I first discovered Ted Jorgensen’s generosity when I was a band booster for Dixon High School. Our band trailer needed tires. We reached out to Ted, and he offered to replace the tires at no cost. That was the day I became a loyal customer of Dixon Tire Pros.

Over the years of being a community volunteer for so many organizations, including the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Dixon Business Association, Rotary and Dixon Family Services, I had the pleasure of seeing Ted at nearly every major event including crab feeds, wine strolls, epicurean fetes, dragonfly dinners, veterans’ dinners, just to name a few. Not only does he purchase tickets to get into the event, but he is always quick to add more money to the pot via raffle tickets and auctions. I recall one event when he was the highest bidder on a recliner and I had to deliver it to his home as I was the only one who had a truck.

You will see his banner at the little league fields as a sponsor; he purchases items for Sober Grad Night; and gives generously to other organizations such as Toys for Tots, and others. But Ted isn’t just generous with his money. He is also generous with his time. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Dixon Rotary.

His ethics are beyond question. One time I took my truck in for a front-end alignment. I received a call later in the day that he was unable to fulfill my request as it would be unethical. Although he could do the work, the truck would not stay in alignment because of worn parts. He would not do the work if it was not in my best interest. Customer over profit is his motto, but he is too modest to emblazon a banner stating it. He just quietly takes care of people.

Ted has exceptional leadership and community engagement skills. Ted and his team interact with customers on a personal level. He knows each of his customers by name and always asks how they and their family are doing. I know this is genuine because his customers respond to him on specific conversations not just superficial pleasantries. The substance of his interactions at the shop are obviously deeper than a retail transaction. He provides a great example for his employees as an owner who cares about his customers and his employees. Inspiring his team to be the best they can be through his “do as a do” approach. 

Ted does not stop there though. Every time he leaves his shop and goes to other businesses in Dixon, he is on a first name basis with both the local business owners as well as their patrons too. That’s what makes Ted an exceptional candidate for this award. Ted has built Dixon Tire Pros as the shop of choice for the Dixon community through his genuine commitment to his customers and his community. His shop is a place where trusted advisors care about the person behind the wheel and not just the sale. Neighborhoods need more business owners like Ted because owners like Ted are the backbone a city needs to become a community.

*The presentation of this year’s Dixon Chamber of Commerce event ‘Celebrate Dixon’ was unfortunately partially obstructed by technical difficulties emanating from a faulty sound system which prevented our assigned journalist from adequately reporting announcements made of winner achievements. An anonymous contributor volunteered to submit their comments to the Dixon Independent Voice. We are thankful for their remarks in this unusual circumstance.