Mizell Ford honored as Small Business of the Year

Sandy Shields and Robin Baxley presented William Mizell with the Small Business of the Year Award. Shields and Baxley, who own Best Office Solutions, were the first recipients of the annual award four years ago. They’ve devoted countless hours and substantial funding to youth development, fighting cancer, ministry and community events in Burke County for almost two decades.

Though their main gig is selling cars and trucks, William Mizell Ford and its employees have generously contributed to causes across the county.

Waynesboro’s Ford dealership was honored as the 2010 Small Business of the Year at the Burke County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting last week.

William Mizell opened his dealership in Waynesboro in 1991 with six employees and a small building on East Sixth Street. His business has prospered and in 2004 moved to a new $1.6 million facility on Highway 25 North with more than two dozen employees.

With several awards and recognitions for customer service, sales and the professionalism of its staff, Mizell has become a leader in the auto industry in the region and among Ford dealerships across the nation.

While residents in Burke County and beyond are driving vehicles they purchased from Mizell, others here have benefited from this business in other ways.

Over the past 18 years, Mizell Ford has been known as a business that gives back. The Jaycees Empty Stocking Fund, Wimberly House Ministries, National Guard and American Cancer Society have all been supported by Mizell. Employees serve the community as recreation department coaches, Boy Scout leaders and in organizations like the Waynesboro Exchange Club and Rotary Club.

Mizell quietly claimed he doesn’t deserve the award, and said he simply believes in community members supporting each other through business and service.