Steve R. Ewing is the owner, president, and CEO of Wade Ford in Smyrna, Georgia, one of the largest African American-owned Ford dealerships in the United States. A respected leader in the automotive industry for more than 30 years, Ewing purchased Wade Ford in 2002, continuing the dealership’s legacy of serving the metro Atlanta community since 1933.
Ewing began his career in 1983 as a salesman at Apple Chevrolet in Fairlawn, New Jersey. His talent for leadership and innovation propelled him through the ranks to general manager and later to ownership, acquiring his first dealership, Crossroads Ford, in 1989. Over the next decade, he successfully operated three dealerships in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before relocating to Atlanta to acquire Wade Ford.
Under his leadership, Wade Ford grew substantially, expanding to include a fleet vehicle facility and a Motor Trend Certified Advantage program, the first of its kind in the nation. His forward-thinking approach earned him the inaugural 2014 NAMAD Innovation Award, recognizing his adoption of new technologies and process improvements.
Beyond his business achievements, Ewing is deeply committed to community engagement. He has led donation drives for organizations such as My Sister’s House, supported local schools through the Drive 4 UR School program, and founded the popular Wade Ford Summer Concert Series to benefit community initiatives.
In 2023, Ewing was elected to the Board of Directors of Georgia Power, honoring his leadership and commitment to civic and economic development. Later that year, he completed the successful sale of Wade Ford to Lithia Motors, the largest dealership group in the United States, ensuring the dealership’s continued growth and stability while preserving its legacy and name.
