Champion Mazda was recently honored by Mazda North American Operations with a 35-Year Partnership Award, recognizing more than three decades of service to the brand in Owensboro and the surrounding region.
Mazda representatives presented the award during the dealership’s annual planning meeting. The recognition came as a surprise to the team and included a commemorative plaque for the showroom. Representatives on-site included Vincent Cracchiolo, Bill Poulos, Joseph Frank, and Brian Yeager from Mazda’s regional operations and financial services.
“December 20, 1990, was our first operating day, and we’ve been a Mazda store ever since,” said Bruce “Duke” Brubaker III, dealer principal and co-owner of Champion Ford Mazda. “They came in for a routine visit and surprised us with the award. It was a nice gesture and a proud moment for our team.”
Champion originally opened as a Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Mazda dealership. Over time, Mercury was phased out, and Lincoln later left the Owensboro market.
Today, Champion focuses on Ford and Mazda models. Brubaker said Mazda’s lineup continues to improve in quality and design, especially with SUVs like the CX-90 and the Alabama-built CX-50. A redesigned CX-5, Mazda’s top-selling vehicle, is expected to arrive soon.
“Mazda has really elevated their product,” Brubaker said. “The CX-90 offers hybrid options, great fuel economy, and seven-passenger seating. The CX-50 has also been a great addition.”
Brubaker credited the dealership’s longstanding success to its staff. Several employees have been with the company since its opening.
“A technician just retired in December after 35 years with us,” he said. “And we still have several others who’ve been here since day one. You can’t build longevity without good people.”
In 2000, the dealership moved to its current 10-acre location on Southtown Boulevard. The facility includes a Quick Lane service center, an aluminum-capable body shop, and a dedicated area for spray-in bedliners and detailing services.
“We built this place big enough to grow into,” Brubaker said. “We’ve been able to expand our services without having to relocate again.”
After facing supply shortages during the pandemic, Brubaker said inventory has now stabilized. Champion currently has more than 40 Mazdas and 120 new Fords on the lot, including F-150s and Broncos.
“At one point, we were down to five or six Mazdas,” he said. “And we actually sold out of F-150s completely for the first time in our history. That’s not a position we want to be in.”
Even during recent winter storms, Champion kept its service department open to complete vehicle repairs and return cars to customers.
“We’ve seen bigger snowstorms over the years,” Brubaker said. “Our team got the lot cleared, and our technicians were here early getting the job done. People rely on us to get their vehicles back, so we stay ready.”
Champion Ford Mazda is located at 140 Southtown Boulevard in Owensboro.
