Forest Lake Times Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 15
PHOTO BY HANNAH DAVIS
Forest Lake Ford opened last July just south of Walmart in Forest Lake.
Ford returns to Forest Lake after 16-year absence
AMY DOEUN Contributing writer
It has been 16 years since Forest Lake has had a Ford Dealership. On July 8, 2024 general manager Bryan Okubo brought Ford back to the area with Forest Lake Ford.
Sales manager Randy Heiser said,“ We are proud to bring Ford back to the community, where we currently employ 60 people locally.”
The new facility“ boasts the latest technology and a state-of-the-art facility,” Heiser added.
For generations Ford has stood by the slogan“ Ford Tough.” Heiser said that Ford was“ built on a reputation for producing durable and dependable vehicles.” As times have changed, Ford has adapted to provide more fuel-efficient and now electric vehicles. Ford hopes to tap into that strong customer base by continuing to provide vehicles that do the heavy lifting, and now offer a smaller footprint.
“ We’ re particularly excited to showcase the incredible vehicles Ford has to offer,” Heiser said. Embracing the future of automotive, Forest Lake Ford is offering electrified options: the powerful Ford
F-150 Lightning pickup and the popular Mustang Mach-E crossover SUV. These newer options are designed to attract a new customer base, Heiser said.
But being back in Forest Lake and being a part of the community is important to the dealership.
“ Our primary goal is to provide a welcoming place for a community that has been without a local Ford dealership for over 16 years,” Heiser said, adding that over the next five years Forest Lake Ford’ s vision“ is to become a leading Ford dealer in the Twin Cities market, all while staying deeply connected to the Forest Lake community.” The business participates in Arts in the Park and supports area sporting programs, and is working on partnering with educational institutions and programs to help develop automotive workers.
“ Forest Lake Ford is incredibly enthusiastic about being a significant part of the community and looks forward to being a great neighbor for many years to come,” Heiser said.
Hours and more information can be found at forestlakeford. com.