An old-school work ethic established by its founder has set the stage for the growing success of a New Jersey “family” of auto dealerships

by Laura D.C. Kolnoski • Photos By Robert Nuzzie

Sixty colorful jerseys decorate the walls of All American Ford’s main dealership, in Hackensack. A smaller yet equally attention-getting display hangs at the firm’s Old Bridge location. How the jerseys were acquired parallels the successful growth of the company’s car and truck customization services, which distinguish it from much of its competition.

Jon Selman, one of three brothers who own the business founded by their late father, has a longtime friend who’s well known in the world of hockey: Bill Guerin, who played for the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders and is now assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Years ago, Guerin, who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League, winning two Stanley Cups, did some advertising for his friend’s dealership. Then, as Guerin and his fellow players moved around the league, they spread the word about All American’s customization services. Soon Selman was receiving phone calls from players all over the country, asking him to mimic and exceed the car and truck customizations All American was doing for their peers and competitors. Among the specialties the company offers are custom tire and wheel packages; lift kits and winches; off-road packages, including specialized bumpers; LED lighting kits; custom graphics and vehicle wraps; exhaust kits; and engine performance kits.

“I’d ask for a jersey from each of them and have them sign it,” Selman said. “As the collection grew, guys would come in and ask what each other bought, and to get what the other guy got. We did a truck for Jim Finn, a running back for the New York Giants, and he took it to practice. The next thing I knew, I had half the linebackers asking. Everyone wants to be an individual.”

A very special jersey could join the wall soon. Selman’s oldest son, Justin, a graduate of the University of Michigan, recently signed with NHL’s St. Louis Blues.

It’s another chapter in the all-American family story of All American Ford. Patriarch Irwin Selman opened a Lincoln dealership with partners after World War II, later joining other partners in a used car dealership on Route 46 in Little Ferry that thrived for more than 50 years.

“My brothers and I grew up there—that was summer camp for us,” Selman said. “I learned from my dad. He was always very professional and good with people. He was an honest guy who believed in hard work. We learned everything about cars and sales. Following his example, we’re all borderline workaholics today, or so people tell me.”

While oldest brother Steven went right into the business, Jon and his brother Rick went to college before getting involved. Jon attended the University of Miami, where he earned a degree in business administration, with a minor in law.

“I played around with law as an undergrad,” he recalled. “Rick was already in a successful practice in Boca Raton, Florida. Every summer, I’d work in the business, and I decided I didn’t want to do any more school; I wanted to make money. We asked Rick to join the family business, and he did 10 years ago.” Today, Rick handles the company’s legal matters, as well as the commercial truck end of the business.

“There’s no better eye to keep an eye on things than family, because everything is at stake,” Jon said. “Family is family. Steve and I have worked together for 30 years, six days a week. We don’t always agree, but it works out very well. If there’s a problem or something needs to be resolved, we’re there.” Likewise, many employees have remained with the company for decades.

When the economy went south in 2008, All American actually grew, and purchased another dealership in Paramus. It has since continued to expand. The Selmans now have five locations, including one in Kingston, New York, with more on the way, and sales are up for both cars and trucks. The Selmans recently completed interior and exterior renovations on all stores and recently took over dealerships in Point Pleasant and Brick on Burnt Tavern Road, which are also being renovated. Next is the acquisition of another Point Pleasant property for a used-car dealership. On Route 17 in Paramus, a commercial truck and high-end custom truck center is being built.

“The quality of cars today is very high,” Selman said, adding that Mustangs and trucks are the most frequent targets for customizing. The Mustang remains “red hot,” he said, because, “it keeps reinventing itself. And the size of the engine doesn’t matter. Four cylinders are selling, as well as the big V-8s. Young people love them as much as older buyers. It appeals to everyone.” For 2017,
Selman predicts new technology in vehicles—Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the ability to download apps, he said, will keep customers happy.

“Folks are amazed at what’s inside Fords today; they have all the same bells and whistles as European models,” he added. “Our super-duty big trucks are also hot now. They did a great job with styling inside and out; they covered all the bases.”

Selman, who lives in Mahwah with his wife, Julie, has five children. In addition to Justin, twins Brody and Ryan are 16, son Cole is 13, and daughter Sydney is 11.

In the community, the dealership is involved in a number of philanthropic endeavors, some with the athletes who have become loyal customers. The annual Toys for Tots drive is especially successful as donors flock in for a chance to meet participating professional athletes. The dealership also works with Hope for the Warriors, which supports veterans’ causes, with youth groups, and with organizations fighting cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. All American also sponsors Englewood Hospital’s annual car raffle, and after the World Trade Center attacks in 2001, the dealership sent vans loaded with food, water, and supplies to those working at the site.

Jon Selman’s success with customers earns him praise from his brother Steven, who’s been quoted as saying, “Watching him interact with customers is nothing short of amazing. He’s on a first-name basis with 95 percent of our clients.”

“We’re always around and accessible for customers and employees,” Jon said. “It’s like going to your favorite restaurant— everyone knows each other.” He cited the firm’s partnership with the Savino family in their Old Bridge dealership. “They run their business the same way. It’s a great marriage.” All American has ranked among Ford’s Top 25 dealerships nationwide, and it was No. 1 in volume sales and customer satisfaction in the Northeast Region in 2006.

“My brothers and I want be the number one dealership in the country,” Selman said. “We do community events…just keep giving, and we’re happy to do it. If my father was still here, he would be pleased with what we’ve built.”

All American Ford
All American Ford Old Bridge
3698 U.S. 9, Old Bridge / 732.591.1111 / allamericanfordinoldbridge.com
All American Ford Hackensack
520 River Street, Hackensack / 201.561.7080
allamericanfordofhackensack.com
All American Ford Paramus
375 NJ-17, Paramus / 201.262.4900 / allamericanfordinparamus.com
All American Ford Point Pleasant
3306 Bridge Ave, Point Pleasant / 732.892.4200
allamericanfordinpointpleasant.com