Talk of Nacogdoches

By Betty

August 18, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

What a class act. Mr. James Tipton treated me with such respect when I was a freshman at SFA. He let us use a new convertible to let the queen of homecoming ride down Main St. Mr. Tipton passed all those qualities onto his son and daughter in law. Thanks for always being so nice.

By SS

August 19, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

The only reason why Margie got rid of the dealership is because its failing and we all know Ford Motor Co is not doing very good these days. Since Mr. Tipton died, she has managed to drive the dealership to the ground. She has no idea how to manage a business. When the Tipton’s were around it truly was a family owned business that actually did care for its employees and the community. And shame on Slaten, why doesnt he make a name for himself? Instead of piggybacking off the Tipton’s HARD WORK and success.

By ronnie

August 19, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

I’ve purchased 5 vehicles from Tipton Ford for the past 10 years and have always been treated great. Neal is a fantastic guy and Fred W. is the best. I wouldn’t buy a vehicle from anywhere else.

as far as a failing dealership I doubt that, Ford is not the only auto maker having trouble. I believe GM just lost about 15.5 billion dollars this past quarter.

By Norman

August 19, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Mr. SS:

Your commnents are rude. Your oppinion of what Mr. Slater should do are out of place since you have not contributed either money not equity to this enterprise. We do not welcome your negative view. Go away…

By Nancy C. Tipton

August 19, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

My father, James A. Tipton, Sr., did indeed raise my brother, Jimmy, and myself to appreciate, respect, and value the hard-working and dedicated employees of Tipton Ford, as well as the loyal and supportive customers over the 43 years of my family’s ownership of the business. My father spent his 39 years as owner of the company in total support of the welfare and growth of the Nacogdoches business community, the outstanding citizens of Nacogdoches, and his beloved alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University. My brother worked alongside my father for 27 years, assuming full helm upon my father’s death in 1998. Jimmy endeavored to maintain the vested interest in TFI’s devoted customers and employees. I cannot say that my ex-sister-in-law, Margie Tipton, was raised with the same principles and humility as my brother and myself.
I do wish Neal Slaten the very best in his endeavors as the new, and rightful, owner of Tipton Ford, Inc., and hope that he will be able to undo the harm caused to the business in the six interceding years since my brother’s death.

By EMPLOYEE

August 19, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

I would like to clarify to any and all of the negative comments made here. Between just 9 employees we make up more than 200 years of service at Tipton Ford. I can’t speak for everyone, but looks like Margie and Neal must have done something right since we stayed!!! I feel honored to have worked under both James Tipton Sr. and James Tipton Jr. (Jimmy) and then for Margie Tipton and Neal Slaten. I can truthfully say that from Mr. Tipton Sr. down to Neal Slaten that things remained the same. We as employees have always been treated as Tipton family and we have never stopped participating in the betterment of our community.

By VanMan

August 19, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Well, this may be for the best. that company had really lost it’s direction over the past several years. After buying about 7 automobiles from them over the past decade or so, I was looking at a new pickup. I visited their website to find a truck I was interested in at a price i was happy with… ONLY to have them say the internet price was wrong and they would not honor it. After dropping discussions twice over a 2 week period they finally decided to honor the price as advertised. I reluctantly bought it then had a major case of buyer’s remorse. Why should someone with such poor customer service and loyalty be deserving of my business. Since that debalce in 2003, I have purchased 6 automobiles for my wife and I and have NEVER considered Tipton. I sure hope $2,000 was worth the business.

By MM

August 19, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Freedom of Speech at it’s finest! Just another way for people to vent and spread their dirty laundry..For someone to come up thru the ranks as Neal has (sales to owner) it should be a success story and it is. For anyone that knows Neal knows that he is a good Christian family man that lives in the community he cares about. Mistakes do happen as in any business and Tipton FLM has always done the right thing.. Lets all just move along and find something else to complain about!!!!

By employee

August 19, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

I was not fortunate enough to have met James Tipton Sr. or Jimmy Tipton. However, I have been at the dealership for 4 years and can honestly say that every employee here is treated like family by Margie and Neal both and customer satisfaction is a huge deal here. And as far as the dealership failing, I am not sure where you (SS) received that information. Also, regarding the comment about Mr. Slaten, He has played a HUGE part in Tipton’s success and has put in much HARD WORK. He is far from piggybacking. I find it humorous that people that know the least about what they are talking about always have the most to say. I consider it a privilege and an honor to work for Tipton; previously under the ownership and leadership of Ms. Tipton, and now under Mr. Slaten.

By jojo

August 19, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Well, Nancy, I’m sure your brother and parents would be proud to see what a class act you turned out to be.

By Manuel

August 20, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

I without a doubt miss working there, it truly was a great place to work during the time that Mr. Tipton and his family were the owners. I cant say the same once Margie Tipton took over. I knew the Tipton’s on a personal level. Mr. Tipton and Mrs. Tipton treated me and my brother like their grandsons. And they made my family feel a part of theirs. Nancy, we will never be able to repay everything you and your family did for us. As Betty previously said, your father was truly a CLASS ACT. I still remember when he would drive over to Tipton Farm and play the ice cream truck music from his Ford Aerostar for me and my brother. It certainly would brighten our day. And I miss Mrs. Tipton’s homemade treats and all that candy.

As I see it Tipton Ford is no more. It might still have the same name, but its not going to be run the same way Mr. Tipton did. Still I wish Mr. Slaten the best of luck.

By benmacm

August 20, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

JOJO, I don’t know how you know Nancy Tipton, but I can tell you that she IS a CLASS ACT. She could have brought criminal charges against her sister in law for illegal and fraudulent actions Margie took following Jimmy’s death, but Nancy chose to settle the matter privately. What you don’t know about Nancy Tipton and the Tipton family is A LOT!

By Malena Smither

August 20, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

I wish Neal Slaten and Tipton Ford, Inc. only the best in the upcoming years. The country is going through some trying times at present, but I don’t doubt that we will all overcome—including the automotive industry. Good Luck Neal!!!!

By Guest

August 21, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I think that everyone needs to remember what their mothers taught them and if you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all. And Mrs. Margie Tipton is one of the nicest people that I have ever met and has done a great job with the dealership.

By Guest

August 21, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

I think that everyone needs to remember what their mothers taught them and if you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything at all. And Mrs. Margie Tipton is one of the nicest people that I have ever met and has done a great job with the dealership.

By Manuel Castro-Roman

March 29, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this

Margie,

Now that you have sold off Mr. Tipton’s dreams and hard work, I think its time for you to leave town. You no longer have to put on the show “volunteering” for the Red Cross, when we all know that you did was for P.R. This town would be better off without you spewing your venom on its citizens. Everyone close to the Tipton family know how you got ahold of the business. God, I wish I was present when Nancy and her attorney’s confronted you with the truth. That dumb look on your face would have been priceless. You will NEVER attain the same prestige and respect the Tipton’s obtained trough honesty and hard work. So do everyone a favor and go back to the trailer park in Nederland that you and your trashy family came from!!

Love,

Manuel

By Cary Booth

April 22, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

Neal you must be doing something right. You have done what others only talk about. You are proof that hard works pays off and that having a dream and a plan will get you there.

By Laura Phillips

July 9, 2009 12:10 AM | Link to this

Having known Neal Slaten since 1987, I can tell you that he is a man of honor. He will run his business with dignity and dedication.

Neal, I am proud of your achievement. I know you will do a phenomenal job. I echo Cary’s comment that you have done something right. Congratulations and keep it up.

By

November 17, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

Glad to hear Margie has moved out of Nacogdoches. Ha ha “ding dong the witch is gone”.