With the Ford Bronco in high demand, a Michigan Ford dealer went over and above to treat a customer like family, finding the perfect model for a disabled veteran suffering from terminal cancer. The team at LaFontaine Automotive Group worked with former Marine Capt. Rollin Jones to find him his dream vehicle.

After being contacted by Ford, Max Muncey, senior manager of corporate communications for LaFontaine, and his team found a model that matched Jones’ wish list at LaFontaine Ford Lincoln of Flushing, in mid-Michigan. Jones and his wife visited the next day and took a nearly hour-long test drive. Three days later, Jones then traded in his Audi and drove off the lot in a four-door Outer Banks Bronco in Antimatter Blue Metallic.

Jones, 59, from northern Michigan, commutes to the southeast part of the state for treatment of Leukemia. The dealership had just purchased the Bronco from an out-of-state dealer two days earlier, for well over sticker price, but sold it to Jones at MSRP.

Muncey said that at the end of the day, it speaks volumes that they could all come together and deliver a such a special experience for a deserving individual in a period of challenging market conditions and tight inventory. “Everyone can sell and service vehicles, but it takes a culture and a mindset to always put the customer first,” said Muncey. “It wasn’t about trying to make the most money on the vehicle or to save it – he came in and he had quite a story and he made a commitment to our nation with his service. We just felt it was absolutely the right thing to do to deliver the vehicle and help him create as many memories as possible.”

Jones, a combat engineer officer for 16 years in the Marines and a construction equipment salesman, was drawn to the Bronco by its design and because it looked like a fun vehicle to drive. “I’m trying to enjoy my life and I felt like the Bronco could add to that,” he said.

Dave Manges, sales manager, welcomed the Joneses, and spent about three and a half hours with them. Manges said it was one of the most special moments in his more than 25 years with the dealership, which was purchased last year by LaFontaine Group.

“We had to make this day count,” he said, crediting the LaFontaine team for making the deal possible. “We had to make this dream come true and I think we did. To share a couple days with this guy – it was an honor to be part of it.”

A previous owner of Ford trucks, Jones and his wife have plans to take the Bronco on road trips to Florida and Texas in the coming months.

“We’re having a lot of fun with it,” he said. “It’s just a fun, quality vehicle to drive and to ride. We love it.”

Jones was floored by the efforts of the team at the dealership. He returned Thursday to check in and thank the team again for his experience.

“It was amazing,” he said. “I really felt like it was a family and I was treated well. Someone was always engaging with us in a friendly way. It was an amazing experience.”