Hampton Ford Hyundai: Solid Gold
January marks the beginning of the movie awards season, and at The Music Hall that makes us think of our Presenting Cinema Sponsor, Hampton Ford Hyundai, and owner and our good friend, Jay McFarland.
Jay has been supporting The Music Hall through Hampton Ford Hyundai since the 2014-15 season. This winter, Jay grew his Corporate Partnership commitment even further, offering to match contributions to our Give the Gift of Magic campaign (up to $5,000). With his support—and yours —this year’s campaign was a huge success and allowed The Music Hall to provide complimentary tickets to Annie to hundreds of people who might not otherwise have been able to attend.
As the Historic Theater bustled with folks enjoying the festive decor, I took a moment the chat with Jay about The Music Hall, the power of family, and the importance of commitment and tradition.
ATP: Do you have a family connection with the arts?
JM: My parents and grandparents were always keen to go the theater, as well as adoring live music. My father still drags us anywhere he can to hear live music, from the highland games at Loon to the Press Room, and of course, The Music Hall and the Loft. I remember going to NYC with my grandmother to see Promises, Promises as a small child. Those memories carry you forward for years and I am so happy to be able to support that at The Music Hall. My parents and grandparents would be very pleased.
ATP: You’ve been a corporate partner of The Music Hall for several years, and a member of the Board of Trustees since 2017. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Music Hall family?
JM: What I like most about The Music Hall family is they are like NH granite. No, not always there when you try to dig a hole. They are solid, strong, and supportive! Truly, it has been a real gift for me these past few years to meet and work with such a wonderful group of committed staff and supporters of The Music Hall. You don’t have to explain anything, they all get it. The way The Music Hall anchors the Seacoast in general and brings so much pleasure and enjoyment, we are so fortunate.
ATP: Since opening that first dealership in 1957, your family has a proud tradition of automotive service. What brings you together as a family—other than business?
JM: Honestly, a lot of the time we do go out to live shows of all sorts—and always have. I recall that for my parents’ 40th anniversary they wanted us all to come to NYC for dinners and shows. When I wanted to get involved with The Music Hall, I suppose I didn’t really think that much about the history of it but now that we are talking about it, it was a huge part of all of our lives. My son is working on a career in the music industry today in New York and I am super jealous!
ATP: The Music Hall is going green to reduce our environmental impact now and for the future. Can you tell us more about a similar effort you undertook, and your anticipated outcomes?
JM: Minimizing the strain we put on the world around us is becoming a hobby of sorts and one that is clearly getting more important all the time. I find it very exciting to cut expenses by being more efficient in any number of ways, which in turn allows us all to live better lives and support the things that matter most. Having driven a full-electric Hyundai for the last 5 months, I have found how amazingly fun EVs are to drive—just wait! In addition, we have invested in a 97 kw solar array [covering the Hampton Ford Hyundai body shop and wholesale building] and look forward to doing more.
ATP: What do you enjoy about partnering with The Music Hall, and what would you tell other businesses that may be interested in sponsorship?
JM: With regard to partnering with The Music Hall, it is the old win-win from start to finish. It’s a feel-good with results and friendships—who could ask for more! I am inspired to do more for the community and that is a direct result of The Music Hall – does that tell you anything?
Visit Hampton Ford Hyundai online at https://www.hamptonfordhyundai.com/.