“A business that only makes money is a poor business”

By A. Govea

July 6, 2015

It’s a quote that Joe Avila shared with students in the 2015 Stars on the Rise Scholarship Program.  Those of you who’ve studied business may recognize this quote from one the greatest industrialists of the 19^th Century, Henry Ford.  We know Henry Ford for inventing the first assembly-line production of reliable motor vehicles -- a manufacturing system turning out the first cars that were generally affordable to U.S. workers.  But he did much more than create the first efficient mass production of autos.

Ford can be credited with helping create the middle class by paying all of his employees a decent wage and by making motor vehicles affordable to a mass market.  This strategy was good not only for his employees and American consumers but also, ultimately, for the Ford Motor Company. 

His employees could afford to buy the cars they were manufacturing for Ford and the average American worker typically could afford modern transportation.

Fast-forward to June 18, 2015.  Students from more than 100 area high schools gathered to receive shares of the nearly $350,000 in college scholarships given by the North Texas Ford Dealers Association and the Ford Motor Company via its Ford Driving Dreams Campaign.

It was an impressive gathering of students, parents, educators and community leaders.

Representing Ford Motor’s Community Outreach as its manager, was Joe Avila.  Sam Pack was there to represent North Texas Ford Dealers as association chairman.

About 80 percent of the scholarships went to students going into the STEM fields -- science, technology, engineering and math.  That made a lot of sense.  According to a STEM Connector Report, by 2018, the State of Texas will rank second in the nation for having the most STEM-related jobs.  The scholarships are administered by Stars on the Rise, an institution created by the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, led by its president, Rick Ortiz.

People that know me (Alberto) have heard me say on many occasions:  “Nothing happens by accident.”  It’s certainly true of this program and others like it, which requires work and commitment, trying to build a better society through the opportunities that education provides.

Joe Avila’s title is Ford Motor Comp0any Community Outreach Manager, but as with all titles, it does not define the man or woman.  The man or woman defines the title.  When you look at the short list of organizations in which Mr. Avila is an active participant/contributor/worker/adviser, such as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, National Council of La Raza, LULAC and many others, you know that he’s taking his title to new levels.

I recently spoke with Mr. Avila and asked a few questions, to better understand his commitment.

“I love to serve my community,” he said when asked what he most liked about his job.  For young people, he said he has the opportunity to effect positive change for the future.

Mr. Avila advises students to start their careers by first finding their “passion in life” and then “put in the work.”  He said: “You have to build muscle just like an athlete does to excel in his or her sport.”  He clarified:  “In a non-athletic endeavor you build muscle through the knowledge you acquire and the experience and repetition, doing it again and again.”

Thus, Mr. Avila’s wise words to follow are basic:  Passion, work, experience and persistence will get you to the top of your field.

At the celebration I spoke to a couple of students who appeared to be heading into the passion of their chosen careers -- Selena Marroquin, who just graduated from H. Grady Spruce High School and Jose Aguilar, a Plano High School graduate.  Both will soon be attending the University of Texas at Dallas.  Selena will be a biology major, aiming for a medical career in service to others. Her passion comes from a middle school experience after a friend developed cancer.

Jose plans to major in biochemistry, determined to attend medical school and become a physician.  Jose’s goals would be especially lofty for anyone, especially someone who struggled with just learning to speak English, as he did after migrating here with his parents from Mexico.

Jose said he enrolled as a 3^rd grade student after arriving in Texas and was “lost for a couple of years” due to the language barrier.  But, as with many immigrants seeking a better life, his efforts to learn English and excel in school prevailed.  Jose credits support from his parents and from many teachers who recognized his potential and perhaps went the extra mile to help him.

Jose and Selena have at least two additional things in common:  Both will be the first in the family to go to college.  And they shared a view toward developing a serious relationship leading to marriage:  “My education has to come first; there will be plenty of time for that later.”

Joe Avila has an addendum for young folk like Joe and Selena: “Keep your eye on the prize.”

I congratulate all the scholarship students for their hard work and the Dallas Hispanic Chamber and Sam Pack and all the other North Texas Ford dealers for their contributions to education. Sam Pack was quoted in a Ford Press Release when he said “The North Texas Ford Dealers are part of the fabric of this community and by working jointly with the Ford Fund, this year we have doubled our scholarship investment and are able to help our young people achieve a stronger future”

I salute Mr. Avila and Ford Motor Co. for the commitment not only to this program but to many others boosting our communities.  Lastly, when you next go shopping for a new car, think about our amigos at your local Ford dealership.  The Ford corporate philosophy apparently still holds to Henry’s axiom that a good business does more than make a profit. Ford not only builds cars, they help build stronger communities.