Strengthening community partnerships is serious business at Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights in Michigan.
With over $25,000 in nonprofit donations in 2025—and a strong commitment to volunteerism from its leadership and team members—the store has steadily gained a position of trust and goodwill within the community, resulting in tangible business benefits.
As part of its giving-back strategy, Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights intentionally selects nonprofits that have a direct local impact and align with its public-service values. That’s why most of their donations go to organizations serving children, police officers, and firefighters.
Investing in the Community’s Youth
Working hand in hand with local schools is a main pillar of Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights’ community engagement.
St. Peters Lutheran Church & School Gala
One important educational partnership is with St. Peters Lutheran Church & School. Every year, there is a dinner and silent auction fundraiser to help educational programs, campus ministries, community outreach, and facility expansion.
“It’s a major community connection for the Suburban Collection,” says Timothy O’Connor, General Sales Manager of Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights, “because it allows us to build relationships with business leaders, students, and parents that have resulted in vehicle sales.”
In addition, Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights works directly with other local schools and organizations—including the Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation, Henry Ford High School, and Seneca Middle School—to support scholarships, homecoming events, and auction fundraisers.
Teacher of the Year Award
In another popular educational partnership, Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights—along with other dealerships from the Suburban Collection—partner with the Utica Community Schools to honor the annual Teacher of the Year. As part of the award, dealerships grant the winning teacher a free, two-year lease of any vehicle of their choice.
When Karen Franks, a local 6th grade teacher from Sterling Heights won, she selected a Ford Bronco—and Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights was there to recognize her win at a school assembly!
“Whether it’s supporting athletics, school programs, or events, being involved with the local schools creates a real connection with families who live and work right here,” says O’Connor. “It’s bigger than just business, and it positions us as a store that genuinely supports growth and opportunity for local students, and that builds long-term trust within the community.”
A Strong Community Presence Earns Customers for Life
According to James Elder III, Multi-Store General Manager, “When your store shows up consistently in the community, you build trust before a customer ever walks through the dealership’s door. That trust makes customer conversations easier, shortens the sales cycle, and earns loyalty.”
Police Unity Tour for Macomb County
To build help build loyalty and trust, the store has been a committed partner of the city’s police department—for example, participating in the Police Unity Tour’s 250-mile ride that honors fallen law enforcement officers. This and other endeavors reinforce the store’s appreciation for what police officers do every day and strengthen a visible community presence that citizens recognize and respect.
O’Connor noted that as part of their longstanding police relationship, the store has sold multiple vehicles to the local department, “turning authentic community relations into a great business partnership.”
Neighbors United: Walk for the Red
Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights—along with Troy Buick GMC’s Dane Tocco—have been solid sponsors and participants of the annual Walk for the Red fundraiser—which is dedicated to helping first responders in Macomb County who are dealing with occupational cancer diagnoses. Not many people realize that the leading cause of death among firefighters is cancer. To raise awareness and funds, volunteers from Suburban stores walked parts of the 140-mile journey, and together, they raised $23,000 (in 2025) for these true community heroes.
Lifetime Fitness Giveaway Program
Another long-term partnership that has resulted in actual business benefits is the stores’s membership giveaway at a nearby Lifetime Fitness gym. Every month, one lucky class participant wins a paid-in-full gym membership from Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights. This program evolved from one employee’s consistent participation in the gym’s fitness classes who decided to bring some fun and goodwill into the workouts.
O’Connor confirmed that because of the store’s ongoing community connection with the gym, it has sold over 60 vehicles in the last 18 months. It’s just another example of how people feel confident about buying their vehicles from those they know and trust—and who are working out right beside them!
Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights knows that a key part of accelerating Lithia & Driveway’s mission of Growth Powered by People is a giving-back culture:
