Meet Our Staff
Ronnie Watkins
Owner/President
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:Ronnie@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
Ronnie grew up in Birmingham, AL and attended Ensley High School. He attended Samford University from 1970 – 1974. With over 43 years’ experience in the automotive industry Ronnie started his automotive career in 1977 selling Datsun, Pontiac, and Rolls-Royce. In 1997 Ford Motor Company offered Ronnie an opportunity to open a Ford franchise in Gadsden, AL. With help and guidance from his long time mentor, Leon Edwards of Edwards Chevrolet, Ronnie opened Ronnie Watkins Ford in Gadsden, selling our first vehicle in September of 1998. Since that time a lot has happened!
Ronnie is very active in the business. He is easily accessible and enjoys the day to day interaction with customers. While Ronnie has served on several boards over the years, he is currently serving, and has for the last 22 years, on the Board of Trustees for Samford University. Since 2010 he has served on the Board of Directors for the Ford Dealers Advertising for the Atlanta Region, served on Ford Motor Company’s Dealer Council in Dearborn, Michigan, Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Etowah County Tourism Board. In 2020, Ronnie received national recognition as Alabama's TIME Dealer of the Year!
He is an active member in Meadowbrook Baptist Church, where he has taught a Life Group there the last 20 years. Ronnie has been married to his wife Lynn for 42 years and they have 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Two of his daughters are active in Ronnie Watkins Ford. Ronnie and his family live in Gadsden.
Jacob Vanderford
General Manager
Phone:256-549-7060
Email:Jacob@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I was born and raised in Gadsden, AL. I am a high school graduate of Westbrook Christian School. I attended Gadsden Community College and then The University of Alabama, where I received a degree in Civil Engineering. I have been at Ronnie Watkins Ford since June of 2009. I am married and have one child. I enjoy hunting, sports, doing anything outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. I enjoy getting to talk with customers and help them choose the perfect vehicle to fit their needs.
Patrick Tow
General Sales Pre-Owned Manager
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:patrick@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I am a graduate of Gadsden High School and The University of Alabama. I am married and we have 1 daughter. I enjoy boating, Alabama football, and golfing.
I have worked at RWF since 2006. I love the people that I work with and the family atmosphere that we share here.
Harry Chesser
Sales Manager
Phone:2565439400
Email:harry@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I was born and raised in Gadsden, AL, and have spent most of my life here. I was in the first graduating class of Litchfield High School in 1978. I am married and have one daughter and two granddaughters.
I have been in the auto industry for 35 years and with Ronnie Watkins Ford since 1998. I was fortunate to be the 1st sales employee hired by Ronnie Watkins Ford. It is a pleasure to work for a dealership that is honest, that has integrity, and is a Christian based organization.
Gray O'Kelley
Sales Manager
Phone:2565497027
Email:gray@ronniewatkinsford.com
I started working at RWF in 2019. I'm originally from Anniston, but currently reside in Alexandria. I graduated from Wellborn High School & JSU! (Go Gamecocks) I have 2 wonderful children. In my spare time I enjoy baseball, coaching travel softball, football, and I have an extensive rock (arrowhead) collection.
I love working for a dealership with integrity and that is transparent in everything that we do.
Nathan Hall
Finance Department
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:nathan@ronniewatkinsford.com
I graduated from Anniston High School and Jacksonville State University. For over 25 years I officiated high school football, baseball, and basketball throughout East Central Alabama. I am married, and have three children and six grandchildren. I enjoy cooking and playing golf.
I have been at Ronnie Watkins Ford for over 14 years. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them reach their goals, and I love doing it in a family atmosphere.
Stoney Diggs
Finance Manager
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:stoneydiggs@ronniewatkinsford.com
I came to Gadsden in 1998 when Ronnie Watkins Ford opened and sold a car on my first day. I moved up to sales manager 7 months later and have watched this business grow into one of the top Ford dealerships, not only in Alabama but in the Southeast region. I am proud to have been a part of this a team that continues to lead and progress towards our goal of the being the BEST dealership in Alabama.
I love meeting new people every day and getting to see them achieve the American dream of owning a car. And also getting to help them make the best vehicle and financing choice for their family.
Scott Tracy
Finance Manager
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:scott@ronniewatkinsford.com
I was born in Bessemer, but grew up in Oak Grove. I graduated from Oak Grove High School and Bessemer Tech UAB. I am married with 2 children and 3 grandchildren. I enjoy hunting and fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
I started working at RWF in February 2024. I love the family environment and meeting new people daily.
Joe Biddle
Wholesale Buyer
Phone:256-543-9400
1960 was a big year for me. It was the year I married my wife and also the year I started working in the car business as a Wholesale Buyer. My wife and I have 2 kids and 5 grandkids. In my spare time I enjoy mowing grass and watching Alabama Football.
Ronnie Watkins and Joe Biddle have worked together since 1984. Joe was instrumental in teaching Ronnie the value of a quality pre-owned vehicle.
Michael Burgett
Product Specialist
Phone:256-549-7034
Email:michaelb@ronniewatkinsford.com
I was born and raised in Guntersville, Alabama. I graduated from Douglas High School in 2011. After high school I joined the Marine Corp where I spent the next 5 years. I am married with two children, a boy and a girl. I started working at RWF in 2023. When I am not working, I enjoy riding my motorcycle and spending time with my family.
My favorite thing about RWF is meeting new people and hearing their stories!
I look forward to giving you an award winning service!
Hunter Mickler
Product Specialist
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:hunter@ronniewatkinsford.com
I have been at RWF since 2022. I was born and raised in Ragland, but currently reside in Southside. I graduated from Ragland and JSU! (Go Gamecocks!) I am married with 2 kids, both a boy and a girl. I like to play golf in my spare time. I love meeting new people and forming lasting relationships with my customers.
Troy Powers
Product Specialist
Phone:2565439400
Email:troy@ronniewatkinsford.com
I have been the car business since 1994. I worked with Ronnie at Edwards Chevrolet. I moved to Gadsden in 2024 and knew I wanted to work at RWF. I am married with 4 kids & 5 dogs!. I enjoy traveling, sports, going to the movies, and playing with cars. I love helping people find the right car at the right price!
Juarus Rawls
Retail & Commercial Sales
Phone:256-549-4252
Email:Juarus@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I am a 1992 graduate of Gadsden High School. I attended Jacksonville State University and graduated from University of Phoenix. I have been employed at Ronnie Watkins Ford since 2002. In that time I have won numerous sales awards from Ford Motor Company including Legends and Leaders, Professional Sales Association, and I'm an eight time E2 Employee Excellence Winner.
In addition to working at Ronnie Watkins Ford, I enjoy giving back to the City of Gadsden and Etowah County. I serve on the Gadsden Commercial Development Authority, Gadsden Airport Authority, and I am a Reserve Deputy with Etowah County Sheriff's Department. I enjoy grilling on my Egg, bowling, and boating.
I look forward to giving you award winning service!
Andrew Roden
Product Specialist
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:andrew@ronniewatkinsford.com
I started working at RWF in September 2024. I am happily married with two boys! . I love to hunt, fish, and play golf, and I know I will enjoy them even more when my boys can join!
What I love most about RWF is helping people and making long term friendships in the business.
JT Simpson
Product Specialist
Phone:256-549-7069
Email:james@ronniewatkinsford.com
I was born and raised in Gadsden and graduated from Gadsden City High School in 2016. I continued my education at Jacksonville State with a Bachelors degree of Science in Criminal Justice in 2022. I married my wife in 2020 and we are parents to two kids, a boy and a girl. I started my RWF career in May 2023!
My favorite thing about RWF is the people. When coworkers become friends, coming to work is a fun atmosphere!
I look forward to giving you an award winning service!
Joe Willut
Product Specialist
Phone:256-613-0762
Email:joe@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I am originally from Mukwonago, Wisconsin. I moved to Alabama in 2008 to be closer to family. God has blessed me with an amazing family. I am married with two wonderful boys. I love Wisconsin Badger football but I'm always proud to also say a big Roll Tide!
I have been with Ronnie Watkins Ford since 2011. I am glad to be able to work in a family owned and operated business that is customer driven. It is a positive place to work and I look forward to serving you.
Kristy Marbut
Marketing and Internet Coordinator
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:kristy@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I started working at Ronnie Watkins Ford in 2003, during my junior year, through the co-op program at Etowah High School. In 2012 I married my high school sweetheart and we are parents to a little boy! We currently reside in Hokes Bluff. I am an avid reader and enjoy traveling, fishing, and spending time with my family and friends!
I truly love working for a family owned and operated business that does so much good for our community! One of my job duties is handling our toy drive for the Salvation Army Toys from Santa! Seeing our employees and customers come together to give local kids a great Christmas is something spectacular to be a part of!
Stoney Diggs
Finance Manager
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:stoneydiggs@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I came to Gadsden in 1998 when Ronnie Watkins Ford opened and sold a car on my first day. I moved up to sales manager 7 months later and have watched this business grow into one of the top Ford dealerships, not only in Alabama but in the Southeast region. I am proud to have been a part of this a team that continues to lead and progress towards our goal of the being the BEST dealership in Alabama.
I love meeting new people every day and getting to see them achieve the American dream of owning a car. And also getting to help them make the best vehicle and financing choice for their family.
Scott Tracy
Finance Manager
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:scott@ronniewatkinsford.com
I was born in Bessemer, but grew up in Oak Grove. I graduated from Oak Grove High School and Bessemer Tech UAB. I am married with 2 children and 3 grandchildren. I enjoy hunting and fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
I started working at RWF in February 2024. I love the family environment and meeting new people daily.
Nathan Hall
Fleet and Finance Department
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:Nathan@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I graduated from Anniston High School and Jacksonville State University. For over 25 years I officiated high school football, baseball, and basketball throughout East Central Alabama. I have three children and six grandchildren. I enjoy cooking and playing golf.
I have been at Ronnie Watkins Ford for over 14 years. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them reach their goals, and I love doing it in a family atmosphere.
Don Higdon
Service Manager
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:don@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I am from Gadsden, Alabama. I graduated from Southside High School and attended Jacksonville State University. I am married to my wife, Kelly and we have 3 wonderful kids. I enjoy hunting and fishing.
I have been with Ronnie Watkins Ford since 2013. I enjoy getting to meet new people every day and love the people I work with.
Joey Edmondson
Assistant Service Manager
Phone:256-549-4256
Email:joey@ronniewatkinsford.com
I was born and raised in Boaz, Alabama. I graduated from West End High School and attended Gadsden State where I studied Automotive Technology. I am married and reside in Boaz.
I have been with Ronnie Watkins Ford since 2010.
Steve Smith
Quicklane Manager
Phone:256-549-7120
Email:steves@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I am a graduate of Emma Samson and Jacksonville State University. I have a wife and two kids and reside in Gadsden. I enjoy fishing, reading, and watching football!
I have been at Ronnie Watkins Ford since 2002. I have come to love the people that I work with and also enjoy getting to know the many customers that continue to come in over the years.
Shawn Kuechle
Quicklane Advisor
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:shawn@ronniewatkinsford.com
I am originally from Inverness, Florida, but moved to Alabama in 2008. I graduated from Sardis High School in 2010 and attended Gadsden State. I'm married and a dad to 2 kids (twins ); a boy and a girl. I enjoy water sports, swimming, running, spending time with the kids, and riding 4-wheelers.
I started working at RWF in August 2018. I love the family atmosphere and getting to form relationships with new and long term customers.
Tanya Williams
Quicklane Advisor
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:tanya@ronniewatkinsford.com
I started working at RWF in 2021 as a part time receptionist. In 2023 I was promoted to a Quicklane Advisor. I was born in Gadsden, but my parents moved us to Tampa for about 11 years. (Go Gators) I am married and have 2 kids and 9 grandkids. I love to read and play with my grandkids.
My favorite thing about the dealership is the customers. We have the best!
Jerry Norwood
Parts Manager
Phone:256-543-4261
Email:jerry@ronniewatkinsford.com
I am originally from Tuscaloosa and moved to Gadsden in 2015 and started RWF the same year! I have known my wife, Linda, since we were kids and we have one son and one daughter. I have always been a big football fan, enjoy woodworking, collecting coins, traveling with my wife for adventures, historic places, nature walks, and most importantly- enjoying time with friends and family!
Whats not to love about RWF? Its a family owned business with the best people to work with! I knew from the first year that I'm home. I have my second family and I can retire from a job I love.
Leon Gladden
Parts Department
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:leon@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I am from Gadsden AL. I have been married over 45 years. I have two sons and three granddaughters. I enjoy playing golf and watching my granddaughters play golf and softball.
I have been a part of Ronnie Watkins Ford since 2002. I work with some of the best people. Everyone gets along and works together to make Ronnie Watkins Ford successful.
Brian Mack
Parts Department
Phone:256-543-4261
Email:brian@RonnieWatkinsFord.com
I was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama. I graduated from Southside High School in 1991. I served 8 years in the Army as a tank crewman (driver and gunner) and a military police officer (patrol supervisor and squad leader). I lived in Germany for 4 years. I love fishing, cooking out, recreational shooting and building military models.
I have been with Ronnie Watkins Ford since 2002.
Gray O'Kelley
Sales Manager
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:gray@ronniewatkinsford.com
I am from Anniston and currently live in Alexandria. I graduated from Wellborn High School and JSU! (Go Gamecocks!) I have 2 wonderful kids! I enjoy baseball, coaching travel softball, football, and I have an extension rock (arrowhead) collection. I started RWF in 2019. I love working for a dealership with integrity and is transparent in everything that we do.
Michael Burgett
Product Specialist
Phone:256-549-7034
Email:michaelb@ronniewatkinsford.com
I was born and raised in Guntersville, Alabama. I graduated from Douglas High School in 2011. After high school I joined the Marine Corp where I spent the next 5 years. I am married with two children, a boy and a girl. I started working at RWF in 2023. When I am not working, I enjoy riding my motorcycle and spending time with my family.
My favorite thing about RWF is meeting new people and hearing their stories!
I look forward to giving you an award winning service!
Hunter Mickler
Product Specialist
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:hunter@ronniewatkinsford.com
I have been at RWF since 2022. I was born and raised in Ragland, but currently reside in Southside. I graduated from Ragland and JSU! (Go Gamecocks!) I am married with 2 kids, both a boy and a girl. I like to play golf in my spare time. I love meeting new people and forming lasting relationships with my customers.
Troy Powers
Product Specialist
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:troy@ronniewatkinsford.com
I have been the car business since 1994. I worked with Ronnie at Edwards Chevrolet. I moved to Gadsden in 2024 and knew I wanted to work at RWF. I am married with 4 kids & 5 dogs!. I enjoy traveling, sports, going to the movies, and playing with cars. I love helping people find the right car at the right price!
Juarus Rawls
Retail & Commercial Sales
Phone:256-549-4252
Email:juarus@ronniewatkinsford.com
I am a 1992 graduate of Gadsden High School. I attended Jacksonville State University and graduated from University of Phoenix. I have been employed at Ronnie Watkins Ford since 2002. In that time I have won numerous sales awards from Ford Motor Company including Legends and Leaders, Professional Sales Association, and I'm an eight time E2 Employee Excellence Winner.
In addition to working at Ronnie Watkins Ford, I enjoy giving back to the City of Gadsden and Etowah County. I serve on the Gadsden Commercial Development Authority, Gadsden Airport Authority, and I am a Reserve Deputy with Etowah County Sheriff's Department. I enjoy grilling on my Egg, bowling, and boating.
I look forward to giving you award winning service!
Andrew Roden
Product Specialist
Phone:256-543-9400
Email:andrew@ronniewatkinsford.com
I started working at RWF in September 2024. I am happily married with two boys! . I love to hunt, fish, and play golf, and I know I will enjoy them even more when my boys can join!
What I love most about RWF is helping people and making long term friendships in the business.
JT Simpson
Product Specialist
Phone:256-549-7069
Email:james@ronniewatkinsford.com
I was born and raised in Gadsden and graduated from Gadsden City High School in 2016. I continued my education at Jacksonville State with a Bachelors degree of Science in Criminal Justice in 2022. I married my wife in 2020 and we are parents to two kids, a boy and a girl. I started my RWF career in May 2023!
My favorite thing about RWF is the people. When coworkers become friends, coming to work is a fun atmosphere!
I look forward to giving you an award winning service!
Joe Willut
Product Specialist
Phone:256-613-0762
Email:joe@ronniewatkinsford.com
I am originally from Mukwonago, Wisconsin. I moved to Alabama in 2008 to be closer to family. God has blessed me with an amazing family. I am married with two wonderful boys. I love Wisconsin Badger football but I'm always proud to also say a big Roll Tide!
I have been with Ronnie Watkins Ford since 2011. I am glad to be able to work in a family owned and operated business that is customer driven. It is a positive place to work and I look forward to serving you.
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