Address: 962 Wyoming Avenue, Exeter PA 18643
In Business: Since 1920 — Celebrating 100 years in business in 2020!
Joined the Back Mountain Chamber: 2013
Phone: 570-602-0226
Website: www.barberfordinc.net
 
An interview with Matt DePrimo, vice president and COO, and Diana DePrimo, marketing director.
 
Tell us about your business, your locations, your team and your customers: Barber Ford has grown steadily over the years and we’re currently serving customers at two locations in Northeastern PA — Exeter and Hazleton. We started selling Dort Motor vehicles and Willy's Overland cars (today known as Jeeps) in 1920 and have reinvented ourselves as the industry has continued to change over the years. We secured a Ford franchise in 1932, opened our second location in Hazleton in 1999, and we’ve been through significant renovations at each dealership.
 
We’ve been a family run business for four generations, and some of our team members have been with us for over 20 years.


 
Throughout 2020, we are finding ways to celebrate 100 years in business. We’re thrilled to have reached this significant milestone.
 
Our customers are incredibly loyal and being able to help families as they grow and change means a lot to us. There are two specific families that quickly come to mind — one family purchased 13 vehicles from the same Barber Ford sales representative over the years and another woman flew from WI to PA to pick up a van that would fit her 11 family members!
 
We know that buying a car is an exciting experience, and we think of our business as more of helping, not selling. It’s so important that our customers are comfortable throughout every step of their experience with Barber Ford and we are committed to doing everything we can to create a pleasant and safe vehicle shopping experience. Currently, we are following all CDC guidelines, including social distancing and mask-wearing.
 
What do you think makes your business stand out?  
Barber Ford has one of the largest — if not the largest — commercial vehicle center in Northeastern PA. Commercial vehicles have become a niche market for us and we typically have about 75 work-ready vehicles in stock at any given time.
 
Our team is always moving. No two days are ever the same — and we love it!

 
How does being a member of the Back Mountain Chamber help your business?  
Networking gives us great exposure to Chamber members and partners. Along with being a member of the Back Mountain Chamber, we’re also a member of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.
 


Is there something you specifically want people to know about your business? 
The community is really important to us and we’re always open to ways to help. For about five weeks during the pandemic, Barber Ford’s showroom was transformed into a food distribution point. While our building in Exeter was closed to customers, it was stocked with food and readily accessible to community members in need. The showroom was bursting with volunteers, food and donors; the community really wrapped its arms around us and made the initiative so impactful.
 
We also provide the Salvation Army with a van to use each year around Christmas-time so their team can deliver gifts to kids. Giving back to the community that has trusted Barber Ford for 100 years is very important to us.