The last train to depart from the train depot in Detroit was on January 5th, 1988 - With nearly a hundred years of history it was previously a center for busines and transportation. Presently, as each year lapped the next the train depot of Detroit has become "home" to a community of dedicated citizens that are protecting and participating in its magnificent beauty. A pillar of strength and a symbol of hope - may the train depot of Detroit and the community around it stand strong.

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An invitation last night brought us to a gathering of friends in downtown Detroit where we were lucky enough to be a part of a community with purpose - The Soup.

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Conversation and community flourish at the eastern farmers market in Detroit.

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We sat down with the IDEO team in Chicago to dream! Design - product - experience - communication - culture.

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Denver Barfly

As I approached Tom, with his ½ empty pitcher and the exhausted look draped across his face it was clear a deeper story sat buried within.  There is always a story.  That being said, I sat down and introduced the Motown journey to Tom. His eyes brimmed with excitement and he began to pour out his own epic drive. This drive, also a cross country drive, began back in ’92 with a good friend and a Ford Ranger, moved with him transitioning into car sales, and ended with Tom’s current role as operation manage of a car lot in Denver – the pitcher was now empty.

Tom clearly elevated 3 points as we shared the last ½ of that local IPA:
1.)    Do what you do.
2.)    Listen to those who make what you do possible.
3.)    Relationships are made real through trust.

What does that mean for Ford? To me, there are fundamental principles that are consistent across the landscape of generational, cultural and communal perspectives. These principles if tended to well will positively embed Ford into the fibers of a community, furthering brand width and depth.

For Gen-Y:
1.)    Do what you do – innovate, cause, safety and reliability.
2.)    Listen – when kids drive across the country to make a point. Thanks Scott M.
3.)    Relationships – a brand with an agenda becomes dust in the wind, but one that can come alongside us as an empowerment platform will deliver a lasting and tangible return.

This may not be revolutionary, but it is worth taking a moment to consider.

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We create stories that we ourselves would participate in. Motown Bound!

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This is who we are.
This is where we do it.
This is what we see as we motor.

All in the mobile office!

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The abode of God descends upon us at The Machine Shed in Iowa.

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A bite to eat at The Machine Shed... Amazing beef starts with great genetics.

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It must be the new Carmel Frappe?

Although, McDonald's I will give you, Marry Dillon or whomever told you to do so credit for your brilliant integration of wifi - 1.) I do not eat or normally even travel to a McDonalds 2.) your McNuggets with honey were relevant to me as a kid and now your wifi has made you relevant again as an adult and 3.) because of your wifi I have now visited your establishment 4 times during our road trip to Detroit.

Let it be known that McDonald's you have met me where I am at.

Best.
Mr. Ian H. Elliott

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