Growing Together, Smith Ford and Conway

Smith Ford has been a part of the Conway community for generations.

Smith Ford has been a part of Conway for 107 years.

But the company is hardly living in the past.

Founded by former cotton broker and merchant S.G. Smith in 1916, Smith Ford continues to stay on top of the latest technology and stay in tune with customer demand in order to best serve its home city. The auto industry is fast moving, and that doesn’t mean acceleration capacity; in the past few years Smith Ford has rolled with events and trends that include a world-changing pandemic and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs).

“The automotive industry has changed in drastic ways since 2020,” said Cate McConnell, S.G.’s great-granddaughter. “With inventory being more accessible in the past year than the previous, we are seeing growth back in the selling market.”

Owned by S.T. Ted Smith III and Kenne Ketcheside, Smith Ford has remained in family hands since its founding. McConnell’s brother, Sam Ketcheside; her uncle, Ted Smith, and her parents, Kenne and Cathy Ketcheside, all have played or are playing roles in the company.

However, while Smith Ford is a local business, its leadership has been willing to take on a broader role on behalf of the state’s auto dealers and to be more knowledgeable on behalf of the customers.

“Ted Smith is currently on the Board of Directors for the National Automobile Dealers Association,” McConnell said. “He represents Arkansas franchised automobile dealers on this board.  His involvement on this board is helping Smith Ford learn a lot about the state of the automotive industry.”

The learning curve includes the rise of EVs and their increasing production by the world’s automakers, and Smith Ford is positioning itself to be the go-to supplier of the vehicles to buyers in Conway and the surrounding region.

“Ford diversifying and moving more into the electric vehicle industry is exciting for Smith Ford,” McConnell said. “Our employees are learning all aspects of the vehicles to help customers in whatever is necessary. Smith Ford will be able to sell, service, charge and educate customers on the EV in the near future.”

The company opened on Front Street and in 1974 moved to its current location on 908 East Oak St. Through two world wars, a depression and other world-shaking events, Smith Ford has grown with its community, and McConnell said Conway’s economic development location near interstates and transportation hubs, create a mutually beneficial situation.

Certainly population and job growth mean more customers, and Smith Ford continues to show its gratitude by not only helping residents with their automotive needs but by being a friend to the community. McConnell is the fourth generation of her family to have served as chair of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, carrying on a family tradition of local public service, and as a board member she helped lead several city beautification projects during Conway’s 125th anniversary year in 2017.

“Conway’s continual growth has benefitted Smith Ford in a major way,” she said. “The community involvement and people in Conway have always supported Smith Ford.”

Given the relationship, it’s an easy decision to support Outlook Conway, McConnell said.

“Outlook Conway has always been one of the most educational and exciting events the Chamber puts on during the year,” she said. “We learn about the state of the city and surrounding areas and what we can expect moving forward.”