Maples Ford has been a staple business corporation in Warsaw under its principal dealer Tom Maples for 24 years and under former owners since 1966. Ford Motor Credit Company recently presented the corporation (dealership) with an award for it’s 50th anniversary of a relationship with Ford Credit.
The recognition included a table-top award plus a letter from Ford Motor Credit Company Vice President of U.S. Sales Operations, Jim Spangler, who said that the traits of trust, integrity and common goals exemplified the relationship between Ford Credit and Maples Ford. He also stated that throughout the years together, they had worked side by side, ensuring the continued success of the organizations despite numerous industry challenges. He said that as a result, their relationship had advanced and prospered.
The Ford dealership was named Burton-Walthall when Tom Maples moved to Warsaw in 1992. Maples worked at other businesses including Truman Hills Motors until he and his wife, Monty, bought the corporation. Tom Maples started out in sales and now manages Maples Ford and Monty does accounting. They have ten full-time employees, four part-time personnel and four more who work as needed. They provide new and pre-owned vehicles and have a service department providing new and used parts.
“We have won several awards over the years, but this one for 50 years of corporate service is the most prominent,” said Monty Maples.
The Maples' received a plaque and letter from Ford Motor Company in 2021 recognizing a milestone of 25 years in service. The letter from Andrew Frick, Vice President of Sales for U.S. and Canada, congratulated Maples Ford for its incredible accomplishment and recognized its well-deserved commitment to the community, customers and employees. Maples Ford was recognized for its perseverance and dedication to the brand which speaks to the quality of the organization that has been built over the years.
Before moving to Warsaw, Tom Maples was a mechanic at French Motor Company in Cameron, Missouri. Monty Maples spent 18 years as a corporate nurse for Silver Dollar City before moving to Warsaw in 1998. The couple have five “beautiful” children, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Maples Ford is known locally for more than selling and servicing cars. They take part in community affairs throughout the year. They contribute to the Benton County Food Pantry, Christmas for Kids, Toys for Tots, Heritage Days, Jubilee Days, Lions Club activities and car shows and other needs. They are also members of the Chamber of Commerce and Missouri Farm Bureau.
