Meet Randall, Sherry & Shelby Reed, Owners
Randall Reed and his wife, Sherry and daughter, Shelby are the owners of Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble, Texas. Mr. Reed is the CEO and founder of the World Class Automotive Group and Reed Family Enterprises. The family is proud to own one of the largest, privately held, award-winning dealer groups in the country with locations in Humble, Spring (greater Houston), Garland, Dallas, McKinney and Huntsville, Texas.
Automotive
For over 30 years, Mr. Reed has been recognized as one of the Top-100 Mega Dealers in the United States by Wards Dealer Business. Mr. Reed, along with his wife Sherry, has built a highly successful, Texas-based automotive dealership group on the foundation of managing from the ground up with over 35 years of automotive experience. He began as a diesel engine mechanic in the late 1970s and progressed through sales, finance and management. Mr. Reed leveraged his hands-on training, along with his many incredible business partners, into creating today’s award-winning sales organization.
Historic Ford First
Mr. Reed has achieved a historic Ford first. He is the first independent dealer to win the highly coveted Triple Crown at every World Class Automotive dealership in the same year (2017). In addition, in 2018, Randall Reed became one of only seven dealers inducted into the Ford Dealer Hall of Fame.
Award-Winning Dealerships
Planet Ford in Humble is the proud recipient many top honors including the seven consecutive Triple Crown awards, which is given to only awarded to the most exceptional dealers in the nation. In order for a dealership to be recognized, it must receive all of Ford’s top awards, which include: The President’s Award for customer service; the Ford One Hundred Club, an honor based on vehicle sales; and the Ford Customer Service Premiere Club. The group is also the recipient of numerous additional top honors for sales and service over the past 30 years.
Autotainment (au-to-tain-ment)
The Reeds and their partners have transformed the automotive experience with their concept for “autotainment.” They have evolved the traditional automotive purchasing process of goods and services into a distinctive experience-centered environment, revolutionizing the sales and service process for the new millennium.
Along with famed designer F. Michael Graves, Mr. Reed set out to create the most unique automotive sales and service experience themed dealership. He wanted to eliminate the negative connotation of “it’s us versus them” when purchasing or servicing a vehicle. Many processes and environmental zones were eliminated or enhanced to substantially improve the overall experience many customers said they didn’t like. For example, many said there was too little parking or they desired a place for kids to play and restaurant-quality refreshments. So the automotive group hired the top specialists to design and build their very distinct and successful autotainment mall dealerships.
Giving Back to the Community
The Reed family believes it is key to give back to the communities in which they work and live. In addition to the World Class Automotive groups charitable support, each of the Reed’s dealerships also work with local and national charities.
Growing up in an economically challenged home, Mr. Reed knows how important it is for businesses to extend opportunities to area families and youths in order to preserve and strengthen local communities.
Planet Ford in Humble sponsors and participates in local events, various school fundraisers and supports a variety of programs for children and families. Our dealership provides scholarship funds for students, sports club and educational sponsorships for many of our area schools. Planet Drives 4 Our Schools and Community annually to help raise thousands. Our dealership has provided new cars and trips to our Humble ISD teacher of the year many times over the years. Plus, Planet Ford also is committed to supporting charitable events that help our community, from Veteran and First-Responder charities to health-driven fundraisers. “We have had the honor of working with so many wonderful organizations including many of our local schools, Best Buddies, The Village Learning Center, Mosaic, and Boots for Troops—and that is just to name a few,” said Mr. Reed. In addition, the Houston-area dealership is a member and partners with of several local and associations. “When we all give a little, we can help a lot for both the future of our kids and our community,” he added.
Keys to Success
Mr. Reed has a simple equation for success: it takes hard work, honesty and treating people fairly. Every day, the family-owned business works to instill solid philosophies, beliefs, and morals throughout all facets of its operations.
Mr. Reed started working at the young age of 12. It was then that he laid the foundation for his strong work ethic and appreciation for every hard dollar earned. Working his way up through the automotive ranks from mechanic to dealer, gave him a unique advantage in the business. “The diversity of my experiences have allowed me to have a real understanding of every facet of our business and how to create a better customer experience,” said Mr. Reed. “At the end of the day, that’s what it is about — how well we help our customers.”
Gratitude
Ultimately, the Reed family attributes all of their success to all of the loyal consumers. “There are thousands of customers to whom Sherry and I owe everything in business,” he said. “God has blessed us. We’ve been married and successful in business for well over 30 years, have three wonderful children and get to work with amazing people every day. We are very thankful.”