Hired in 1970 as a regular floor sales representative, Ronnie joined the sales force at Bill Watson Ford in New Orleans. An important factor in selecting the Ford product line was that Ronnie grew up in Arabi, Louisiana, the site of a Ford Motor Company assembly plant and parts depot.

Ronnie then became 50 percent owner and general manager of Norton-Lamarque Ford in Kenner and later acquired the full dealership.

Highlights of Ronnie's colorful career include membership in Ford's National Dealer Council in 1987 and 1988, receiving the Distinguished Achievement Award for seven consecutive years, and being awarded the Distinguished Service Plan Outstanding Achievement Award in 1981-88. He held the distinction of being designated a National VIP dealer (Top 100 dealers in the U.S.). From 1981-88, Ronnie was designated the New Orleans District VIP, which translates into the number one dealer in the area.