About Us

We’ve marked the past 60 years with memorable milestones. As we celebrate our rich history, we look forward to serving the people of Northern New Jersey for the next 60 years .

Frank Nappa appointed Ford Dealer on March 14, 1963.

The son of immigrant parents, Frank had served in the Navy during World War II. After graduating from Adelphi University, he was given an opportunity to learn the car business from his older brother, Mike. In 1963, married and with four children at home, Frank and his wife Aimee “mortgaged everything” to open their Ford dealership in a small building with a one-car showroom in Little Falls, NJ. Before Ford approved Frank, they did a thorough background check, which included an interview with an independent source who said “Nappa is honest and forthright, someone who never reneges on a promise and whose word is as good as any written contract. He’s the sort of guy I’d trust with my own money.”

Ford introduces the iconic Mustang. Frank says it was “lucky timing.” He was working 7 days and 80 hours a week to try to succeed.

Gail Flanagan, a local high school student, is hired as a part-time file clerk. 58 years later, Gail is Wayne Ford’s most loyal Wayne Ford family member and currently our Controller.

By 2023, Gail is one of more than a dozen associates who have remained loyal to Wayne Ford for over 10 years to over 58 years.

With the success of the new Ford Mustang, Frank was able to build a brand-new dealership facility in Wayne on Route 46. Three years later, the Willowbrook Mall opens nearby.

Frank’s son Dave starts as an assistant car-washer at age 15. Dave is trained by Booker Washington. Booker remained loyal to Wayne Ford for more than 40 years until his recent retirement.

Paul Redmon joins the Wayne Ford Family as a technician. He is eventually promoted to Service Advisor and Parts Manager.

Today, almost 40 years later, Paul is our Service and Parts Director. Over the years, other members of Paul’s family join the Wayne Ford family including Paul’s wife Jeanne (currently our Assistant Office Manager), Paul’s brother Bill (currently our Fleet Service Manager), Paul’s daughter Michelle (currently our Service Advisor) and Paul’s late beloved father-in-law Ernie Casini.

Mike Jackson joins the Wayne Ford Family as Senior Parts Counterman. Twenty-five years later, Mike has helped tens of thousands of customers and trained countless Parts associates.

In addition to Wayne Ford’s longstanding support of their community, Frank Nappa helps found the 200 Club of Passaic County, a charity benefiting the families of law enforcement officers and other public servants who are injured or perish in the line of duty. Frank remains a member today.

Frank Nappa is named Time Magazine New Jersey Quality Dealer of The Year for his “exceptional dealership performance and distinguished community service.”

Paul Redmon and David Nappa join the Wayne Hills/Wayne Valley High School Automotive Technology Advisory Board. Working with teachers Steve Hopper and Ken Bergen, the Wayne Ford Family has provided support and careers for more than twenty-five former students.

In an effort to diversify their businesses, David and Frank and their wives Monette and Aimee purchase Dayton Toyota in South Brunswick, NJ. They later add Dayton Collision at the same location.

The Wayne Ford Family celebrates its 50th Anniversary. “Wayne Ford has been a trusted member of our community for 50 years,” said Wayne Township Mayor Chris Vergano. “We are proud to have a family-owned business-like Wayne Ford in our town, and we congratulate them on this impressive milestone.” Ford Motor Company President Allan Mullally personally congratulates and sends his thanks to Frank.

U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell cites the Wayne Ford Family as “a great example of the kind of small business that helps this country to prosper” and an employer who “helps hard working people achieve the American Dream.”

Wayne Ford completes a $10 million facility expansion and renovation. The new air-conditioned service area has grown from 8 bays to 19 state-of-the-art service bays. An indoor service drive drop-off area is added to protect customers from the weather. The new 25,000 square foot Sales building offers an expanded indoor display area and three-level inventory parking deck. Also added is a brand new, comfortable customer lounge with advanced Wi-Fi, multiple seating and work areas, TVs, a coffee bar and child’s play area.

Our customer lounge is decorated with a gallery of work from the Wayne Hills High School Photography Program and The Wayne Township Auto Program.

Justin Wainwright joins the Wayne Ford Family as General Manager. Justin has over 27 years of experience in the industry. Working with Justin are our loyal Sales Managers Anthony Rotella (7 years at Wayne Ford) and Scott Van Peenan (9 years at Wayne Ford), Finance Managers Jaime Concepcion (4 years) and Jordy Sepulveda (5 years). Together they carry on Wayne Ford’s tradition of leadership with honesty and integrity.

The Wayne Ford Family suffers the loss of their beloved matriarch, Aimee Nappa.

Thanks to the loyalty of their associates and the support of their community, the Wayne Ford Family celebrates its 60th anniversary. Frank, now Chairman, remains active as their leader at age 95.