Jeff Fortson, editor of JeffCars.com, is standing next to a 2011 Buick Regal. |
Its hard to believe six years have past since my website launched on the cyber highways on August 23, 2004. While I knew I didn't have a technical background nor the skill sets needed to create a website, I was surrounded by friends, family members and loved ones that had the tools and resources needed to help me fulfill my vision.
As some of you may know, my goal has always been to be the Tom Joyner of the auto industry. Joyner, one of the most popular and well-respected syndicated DJs in America, is also a philanthropist, who tirelessly gives back to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). I, too, want to follow Joyner's path by being the source that binds the minority population to the automotive industry, all while having fun and educating my people. Just like Joyner's roadshows, I will be utilizing my copyrighted educational car-buying clinic to help educate minority students (along with others) about the car-buying process.
Now, as the face of the population of America changes, I want to make sure this website is at the forefront of assisting the key marketing executives and advertising companies to see our community as trendsetters. We expect more than a high-profile entertainer or a catchy rhythmic song in a 30-second ad to sell us a vehicle. Not all of us are just that simple or vain.
Yes, we're a diverse group, who also wants to know about the ins and outs of the car-buying process, too. We want to know about the key minority designers who are steering today's car designs along with key minority leaders in the auto industry, driving new-vehicle sales in the midst of a recession. Yes, we just don't want to be taken for granted, if we're buying your vehicles.
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I can recall at the time I started my website, I had no new-vehicle reviews nor a car-buying pricing guide, but still I considered my website, at the time, to be a full-fledged source of information for minority car buyers and for those wanting to learn more about the minority car-buying community.
Fortunately, many of you rode along with me even when you could have consulted some of the mainstream car-buying sites for more comprehensive data. However, as we all realize, we all have to start from somewhere. We see this occurring in the auto industry with a slow, but steady shift toward fuel-efficient non gasoline vehicles. It may take a few decades for the auto industry to get everyone on board, but there's no turning back now, because we can envision the future of the auto industry.