Mangis retires after decades at Ford firms

When Wade Jess took over the local Ford dealership from Carlson Motors, he thought mechanic Dick Mangis might be "the first to go," because of a sly smirk he'd detected at an initial employee meeting.

But Jess was 26 then, "and I'm an idiot kid," he said, noting the irony that he now looks back on Mangis' years of "dedication" and "loyalty" as an employee who even rode out winter storms at the business. "That's how dedicated he is."

Jess made those remarks at a retirement party for Mangis at La Presa Friday night attended by dozens of friends, co-workers and family.

Mangis was "number one" at Carlson Motors for 11 years before the dealership became Jess Ford, Steve Carlson said. "He was dedicated. ... You don't get too many of those people anymore who are dedicated like you, Dick."

But Mangis, who earned his certified technician status 18 years ago, evidently provided inspiration for those who follow.

Derrick Collins started at Jess Ford in 2007. "I remember coming to work and thinking to myself, I want to be that," he said of Mangis.

Two weeks into retirement, Mangis said the experience is still "kind of weird" after working at the Ford dealership for a total of 37 years.