$1,000 Feature Prize Winner

"Not only would we save time by utilizing an efficiently configured cargo area, but we'd save money on fuel ... And the compactness of the Transit Connect means we can easily handle deliveries in dead-end alleyways and crowded loading docks."

$1,000 Feature Prize Winner
Ann Houghton
Deer Creek Farm
Jordan, MN

Tell us about your business.

The word "Locavore" is new and hip, but the strong desire to use the freshest, best tasting, healthiest and sometimes custom grown ingredients has long been a priority for stellar chefs around the country. Deer Creek Farm has been working with Twin Cities chefs since 1987. Sprouting as a part time experiment in country living, it has blossomed into a small business that provides restaurants with high quality, locally grown produce from a dozen area farms. Our success has always been based on our ability to deliver gourmet produce, eggs, and other items in excellent condition and when promised.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

There are two main limiting factors to growing our business - time and vehicle specifications. There will never be enough time, but vehicle specs can be improved upon. My wonderful SUV has 66.3 cu. ft. of cargo space, effectively reduced by limits on stacking produce containers (like raspberry flats). Lack of cargo space means that business is turned away. Clients would order bulky items such as sweet corn, but there is simply no room. Our business requires routes with multiple stops for both collecting and delivering produce, rearranging cargo each stop. Whenever cargo is rearranged you risk damaging fragile items.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

Twice as much, smarter cargo space in a small, maneuverable, fuel efficient, air-conditioned vehicle would be terrific! Configurable cargo space will help pack and stack; will protect fragile produce (ripe tomatoes) side-by-side with bulky, heavy items (winter squash and honey) allowing space for coolers and frozen food containers. The ability to cool produce immediately and keep it cool during transit is critical for good post harvest handling. All of this attention to keeping items fresh and in good condition will keep our clients telling us - I can feel the love that you put into what you bring us!

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

Not only would we save time by utilizing an efficiently configured cargo area, but we'd save money on fuel. We would have space to store recyclable containers harvested during deliveries and room for cold storage. Being able to offer frozen produce translates into extending the growing and marketing season. And the compactness of the Transit Connect means we can easily handle deliveries in dead-end alleyways and crowded loading docks. More efficiency in all these areas would allow us to network with more farmers and chefs, increasing business and customer service while upholding our key value of remaining environmentally friendly.

Ten Mile Creek Kayaks

Matthew Wade
Frisco, CO

Matthew Wade
Ten Mile Creek Kayaks
Frisco, CO

Tell us about your business.

My business is a one of a kind kayaks shop that excels in Sales, Service and Life Style. You can purchase everything you need to get on the water. We also offer instruction on how to get the most out of your gear. Everything from calm lakes to huge class five rivers, were rocks and holes are not your friends. Safety is always first and learning those skills is a must, only trials and tribulations get you there. From beginner to advance, I assist in picking the kayak for you. Experiencing beautiful canyons to catching a 20-inch trout, I can help.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

Just finished my first season of business, and have not reached to point of purchasing a business vehicle. I have been using my personal vehicle which is not designed to accommodate people and gear safely and effectively. Also the poor gas mileage that I get with my current vehicle is not suitable for my business needs.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

I envision the Transit Connect having a sweet kayak rack on the roof, with my shop logo rapped all around the body for great advertising. Having comfortable seats for five and plenty of kayak gear space in back for everyone sounds great. Where the drive to the put in is safe and running the shuttle is gas efficient. After the river being able to access the back easily with the 180 doors and change into dry clothes, keeping the wet separate from everything else. It would be great to be on the way back to the shop talking about our adventure and the next one in the Transit Connect.

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

First and for most the gas efficiency, lower gas cost. Represent my business with logo on Transit Connect will saving advertising cost. The professionalism of having a true business vehicle dedicated solely to the shop and being ability to take the kayak shop on the road to events and demos would be perfect. Where gear and boats are displayed and organized in an easily assessable manner for all. Finally, being able to transport boats, gear and people comfortable and safe.

Pride of Cleveland Scooters

Phil Waters
Lakewood, OH

Phil Waters
Pride of Cleveland Scooters
Lakewood, OH

Tell us about your business.

I am Phil Waters, owner and founder (est. 2001) of Pride of Cleveland (P.O.C.) Scooters. At P.O.C. we sell and service new motor scooters as well as offer full service and restoration of vintage scooters. I have 8 employees here with a 10,000 square foot showroom plus a service area. My business spikes in summer due to our Ohio location but we stay busy year-round. Our customers demand and deserve a level of service that includes local pick-up and delivery, occasional road service, and support at scooter events. P.O.C. has realized phenomenal growth in the past 2 years. I anticipate continuing growth.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

I currently use a Toyota Tundra for my business needs. This vehicle doesn't fit my needs for multiple reasons. Primarily it is OVERKILL, just too darned big! It's hard to maneuver and park in an urban environment, as well as being difficult to load due to the height of the bed. Pick-ups are not metropolitan vehicles. That leads to the second reason why my current vehicle is inappropriate for my needs. In a word ... IMAGE! At P.O.C. we strive to be hip and modern. The Toyota does not project that image in any way. Lastly the fuel economy is less than ideal.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

A Ford Transit Connect would provide more usable cargo space and better advertising space in a smaller overall package. It would provide a platform for a mobile workshop with the capability to transport scooters, tools, parts and 2 employees. It could be parked anywhere that a passenger car could be parked while keeping everything weather-tight and secure. With it's large exterior panels, this vehicle would be a rolling billboard while doing all of the above!

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

The Transit Connect would make my business more efficient in several ways. The scale of the vehicle is perfect for what I do and where I do it. Any of my employees could operate it. The large side doors and wide-opening rear doors would allow easy access to the entire cargo area. Add in the low loading height and one worker could safely do jobs normally requiring two. The fuel costs of a Transit Connect would be lower. Maintenance costs would decrease because the vehicle is designed for commercial use, with a proven record of Ford dependability. Lower costs=greater efficiency.

J Paint & Brushworks

Jay Schukin
Little Silver, NJ

Jay Schukin
J Paint & Brushworks
Little Silver, NJ

Tell us about your business.

After loosing my job of 25 years I became a displaced worker. I decided, now it's time to reinvent myself. I decided to start J Paint & Brushworks, a local painting company mostly residential work with a little commercial work as well. J Paint & Brushworks started as a small family-run company with three employees but through customer recommendations my business is expanding and so are my business needs. I need a professional choice of vehicle.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

My current vehicle is an old midsized wagon which cannot carry much and frankly driving around with a ladder tied to the roof is a little scary. I work in a lot of urban areas where parking is scarce. It has become a chore to get my equipment out of my tailgate when I'm parked bumper to bumper. With my tools in plain sight there not very secure and there is no where to put my company logo. I need a more practical, professional look.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

The better idea people are back. With all the available upfits everything about the Transit Connect is perfect for my business. I like the user-friendly, safe ladder rack and the shelf above the windshield for all those things swimming around my dashboard. The ample load height means I don't have to crawl around the back to get things, and showing up with this commercial vehicle is 1000% more professional. The side panels are ideal for my logo. With privacy glass and lock and latch my tools are safe.

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

Not since the minivan has such an innovative vehicle appeared. The compact commercial van's time has come. The Transit Connect is an idea outside of the box - with ample room inside the box. HHR panel comes up short; almost the same length, the HHR has less than half the cargo volume of the Transit Connect. The tight turning radius and wheels at all corners makes light work of urban parking. With easier access to my tools I spend less time parking and finding equipment and more time getting the job done. Big inside, small outside, Transit Connect fits my business.

$1,000 Feature Prize Winner

"The Ford Transit Connect would also allow us to store and organize small items in labeled bins and drawers... and power tools can be securely stored and safely transported." Enter Now

$1,000 Feature Prize Winner
Kimberlee Mitchell
Boo Boo Busters, Inc.
Ladera Ranch, CA

Tell us about your business.

BOO BOO BUSTERS (BBB) is a full-service baby proofing (and pet proofing) company for families and businesses in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties in Southern California. Mommy owned and operated, we offer expert in-home child safety consultations, comprehensive baby proofing estimates, sell top-quality proven child safety devices and provide professional esthetic installation. Most of our exclusive product line is pro-grade and not available in stores and includes gates, latches, locks, custom cut Plexiglas, custom hearth padding, pool fencing/alarms, earthquake securing, and more. To learn more about Boo Boo Busters, log on to www.BooBooBusters.com.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

BBB carries 100's of skus that range from thousands of pieces of assorted hardware, to space-hogging safety gates to five foot long sheets of Plexiglas. Organization and storage is key as the installers need to have a full array of the product line on their trucks at all times to be aptly stocked for same-day installations. As of now however, they have to sift through large plastic bins and unload and reload large items to access product. Due to this poor system they often find themselves out of stock, which requires a frustrating costly return trip - let alone a customer with an unresolved hazard in their home until we return. Expensive sheets of Plexiglas break regularly during transport due to improper storage of the large bulky items, which are replaced at BBB's cost. Truck bed shells do not allow enough space for our large items so we can't use them leaving materials vulnerable to theft. We've had power tools and product stolen from the back of the pick-up trucks. When it rains my staff uses tarps to cover the product, which is ineffective and results in destroyed materials. Transporting large loose items in the SUV is also unsafe. One employee came close to be-heading himself with a sheet of Plexiglas after he made a quick short stop!

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

Having a mobile warehouse would allow us to offer customers efficient same-day installations. Making one trip saves both BBB and the customer time and money. The Ford Transit would allow us to store and organize small items in labeled bins and drawers, larger boxed items can be secured on shelves, Plexiglas can be stored in padded racks and power tools can be securely stored and safety transported. Currently we have to pay to have the Plexiglas cut to size and sanded and always have to make a second trip to install it. With this truck, we can carry the Plexiglas in full size sheets and cut the pieces to size on the job and save money by not having to make a return trip! The shelving and bins would allow the product and materials to be organized and easily accessible for the installer, which saves time during the job prep/set up as well as the packing up. The low load feature allows for Plexiglas and large cartons of gates to be loaded with non- back breaking ease. As of now, the large boxes don't fit so we have to break down each case of gates to be able to be squeeze it all into the trucks!

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

Due to the space issue in our current vehicles, we have two warehouses - our main one in O.C. and another in LA, which is raises overhead. Gas prices have forced us to have to charge more for our services; however the Transit Connect could save us so much in gas we could pass along the savings to our customers, who equally appreciate a break during this weak economy. Our service territory ranges from the Mexican border in San Diego to North Los Angeles County so we spend thousands of dollars a week in fuel. This exorbitant expense has created a huge cash flow issue for us year round not to mention has severely messed with our profit margins. A fuel efficient vehicle that can double as a mobile warehouse would be a dream come true for this business owner! It would allow me to expand quicker which means we can be available to help more families create a safe home for their little ones. The mobile billboard feature is something I've wanted to do for years, however I never moved forward because with it because large vans are gas guzzlers. A branded Transit Connect van would be actively advertising in the neighborhoods in which we work without having to break the bank to drive there! What's more, when we baby proof celebrity homes in Los Angeles our wrapped trucks tell the paparazzi outside the story of what's happening on the inside - information they are always hungry for! There's a good chance we could be mentioned in national news as well as pictured in various entertainment magazines just by showing up for work! I am franchising BBB nationwide so each franchisee will have an option of buying a Transit Connect for their local business. We will retro fit each truck with the needs of a professional baby proofer in mind to pass along the efficiency and savings.

California Cycleworks, Inc

Christopher Kelley
San Diego, CA

Christopher Kelley
California Cycleworks, Inc
San Diego, CA

Tell us about your business.

California Cycleworks sells new motorcycle parts on the internet. We use our vans to bring motorcycles to manufacturers of our products, to take boxes to the post office, and buy shipping peanuts in bulk. We use the van to pick up large quantity orders from manufacturing plants in Los Angeles and enjoy the ability to handle a large shipment and also thank our vendors in person.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

The full size vans consume too much fuel, are targets for gasoline theft, and are too large for everyday personal use. Actually, full size vans are so big that it is rare that their cargo space is fully utilized.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

I look forward to evaluating a Ford Transit Connect for the low deck height. That will make loading motorcycles far easier than pick-ups or vans. My dog will love it, too, as she isn't a puppy anymore and won't have so far to jump to climb in and out. My dog is always with me, so that will be good. Oh right, business needs! There will be much less waste when we travel to LA or to the post office. As we go forward, I want my company to always make the "green" choice when possible.

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

As we do not operate a regular delivery service, the benefits are indirect. Easier parking in our cramped industrial complex will be a benefit. Also, with the Transit Connect, much less time will be invested into the logistics of parking, storage, etc. The smaller van will save time every other Friday when we wash our vehicles! Regular maintenance can be done in house, as the Transit Connect is small enough to fully park in our warehouse.

Dow Services, Inc.

Michael Dow
Fargo, ND

Michael Dow
Dow Services, Inc.
Fargo, ND

Tell us about your business.

Dow Services, Inc. is a family-owned commercial janitorial service. We have 80 employees and clean approximately 60 buildings in the Fargo-Moorhead Area and surrounding communities. We also provide building maintenance services for our customers. Another service we offer is that we inventory, order, deliver and stock paper products for our customers. We have been using vans since we started the business in 1986 and we appreciate the dependability of the Ford products.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

Our biggest problem with our vans is the fuel cost. With gas prices so high and 3 vans out during the day and night, this expense is really cutting into our bottom line. Also, the vans are just too big for our needs, we would like to downsize to smaller vehicles that get better gas mileage.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

The low load deck on the Transit Connect would make it easier for employees to haul heavy equipment such as floor scrubbers, shampooers and vacuums between jobs. The lower deck would help cut down on work related injuries resulting from lifting equipment in and out of a van Also, the customizability of the cargo area would allow us to store supplies in an efficient manner and make restocking a breeze.

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

The fuel savings alone would definitely increase our bottom line. Plus, the unique style of the Transit Connect would really catch the eyes of potential customers which could result in more janitorial contracts. The customizability of the cargo area would make restocking of the vans easier and it would take less time to load our vans each day The low load deck could cut down on work-related injury costs. Overall, the Ford Transit Connect would help us run our business more smoothly and could increase our bottom line.

Big Sur Taxi

Dmitry Perliev
Pacific Grove, CA

Dmitry Perliev
Big Sur Taxi
Pacific Grove, CA

Tell us about your business.

Big Sur Taxi is a vehicle for hire permit holder in Monterey County, CA. Big Sur is a popular tourist destination, famous for its spectacular coastline and access to multiple state parks and Los Padres National Forest. It is also home to several world renowned luxury resorts. This is why I have to handle diverse clientele - from hikers to VIPs. Although there are other taxi companies in Monterey County, none have a cab on standby in Big Sur, and it takes them at least 45 minutes to get there. I found this niche as hospitality industry insider.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

When I was starting my business I was surprised to learn that versatile taxi vehicle does not exist in US market. I wanted a fuel efficient car with a lot of rear seat leg room, large trunk, 4 cylinder engine and durable body. The closest I could get was a 1989 Toyota Van. An all together wonderful machine, it is getting outdated - there is no air bags, parts are scarce, and as my mileage creeps over 300k I need a replacement. It appears that Ford Transit Connect may be exactly what I am looking for.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

I haven't seen it live yet, but judging from the web site the wagon version rear bench seat has plenty of leg and head room. These are the most critical comfort features which you will not find in any other medium size vehicle in US market. Unlike my current van, this Ford is front wheel drive, so I hope the lower floor will ease passenger entry/exit. Also I like the dual sliding doors. And the tall cargo bay is definitely an advantage - very often luggage is bulky. Lastly, a modern look, fuel efficient and low polluting engine should be mandatory these days.

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

Even if I don't win the contest, I am planning to get myself a Transit Connect. Fuel savings and environmental benefits apart, I feel this would be a fresh new look, something that grabs attention. After all, there is nothing similar on the roads today. Just like Mercedes Sprinter became an "everybody wants one" thing, in spite of its exorbitant price, Transit Connect has the potential to dominate an entire new market sector. Having one would create an image of success and that is very good for business.

Cleveland Cushion

Janet Basnett
Shaker Heights, OH

Janet Basnett
Cleveland Cushion
Shaker Heights, OH

Tell us about your business.

I started Cleveland Cushion & Custom Sewing 28 years ago. We make custom cushions and pillows for interior designers and private customers. We specialize in fine detail work and make all the insides of pillows from foam to down and feathers. Besides decorative pillows, jobs have included everything from church pew cushions to making a dog's booster seat for riding in the car. I presently work with one assistant and the two of us are both committed to the highest quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

Unfortunately, Mazda stopped producing the MPVs in 2006. There is not another new vehicle available on the market right now that meets all of the criteria I require for my vehicle. I need great cargo height, versatility of second-row seating, sliding doors, and a narrow body to fit in my extremely narrow garage. My Mazda MPV met all of these needs, but unfortunately also came with the mini-van "soccer mom" correlation as an unwanted bonus.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

When I first read about the Transit Connect and then saw it at the Cleveland Auto Show, I knew this was my perfect business vehicle. It is so innovative in design, and it is wonderfully narrow in width, two extremely important features for me. I really like the split hinged doors in the back, the versatility of the rear seats, and the fabulous cargo space. Dealing with high-end interior designers, I think it would be exciting arriving for appointments in this thoughtfully designed and sharp-looking vehicle.

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

Yes, the fuel economy, ease of loading and unloading, and being just the right size would all certainly help in the efficiency of my business, but I think the thrill of driving such a cool vehicle would add fun, and that would translate into a positive attitude that couldn't help but increase business efficiency. Having operated a sewing machine for so many years, I still enjoy the process of man (or woman) working with a machine to produce a beautiful product. It is the same satisfaction in driving a great vehicle.

Affordable Locksmith

David Sutton
Franklin, TN

David Sutton
Affordable Locksmith
Franklin, TN

Tell us about your business.

I own Affordable Locksmith - a family-owned locksmith business providing home business and automotive locksmith services in Franklin, TN. We service locksmith needs from country music stars to farmers and everyone in between. We operate 24-hours, in rain or shine.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

I currently own a 1989 Ford E350 Ambulance. I call here Lucille. She is retired from the New York City Fire Department and stood tall with our firefighters in 9-11 as the towers fell. She has been nothing short of amazing in her 234,000 miles and I feel is more than a truck but is truly a piece of history. She is a great locksmith service vehicle but sadly her age, thirst for fuel, and more frequent repairs have me considering replacing her as my primary service truck.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

A Transit Connect with its great track record in Europe would be the logical choice for the future. A vehicle that operates more efficiently is a step in the right direction to reduce our dependency on fuel as a nation. I'd like to do my part. As a locksmith service truck I believe it will be ideal.

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

With lower fuel cost, less repairs, easier to maneuver in traffic - the Transit Connect is what the future of service vehicle will become. The savings to my company in lowered cost of operation will translate to lower costs for my customers - a win - win for everyone.

ATF Nursery Inc

Sandra Frank
Fellsmere, FL

Sandra Frank
ATF Nursery Inc
Fellsmere, FL

Tell us about your business.

Wholesale/retail tree farm. We are a mom-n-pop business that grows most of our products, then delivers and/or plants at the site. The bulk of our business is residential, catering to the homeowner that doesn't have the means or desire to transport or install trees at their home.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

Our [truck] is used for most of our needs; however, we're adding smaller landscape materials to our inventory that needs to be protected during transport. Our SUVs don't have the interior space or, in some cases, the height needed to carry some of these items.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

The Transit Connect would have nearly double the cargo capacity of either of our SUVs; the large rear and side doors would make loading and unloading a much easier process, and the lower deck would make it easier to use a ramp and hand truck. The customization of the cargo area would make it possible to change it up according to what we're carrying, from small ornamental plants to larger shrubs to bags of mulch.

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

The Transit Connect seems to be the perfect option between a small SUV and large commercial van. It's ability to adapt to the situation, good fuel economy, ease of use, and safety would make it a good fit for our small but growing business. And, I could still use it for every-day needs like grocery shopping or traveling!

The Sound Room

Greg Walton
Traverse City, MI

Greg Walton
The Sound Room
Traverse City, MI

Tell us about your business.

The Sound Room sells and installs Multi room audio and video systems. Anything from small single pair music systems to full-blown Home Theater Systems! It's fun!!! I saw the Transit Connect at the Chicago auto show and it's the perfect vehicle for us. We used to need the big vans for the larger TV's, but most of the flat screens we're selling now will easily fit into the Transit Connect.

What is it about your current vehicle that doesn't meet your business needs?

Nothing but the gas mileage. The Ford vans are amazing. These vans work through it all. I have NO complaint about our current fleet.

How would a Transit Connect better fit your business needs?

Everything that I saw at the show was impressive. You had a package for an electronics installer that was really close to the design we would setup for ourselves. While I was right there with the different packages, I measured the opening (height and width) and we can even get our largest Plasma in there.

How would a Transit Connect help your business operate more efficiently?

New fresh look, better gas mileage, we would create an impression, by wrapping all the vans in the same advertising decals. It will certainly clean up the look and create that feeling of cutting edge, which is what we sell. First impression is everything, and then you deliver.