Building Confidence in Vendor Decisions Through Curation and Experience
Dealership leaders are navigating an increasingly complex vendor landscape. New technologies, services, and platforms enter the market every year, each promising efficiency, growth, or cost savings. The challenge for Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers is not access to options—it is knowing which options are credible, compliant, and truly aligned with dealership needs.
The Shop by FordDirect was designed to address that challenge by offering a curated marketplace grounded in real dealership experience. Rather than asking dealers to evaluate vendors alone, The Shop applies structure, oversight, and industry knowledge to the discovery process.
That approach is shaped in large part by professionals like Michelle McInerney, Dealer Success Manager at The Shop. Michelle’s career began at Ford Motor Company in the early 1990s and includes years working directly with dealers in fixed operations, sales, wholesale, and digital performance. Her experience spans multiple eras of automotive retail, giving her a long view of what has changed—and what has not.
“The technology has evolved dramatically,” Michelle notes, “but the core business is still very much the same. Dealers want partners they can trust, and they want solutions that actually work in their environment.”
Early in her career, Michelle learned firsthand how easy it is for unfamiliarity to create risk. In one formative experience, she recalls being asked to review warranty parts early in her field role—only to later discover the items presented were lawnmower parts. While the moment became a learning experience, it reinforced an important truth: without knowledge and vetting, even well-intentioned decisions can go sideways.
That lesson carries directly into how The Shop operates today. Vendors are not added casually. Each partner moves through a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process that includes compliance checks, data security reviews, performance validation, and dealer references. As Michelle explains, “There are no stones left unturned. We do the hard work up front so dealers don’t have to.”
The Shop also emphasizes efficiency. Dealers can explore vendors by category, review educational content, schedule demos, and see feedback from other dealers—all in one place. This centralized model reduces time spent researching across multiple platforms and helps teams move forward with clarity.
“We know dealers are busy,” Michelle says. “The goal is to make this a trusted place they can go first, instead of starting from scratch every time a new need comes up.”
Another benefit for dealers is operational simplicity. Many solutions available through The Shop can be billed through existing parts statements, helping consolidate expenses and streamline accounting. This makes it easier for leadership teams to understand vendor spend without adding administrative burden.
At its core, The Shop reflects a dealer-first mindset shaped by decades of real-world experience. By combining curated solutions, transparent information, and practical support, it helps Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers make smarter, more confident decisions—reducing noise, minimizing risk, and supporting long-term operational strength.
Have questions about The Shop?
Please call Michelle at (313) 580-6712, email her at mmciner9@forddirect.com or book time directly on her calendar.
