Driven to Evolve: The Marine Chevrolet Story

Every minute has 60 seconds. Every hour, 60 minutes. Every day, 24 hours. Every week, 7 days. Every year, 365 days, except for those sneaky leap years. But it’s not the time itself that matters, it’s what you do with it.

This past week, I had the distinct honor of sitting down with two people who deeply understand the impact of time and how to use it to uplift others: our proud owner and President, Mike Alford, and his wife, Alicia Alford.

A Dealership Built on Time, Trust, and Transformation

For nearly 80 years, Marine Chevrolet has been more than a dealership. It’s been a trusted name, a community hub, and a symbol of steady, forward movement. With roots running deep in Eastern North Carolina, our story isn’t just about selling vehicles; it’s about growing with the people we serve. It’s about values that don’t waver, and the ability to evolve in an industry that constantly changes.

What began as a small local dealership in Richlands has transformed into a full-service operation serving customers from the mountains to the coast. (Yes, we’re biased, but there truly is nothing quite like us.) We’ve stayed relevant by adapting to the needs of our community, all while investing in technology, innovation, and, most importantly, people.

A Legacy Passed Down, A Team Moving Forward

If we could hop into a time machine, we’d go back to Hugh Ragsdale, Alicia’s grandfather and a forward-thinking entrepreneur. He built the original Marine Chevrolet with both optimism and pragmatism. The roof was intentionally rounded, so that if the dealership didn’t succeed, the building could serve another purpose. That vision, to always be thinking a few steps ahead, still guides us today.

But through all the years and growth, one thing has remained constant: our people.

Behind every sale, every service ticket, every interaction is a team that shows up with purpose. Walk through Marine Chevrolet and you’ll hear laughter, collaboration, and genuine pride in the work being done. We’ve built a culture where professionals support one another, where fun and hard work go hand in hand, and where success is a shared win. As Mike put it:

“There’s a sense of ownership here that’s hard to put into words. There’s an intangible energy you can feel when you’re part of it.”

Our leadership style is shaped by lessons passed down through family, faith, and hands-on experience. Mentors like Carl Ragsdale gave room for growth, mistakes, and momentum. Mike has refined his leadership through experience and grit, while Alicia plays an integral role in guiding both business strategy and community outreach.

“Big leaders develop big people and big people handle big issues effectively.”

That principle lives on in how we grow our team: with shared values, accountability, and heart.

Values That Live Off the Wall

Our core values aren’t laminated, they’re lived. Through our Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), our team defined what matters most to us. These values shape how we communicate, how we resolve conflict, and how we celebrate success. They’re present in everything from customer interactions to team meetings to community events.

We believe people thrive when they’re connected to a mission. Success here isn’t measured solely in cars sold or repair orders closed, it’s measured in moments of kindness, shared accomplishments, and the belief that what we’re building matters.

As Alicia reminded us:

“A rising tide lifts all boats.”

This year, we’re being intentional about sharing success, setting bold goals, and building a culture of collective achievement.

Community Is More Than Geography

Marine Chevrolet is woven into the fabric of Jacksonville, NC. Our deep connection to Camp Lejeune and the surrounding military community makes us uniquely aware of the rhythm of military life with the constant moves, quick transitions, and the deep need for trust.

Many of our team members are military veterans or spouses of those who serve. We show up at local events, support where needed, and invest in long-term community impact. Some of our proudest moments have nothing to do with cars.

One story that stands out took place after Hurricane Floyd. A longtime customer and his wife experienced devastating loss. Quietly, our team rallied by collecting donations, offering financial support, and simply showing up. No media. No press release. Just humanity in action. That spirit still drives us today.

Our customers often tell us that when something big happens in their lives, one of their first calls is to someone at Marine Chevrolet. That level of trust isn’t built overnight, it’s earned over years of showing up, doing the right thing, and being a steady presence.

Innovating With Purpose

In 1992, many predicted that the internet would disrupt and eventually eliminate franchise dealerships. It didn’t. Marine Chevrolet is more relevant than ever because we’ve leaned into transparency, efficiency, and authentic connection.

We embrace technology that improves the customer experience from digital retailing to smarter scheduling, but never at the expense of human touch. That balance of innovation and authenticity keeps us grounded and future-ready.

Our team meetings aren’t just updates, they’re alignment sessions. Goals are shared, expectations are clear, and everyone knows they’re part of something bigger. And when we hit milestones, we celebrate together.

Looking Back, Leaning In

When asked what they wish they’d known on day one, Mike and Alicia were clear: stay true to your values and never stop learning. This business is fast, demanding, and always evolving — but if you invest in your people and community, you’ll build something that lasts.

And yes, we’re more than just auto professionals.

Mike plays guitar for their dog, Janie, who we think, deserves a song or two with how much love she gives. Alicia? She can back up a trailer like a pro…but only using the over-the-shoulder-method, never the rear-view camera. These fun facts remind us: we’re human first. And our best stories are rooted in real connection.

Final Thoughts

After years of building, growing, and serving, we’ve embraced three words that define Marine Chevrolet:

Relevant. Resilient. Fun.

We’re committed to staying relevant in a rapidly shifting market. We’re resilient in the face of change. And we never lose sight of the joy that comes from doing meaningful work with people we care about.

At Marine Chevrolet, we’re always moving forward and not just because the industry demands it, but because our team, our customers, and our community deserve nothing less.

See you on the road, Eastern Carolina.

— The (Com)mute by Marine Chevrolet