Dave Burlison began his career at Bickford Ford on January 16, 1986. Forty years later, on that very same date, he walked out the door for the last time, closing a chapter that rarely comes full circle so perfectly. At Bickford Ford, he did not just build a career, he built something that is becoming more and more rare: loyalty, trust, and lasting relationships. Over four decades, he became a familiar face to generations of families across Snohomish, someone they could count on year after year.
“I always felt like if I showed them as much respect as they showed me, we would have a long relationship,” Dave said, reflecting on what kept him there all those years. “And that is exactly what happened.”
That relationship starts with the Bickford family, a local family business that has built its reputation on more than just selling cars. It's been built on trust, handshakes that mean something, and people who stay long enough to know more than just your name. For Dave, it was never just about the job. It was about the people.
“It was not so much the business that kept me there,” he shared. “It was the people.”
Over four decades, Dave spent most of his time in sales, helping customers find the right vehicle for their lives. But what made his career meaningful was not the transactions, but the relationships that grew from them.
“At some point, it stopped feeling like a job and started feeling like a career,” Dave said. “I was selling cars to second and third generations of the same families.”
In Snohomish, that kind of connection matters. Dave was not just a salesman - he was someone people trusted during big life moments. First cars. Family upgrades. Celebratory milestones.
Through it all, Dave held onto one simple principle.
“Always treat your customers with the utmost respect,” he said. “They are your lifeblood.” It is advice he shares with the next generation stepping into their careers, reminding them that success is not built on pressure or shortcuts, but on honesty and care.
“You want to be able to see your customers at the grocery store and not feel like you have to turn around and go the other way,” he said with a chuckle.
That kind of integrity defined his career. It also reflected the values of the Bickford family, who created an environment where employees could create something meaningful long term.
But Dave’s story is not just about staying in one job. It is about building a life alongside it. The same year he started at Bickford Ford, he met his wife, Sharon. They married later that year, and are now preparing to celebrate their own 40 year milestone.
As Bickford Ford would say, some things are still built to last. And in a fast moving world, stories like Dave's remind us why we're fortunate to call Snohomish home.
When you are looking for your next vehicle, Bickford Ford in Snohomish is a place where relationships still matter. Find them at 3100 Bickford Ave, Snohomish or online at www.bickford.net.