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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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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February 28

Costa Mesa, CA - Salt Lake City, UT

693 miles.


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2 hour Las Vegas Nascar event traffic, no big deal.

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Motorin'.

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Stewart sharing the Krochet Kids' vision with an amazing group in Salt Lake.  Thanks Melanie for hosting us!

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Hats, Hats and more Hats!

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Melanie the hat model!

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Ian's parents provided us with amazing hospitality!  Dinner, breakfast, insight...you name it, they provided!

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Motorin, again.

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The morning surge! Next stop, Omaha.

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We are two days and roughly 1,200 miles in and it has been an incredible ride. Next stop is Omaha but there are some things we have to share -

1) Everybody out there who is reading our posts, following and retweeting us, and sharing us on facebook, thank you. Thanks to your support and surge of love we have helped the Krochet Kids break new ground in new communities. The hats are rad, we enjoy one another, but nothing us greater than the empowerment we collectively bring to the ladies of war torn Northern Uganda and the dream our friends the Krochet Kids have to change EVERYTHING with the power of a hat and a relationship.

2) Everyone is asking us how Ford fits into this... it is simple, well at least to us. Ford has been doing rad things - particularly Invisible People - and we are stoked on that. But we believe that the collective WE, the "I can beat anything and change everything" generation - can take it to the next level. Ford is making a gesture with what they are doing- inviting us to reimagine who they are and inviting us into their story. Ford, duly noted and much appreciated. Now we want to invite you into ours - our heartbeat, our great moments, our passion, our desired consumption is epitomized in what the Krochet Kids have done - community, compassion, and innovation. We are all Krochet Kids. Let's talk about how we can all be Ford. Can't wait Mr. Scott Monty.

- JWT III, Sew Creative

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