his energy on the Fords. In 2010 the dealership took on the family name and became Henderson Ford and in 2011 the newest addition to the business came in the form of Quick Lane Tire and Auto Service Center.
Randy’s community and church involvement span nearly as many years as he has been in business. In 2003 he co-founded a local not-for-profit called “A New Day Now” that donates to youth groups and charities. Active in the Church of Love Faith Center, Randy became a minister in 2010. One of Randy’s favorite outreach programs is the Youth Jail Ministry – an opportunity to change lives in positive directions.
Randy is currently serving on the Boards of several community and business organizations including the Vice chair of Action for a Better Community, Corporate Secretary for the Webster Chamber of Commerce, a trustee at the Church of Love Faith Center, the Ford dealer’s diversity committee, Ford Minority Dealer’s Association and the Ford Motor Company’s National Dealer Council.
Randy is a member of the National and NYS Automobile Dealers Associations, the Webster Chamber, the Rochester Black Business Association, the Rochester Business Alliance and TNT: Total Networking Thursdays.
Randy has served on the Rochester City School District’s Facilities Modernization Program Board, Roberts Wesleyan College Board of Trustees, several Daimler Chrysler councils and committees, the Enterprise Center Board, the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, is a mentor and speaker for the Rochester Central School District and many other community service boards and committees. Randy supports and sponsors several Webster organizations endeavors and also mentors young adults and aspiring business owners.
Randy and his wife Marion are parents to three children, and grandparents to six. Randy is already has the next generation working and leading in the family business. I think we can agree the Randy exceedingly meets the criteria outlined for this honor.