From biology to Fords: king of Mustangs blames carbon monoxide.

• Author: Zerbe, Victoria

King of Mustangs blames carbon monoxide

Ralph Seekins said he had never planned on being president and CEO of Seekins Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, Inc. of Fairbanks. Not even close.

Seekins got into the business as a salesperson while attending college and working toward a degree in biology. His work at the dealership was only temporary - just until he and his wife finished college.

"I always tell people I got hooked on carbon monoxide and had to stay in the business," Seekins explained. "No really, I like the business."

Seekins acquired the Fairbanks' Ford dealership in 1977 when the prior owner, Jim Thompson, retired. Seekins, who was sales manager at the time, contacted Jim Pfeifer- Ford's district manager of the Pacific Northwest - and learned about Ford's dealer development program. As part of the program, Ford would invest the bulk of the startup capital as a business partner.

Seekins went into the partnership with a third investor - his friend and neighbor, Don Chandler. After five years, the partners were able to buy Ford out of its share. Later, additional property was bought, and a new dealership was built on its present site at 1625 Old Steese Highway. Three years ago, the company expanded with the purchase of a dealership in Soldotna, which employs 40.

"One of my greatest satisfactions as an Alaskan dealer is that, in addition to being able to handle the customer who can drive onto our lot, we can take care of our customer in the bush," said Seekins.

In a market area one-and-a-half times the size of Texas, the company routinely works with subcontractors or flies its mechanics to service vehicles regardless of...