Zen Coffee Co. has two Omaha locations that are around 20 minutes away from each other, depending on traffic, so it only makes sense for owner Abby McLeay to own a vehicle that is fuel-efficient. The fact that her 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV First Edition is also fun to drive is a bonus for this businesswoman with a packed schedule.
“I have always wanted a Mustang,” McLeay said. “It has been my dream car for as long as I can remember.” But with having four kids, she assumed a Mustang would simply have to wait until a time in life when she doesn’t need to cart children around. “I kind of just let that dream go until retirement,” she admitted.
Photo by Bill Sitzmann
McLeay typically jumps on the newest “green” products, so when she learned Ford was about to release an electric Mustang, she knew she wanted to get her hands on one. When she discovered the Mustang would be an SUV (and capable of fitting all her kids), she knew she had to have one.
This isn’t the type of vehicle one can simply walk into a dealership and drive away with; wait times for this model can span nearly a year. But luck was on her side because the dealership allowed her to reserve her vehicle with a shorter wait.
Scott Orrick, the salesperson who sold McLeay the car, said that “this is the perfect car for her, especially since she has to drive all over town for her business.”
She drives her dream car daily. Finding charging stations for her electric vehicle can be challenging, but she has figured out the best methods for charging up before she hits the road.
“The Midwest is not equipped with many charging stations, and it is not fun to learn that the hard way—or end up at the wrong charging station,” she said. “Ideally, the ‘super chargers’ are the way to go. There are only a few that I know of in town, aside from my own garage. Typically, I fully charge once every few days.”
Photo by Bill Sitzmann
Another thing she quickly learned is that, “everyone wants to race.” She also admits to getting a lot of “guff” from people who drive gas-powered Mustangs because they don’t think her vehicle is a “real Mustang.” She’s not bothered by any of this though. “It supports my green mission, it fits my kids, and it’s a dream car all in one.”
Her Mustang Mach E can go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. “Despite its speed, it has been a Top Safety Pick since 2021.” She added that purchasing an electric vehicle can result in a substantial tax credit (up to $7500)—something that comes in handy for a businesswoman eyeing a third location for Zen Coffee Co.
This is how McLeay rolls: in a stylish vehicle that fits nicely into her lifestyle as a “green” mom and business owner.
This article originally appeared in the August/September 2022 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
