Partnerships with local organizations allow Currie Motors Ford of Valpo to maximize impact in the community

The power of teamwork can bring benefits such as efficiency and the development of relationships with organizations throughout the community. Currie Motors Ford of Valpo counts on these partnerships to help serve its customers in the best way possible.

The partnership between Currie Motors Ford of Valpo and the Valpo Parks Foundation dates back to 2016, when Leo Sfikas, General Manager of Currie Motors Ford of Valpo, started supporting the organization’s special events. Lisa Kusbel, Development Director of the Valpo Parks Foundation, believes this marked the beginning of a partnership that has only grown since then.

“When I stepped into my role as development director, Leo was one of the first individuals I made a point to meet with,” Kusbel proclaimed. “From that initial conversation, it was clear that the Valpo Parks Foundation and Currie Motors Ford of Valpo were well aligned and would build a lasting partnership.”

The partnership became official in 2017. Today, Currie Motors Ford of Valpo holds the Platinum Foundation Partner level, which reflects the company’s belief in the Foundation’s mission and value through collaboration.

“We both strive to be organizations that are not only great to do business with but also committed to consistently exceeding customer expectations and ensuring complete satisfaction,” Kusbel explained. “There is a shared focus on building trust, maintaining a friendly and professional environment, and serving the Northwest Indiana community with high-quality, reputable expertise.”

Joe Hall, Captain of Support Services for the Valparaiso Police Department, has worked with the Currie Motors Ford of Valpo team to develop a relationship built on dependability. The partnership between the Valparaiso Police Department and Currie Motors began in 2012, when Currie Motors Ford of Valpo became a primary sponsor of the 5K-9 Run and one-mile dog walk.

“This event, focused on community engagement and support for K-9 programs, marked the beginning of a strong and lasting collaboration between the two organizations,” Hall exclaimed. “Since then, Currie Motors Ford of Valpo has remained a staple of the event, continuing to support its growth and success year after year.”

The partnership has expanded beyond the race itself thanks to a shared commitment to community involvement, public safety, and stronger relationships between law enforcement and the Valparaiso community.

With Currie Motors Ford of Valpo having a strong local presence and history of supporting civic efforts, the partnership with the Valparaiso Police Department made sense. Through initiatives such as community events, public safety campaigns, and potential vehicle-related support, the dealership aims to strengthen trust and connection between law enforcement and the community.

“For the Valparaiso Police Department, this vision is reflected in our officers’ commitment to community policing—fostering relationships, increasing transparency, and working proactively to ensure public safety,” Hall said affirmatively. “Currie Motors Ford of Valpo demonstrates its vision through consistent support of local initiatives, charitable events, and programs that bring residents together.”

Another partnership of Currie Motors Ford of Valpo that dates back to 2016 is with Bob Paulsson, Owner and Operator of Law Enforcement Officers of North America (LEONA). When he purchased his first vehicle, a 2015 Ford F-250, it would go on to become a tribute vehicle.

“The first iteration was just a lift and lights, with some aggressive tires and cool wheels,” Paulsson declared. “I was attending shows and repping Currie Motors Ford of Valpo as a great place to buy a vehicle. As I did more shows, parades, and events, my partnership with them evolved and grew.”

Paulsson credits Currie Motors Ford of Valpo for standing with him over the years. He continuously refers people to them because of the trust he’s built with their team. He also believes LEONA and the dealership align on the theme of giving back to those who are in need.

“Community involvement is important in ways that go beyond the obvious,” Paulsson noted. “It is something that leaves a positive impression – for some hope, or for others, core memories. This includes the military, law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services – all those that signed up for a job that could very well mean their last day walking out the door. Taking care of these people and showing them all they are not forgotten – I believe Currie Motors Ford of Valpo stands by that, just like me.”

The partnership between Currie Motors Ford of Valpo and the Valparaiso Lions Club was formed in December 2024 when Lions Club President Gregory Miller discussed the feasibility of conducting a joint car rally. Shortly after, he met with Sfikas to discuss one of the programs that the Lions Club organizes.

“We began soliciting donations to purchase a trailer to store our flagpoles that we use for the Avenue of Flags,” Miller said. “In a January 2025 meeting with Leo, I discussed our program to purchase the trailer. He suggested they donate toward the purchase, have their name on the trailer, and park it out in front of the store. He agreed to work with the Lions Club to create and attend fundraising events.”

Shannon Evans, Executive Assistant at Currie Motors Ford of Valpo, attended a Lions Club meeting in February 2025 along with Sfikas to learn more about the organization. That’s when a conversation opened up about working together on a vehicle raffle for a Ford Bronco Convertible, which was ordered in March 2025. Two months later, the Bronco arrived.

“We worked together on selling tickets, learning what events to attend, and made more money on this fundraiser than anything we had done before,” Miller said excitedly. “We’re now working on the 2nd Annual Car Raffle. Leo has involved their second store, and we already have two vehicles available to choose from. Shannon has lined up more events to sell tickets.”

Currie Motors Ford of Valpo takes pride in continuing to build these partnerships with a desire for more collaboration in the near future.

“Through its generous support, Currie Motors Ford of Valpo has been a catalyst in bringing projects to life, capturing the spirit and character of our community while working alongside us to make it even stronger,” Kusbel maintained.

“Their ongoing collaboration highlights a shared belief that strong communities are built through partnership, mutual support, and active engagement. They exemplify how public and private organizations can align their values to make a meaningful, lasting impact,” Hall said.

“This started from a purchase. This led to friendship, which led to partnership, and has since led to being able to call people a family,” Paulsson exclaimed.

“Our partnership has given the Lions Club more visibility and credibility in the local community. It has been very rewarding and fun working with Leo and Shannon. We could never have tackled this project without their help,” Miller continued.

For more information on Currie Motors Ford of Valpo, you can visit fordofvalpo.com.