A ’77 red LTD sold by Krapohl now has a home in Scotland

Dave Boettner started working for his father, Jack, in the 1970s in the parts department at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Now he works part time, handling IT needs for the dealership. Jack Boettner was one of the first hires Robert and Harold Krapohl made when they opened Krapohl Ford in 1950 on Court Street. That decision continues to pay off at the 72-year-old auto dealership, the only locally owned and operated full-service dealer in Mt. Pleasant. The Krapohl Ford Sales team gathers in 1952. Co-owners Robert Krapohl (left) and Harold Krapohl hold an award certificate from Ford Motor Company. Parts Manager Jack Boettner is crouched in the front row, the third person from the left. Jack created and ran the parts department for Krapohl Ford for 45 years. “We regularly were and still are named the best parts department in the state and country — for dealerships our size — by Ford,” co-owner Tom Krapohl said. “There was a statewide group of parts managers that would meet once a month. Every year, they chose Jack as their president.” Tom, the son of Harold Krapohl, started working at Krapohl by washing cars after school. He moved to the parts department when he was a high school student. He went to school from 6 a.m.-noon, then worked in the afternoons at the dealership for Jack, whom he calls a knowledgeable, fun supervisor. Another high school student started working in the parts department in 1975. Dave Boettner, Jack’s son, swept floors after school, never figuring he would follow his father’s career path. Dave’s plan was to be a carpenter and he pursued building trades classes in high school. When Consumers Power pursued building a nuclear plant in Midland, Dave applied and was interviewed, but was deemed too young to hire at age 17. He continued working in the Krapohl Ford parts department with his father, and his responsibilities grew. “I stayed because I liked it,” Dave said. “The owners are great people, fantastic to work for,” he said. “They are nothing but encouraging. And that goes back to Bob and Harold Krapohl.” Like Jack, Dave’s time in the parts department lasted 45 years. Dave took over after his father’s retirement and maintained the department’s award-winning ways before retiring in 2020. He said his father’s leadership style influenced how he worked with his team. “As in any father-son relationship, when I started, I was at a stage where I was challenging him,” Dave said. “But I learned a lot from him. He was a great guy and easy to talk to. He was a good teacher. He told you when and why things needed to be done a certain way. He knew what would work best.” In 2021, Dave returned to Michigan after living in Florida and stopped by the dealership to talk with co-owners Tom Krapohl and Mark Smith, general manager and co-owner. “I mentioned I was looking for something to do, and they both said, “we want you back.’ A few days later, they called and said they needed IT help.” Now he works three days a week, ensuring systems are updated and running. When Dave was parts manager, the first computer installed at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln was in his office. By default, he became and served as the dealership’s computer expert and teacher. “I enjoy it, and it allows me enough time to do the stuff I need to do,” Dave said.

Not only do we accept trade-ins at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, but you can also sell us a car you no longer need. Most customers know Krapohl Ford & Lincoln will appraise a current vehicle and work out a trade-in deal when they buy a new or used truck, SUV or car. Less known: You can sell your vehicle to Krapohl Ford & Lincoln without having to lease or buy another. For instance, say you are a two-car household, but now only need one. Call or stop by to talk with a Krapohl sales team member, have your vehicle appraised and work out a sale. It’s certainly a lot easier than trying to sell it yourself. All makes and models are welcome. It’s even easier if you also bring in the vehicle title and the 10-day payoff amount or lien release. As with any interaction with the Krapohl sales team, this is a no-pressure situation.

Stroll through the lot at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln to view nearly 100 used vehicles. Selection and reputation matter when buying a used vehicle There are many benefits to buying used vehicles. For starters, it is no secret that you’re going to save money buying used instead of new — vehicles lose value as time passes and with each mile they are driven. If you’re in the market for a used vehicle, here are five reasons you may want to consider buying from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln: Krapohl Ford & Lincoln has more than Fords and Lincolns among its used vehicles. Check out our wide selection from a variety of automakers. Drive one home today It may be difficult in the next month to buy a new vehicle directly from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln’s lot — availability of new vehicles is low, and it could take anywhere from three to eight months for new vehicles to arrive once they’re ordered. Krapohl currently has nearly 100 used vehicles on its lot, however, so you could drive one home right away. Choose from a large selection Krapohl’s used vehicle inventory is vast and includes not only Fords and Lincolns, but also a variety of other brands. Whether you’re looking for a newer, low-mileage vehicle or a lower-cost, higher-mileage vehicle, Krapohl has options for you. Assistant Sales Manager Mike Helmer says that nearly 60% of Krapohl’s current used vehicle inventory are vehicles that are under three years old and still under manufacturer warranty. And if you’re looking for a particular used vehicle that isn’t currently on the lot, Krapohl’s sales team will help track it down for you. Work with a professional and knowledgeable sales team The sales team at Krapohl — with many years of experience under their belts — is available to help you through the process of buying your new-to-you used vehicle. Not only will they help find exactly what you’re looking for, they’ll answer your questions and work to ensure the price and financing are the right fit for you. This is the personalized service you can expect. Count on safety and quality Krapohl Ford & Lincoln’s Service Department thoroughly inspects nearly every used vehicle on their lot to ensure you’re buying a safe, high-quality vehicle. Krapohl also allows you take a used vehicle you may be considering to your own mechanic for an inspection — in fact, they encourage it. And while it may have had a previous owner (or two), Krapohl also thoroughly details every used vehicle to ensure your purchase looks brand new. And if we have an “as-is” vehicle on the lot, it is clearly marked, and your sales team representative will alert you to what as-is language entails. Lean on their reputation There are many options when deciding where to shop for a vehicle, but Helmer says that when it comes to buying from Krapohl, consider its reputation. As the only locally owned, full-service Ford and Lincoln dealership in the central Michigan area, our employees in Sales, Service, Parts, the Body Shop, Reconditioning and the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center work with customers to answer questions and solve problems.