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Technicians put vital public transportation back on the road The lower-right side of this Harrison Community Schools bus was bent and ripped when it arrived at the Krapohl Body Shop. RVs and tractor-trailers have company in the largest bays in the Krapohl Body Shop. A school bus from Harrison and community transit buses from Roscommon and Alma recently were repaired by body shop technicians. “The school bus was caved in on its right side,” said Body Shop Manager Kevin Telfor. “We were able to refabricate the metal needed, and then we repainted it.” Telfor said a school bus body repair isn’t much different than a passenger vehicle, but the metal tends to be thicker and heavier. He said the school bus project needed to be done on a tight time frame because the Harrison Community School District needed it back on the road. Another recent repair involved the main door on a bus from the Alma Transit Center. Like the school bus, metal work and refabricating material was involved. A 4,524-square-foot addition completed in 2021 allows the Krapohl Body Shop team to work on RVs, semi-tractor-trailers and buses in two large repair bays and a 58-foot paint booth. Customers are bringing their RVs and semi-trailers from more than two hours away. Telfor said Krapohl Ford and Lincoln’s 70-year reputation, as well as its position as the only locally owned and operated full-service dealership, speak loudly to customers. The primary door to this Alma Transit Center vehicle was damaged when it arrived at the Krapohl Body Shop. The nearly completed door looks like new.

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.

Molly Lang, the first customer to purchase a 2022 Maverick from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, loves the versatility of the downsized pickup. Molly Lang, a new Krapohl Ford & Lincoln customer, loves new pickup’s versatility Molly Lang was the first customer to buy a 2022 Ford Maverick from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. That fact put her among Maverick owners recently selected for a marketing Zoom conference call. Molly, who owns Home Street Manor Assisted Living in Edmore, told Ipsos — an international marketing research company based in Paris — that she chose “Area 51” for the color of the Maverick. She enjoys its sunroof, towing package and the ability to use four-wheel drive. “Also, it is perfect for getting all the groceries we need for the Home Street Manor Assisted Living,” she said. “I can put them all in the back, and I can use the pickup service. It's perfect!” Owning and running an assisted living business in an 1885 Victorian manor takes up most of Molly’s time. Still, she drives her Maverick one hour each way once a week to visit her daughter. A first-time Krapohl Ford & Lincoln customer, Molly said she picked the longtime full-service dealership for the Maverick and for the chance to work with Assistant Sales Manager Mike Helmer, whom she met through her daughter. Ford paused taking new orders on Mavericks in January, and the automaker expects to resume taking orders by summer when supply issues are worked out. For more information on the Maverick, be sure to check out a special page on the Krapohl Ford & Lincoln website.

The 2022 Edge is a popular choice for Krapohl Ford & Lincoln customers. First responders, medical professionals and military personnel are eligible Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is offering an incentive for all active military personnel and veterans along with first responders and medical professionals. Anybody from this group will receive $1,000 cash toward the purchase or lease of a new Ford vehicle. This offer also can be used to custom order a new vehicle. Note that a limited selection of new vehicles are not part of this promotion. Your Krapohl Ford & Lincoln sales team member can help with this process. Stop in soon to talk to a Krapohl sales team member for more information. This promotion ends April 4. For this incentive, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln defines first responders as: Police: Police officer, sheriff/sheriff’s deputy, correctional officer, state trooper, federal law enforcement officer (Example: customs, Homeland Security, etc.) Fire department: Career firefighter, volunteer firefighter EMT: EMT, paramedic, 911 dispatcher Military personnel are defined as: Active military personnel in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard; reservists serving on active duty and members of the Delayed Entry/Enlistment Program (DEP); all veterans; retirees, spouses/surviving spouses and other household members. Medical professionals are defined as: Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN and ARNP) Anesthesiologists Athletic trainers Audiologists Cardiologist Cardiovascular technologists Chiropractors Clinical laboratory technician & technologists Dental assistants, dental hygienists & dentists Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians Dietitians and nutritionists Doctors Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics ER nurses Exercise physiologists Family practitioners Genetic counselors Health information technicians Healthcare administrators, administrative & clerical positions Home health aides and personal care aides Home health nurses Hospital general staff & receptionists Licensed practical nurses (PN/LPN/LVN) Massage therapists Medical assistants Medical equipment preparers Medical records and health information technicians Medical transcriptionists MRI technologists Neurologists Nuclear medicine technologists Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners Nurse practitioners Nursing assistant & orderlies Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians Occupational therapists Oncologists Opticians Optometrists Orthotists and prosthetists Pediatricians Pharmacists & pharmacy technicians Phlebotomists Physical therapists, assistants and aides Physician & surgeons Physician assistants Podiatrists Psychiatric technicians and aides Radiation therapists Radiologist & radiologic technologists Recreational therapists Registered nurses Respiratory therapist Speech-language pathologists Surgeons Surgical technologists Therapists Veterinarians Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers Veterinary technologists and technicians

Krapohl Ford & Lincoln's showroom served as a drop off spot in May for items for the Women's Initiative Fund. Noah Pontius, an estimator in the Krapohl Body Shop, helped direct traffic for a drive-in movie in March at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Harold and Bob Krapohl founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln more than 70 years ago. Today, we honor their spirit of community with one of our core values, acting all year on a strong sense of responsibility to help others. We got involved with and supported numerous nonprofit organizations during 2021, always driven to improve lives and communities. And we want to thank you for helping to make that support possible, because when you do business with Krapohl, you, too, help area residents. Here are a few ways we leveraged your support in 2021: Created holiday magic for thousands of area children through Toys for Tots and in partnership with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department Are providing cars and drivers through Community Cancer Services to patients without transportation Welcomed spring with a drive-in movie on our lot to benefit the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum Contributed to new appliances at the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen Gave oil change proceeds to the Humane Animal Treatment Society Hosted an annual car show with more than 200 vehicles Promoted a vibrant downtown and healthy living by investing in the new GreenTree community-owned grocery Gave emergency scholarships to kids wanting to play youth soccer Spread the joy of art by sponsoring the Art Reach Festival of Banners Collected personal hygiene products and gave oil change proceeds to Kay’s Way: Women’s Initiative to Support Women and Girls Encouraged outdoor activity by sponsoring the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy’s Passport to Adventure Are providing road trip transportation to the CMU student Baja racing team We believe in helping others. We believe in collaboration. And we believe it takes all of us to create vibrant communities. #LocalDealership #LocalCommitment #WillYouJoinUs?

A 1977 Ford LTD sold by Krapohl Ford & Lincoln now has a home in Thurso, Scotland. Original sales papers still in glove box of 44-year-old pristine vehicle The dealer plate from Krapohl remains a part of the vehicle, which has just 72,424 miles on it. In June 1977, Delmar Allen of Clare bought a new red Ford LTD from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Dealership co-founder Harold Krapohl signed the paperwork. It was a roomy ride. At more than 4,000 pounds, a ’77 LTD weighed more than some of today’s F-150s. Its 351 V8 engine chewed through gasoline at 12 mpg, and it took a leisurely 11.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. The LTD was 211 inches long — about a foot more than a 2022 Explorer. Today, 44 years later, Delmar’s LTD appears spotless and ready for a long trip. It’s also 3,436 miles from the Krapohl Ford & Lincoln lot, now located in the northernmost town on the British mainland. Dave Cochrane of Thurso, Scotland, reached out on Facebook last week. He recently purchased the ’77 LTD and noted the original paperwork from Krapohl Ford Sales came with it. The Krapohl nameplate remains on the trunk. The interior is lush, with red carpeting and seats. Even the door panels and steering wheel are red. Fake wood outlines the dashboard. The odometer reads 72,424 miles, an average of 1,646 miles per year. “I think the car has only been in the UK for about three years, and it has been used a fair bit —15,000 miles in the last two years,” Cochrane wrote. “It has been well cared for. “When I got the car and saw the dealer’s badge, I just thought to Google it,” he wrote. “I was surprised to see you still sell Fords to this day, and that's what spurred me to contact you.” The interior is spotless and looks much as it would have in 1977.

Not long ago, we found a 20-year-old newspaper in a file cabinet with a full-page advertisement that named every Krapohl Ford & Lincoln employee, thanking them for earning numerous People’s Choice Awards. The 2021 full-page newspaper advertisement we used to thank customers for voting for us in the People's Choice Awards for Isabella County. Honors from customers are the highest compliments we receive. The same goes for constructive criticism, which helps us see ourselves in a different light and often leads to important adjustments in how we do business. The 2021 People’s Choice Awards for Isabella County were announced recently, and for the 23 rd consecutive year, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln was named the top automotive dealership. Our service department was No. 1 for the 19 th consecutive year. In all, we earned 13 awards: Auto Body Shop Auto Oil/Lube Auto Sales Professional, New: 1. James Yun; 2. Jeremy Skeleton Auto Sales Professional, Used: 1. Jeremy Skeleton; 2. James Yun Auto Service Department Auto Dealer, New Auto Dealer, Used Truck Dealer, New Truck Dealer, Used Auto Body Shop Auto & Truck/Detailer As we said in the advertisement in this year’s full-page ad, we thank all of our customers, and we pledge to continue to earn your trust as your full-service dealership. And the great thing about that full-page ad from 20 years ago? Many of the same employees still are part of the Krapohl team.

HATS among 12 partner organizations to benefit; will receive 50% of oil change sales Jan. 29 Krapohl Ford & Lincoln kicks off a year-long community involvement campaign this month with a focus on the Humane Animal Treatment Society — the first of 12 local partners. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln co-owner Tom Krapohl and HATS executive director Angela Miedema stand by a Mustang in Mount Pleasant. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln highlighted its support of HATS in January 2021. HATS will receive 50% of all oil change sales Friday, Jan. 29 at the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center at Krapohl. The fund drive will support HATS in providing shelter, medical care and forever homes to homeless and lost pets. HATS is Isabella County’s only nonprofit animal welfare and humane society. “HATS changes lives — of pets and their forever families,” Krapohl General Manager Mark Smith said. “Krapohl has long supported HATS, and the past year with COVID-19 has reminded us once again that pets help us get through the toughest of times.” Half of all sales of Quick Lane oil change gift certificates sold Jan. 29 also will benefit HATS. Community involvement is a core value at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, the area’s only remaining locally owned and operated full-service dealership. Its ongoing support of local organizations includes employee volunteers and board members, in-kind contributions, space for student-run car washes, and financial donations. Three new Krapohl billboards with the tagline, “Local Dealership. Local Commitment.” feature HATS, the Discovery Museum and Mt. Pleasant Soccer. Each will receive a donation and be featured in monthly promotions from the dealership. Two other billboards celebrate the dealership’s 70 th anniversary. “Communities and residents across mid-Michigan have supported us for seven decades,” said Smith, who is a third-generation owner of the dealership. “Giving back is a value that started with my grandfather and his brother (Bob and Harold Krapohl), was continued by my dad (Brian Smith), and that Tom (Krapohl) and I stress to this day. “Helping neighbors and friends — those we know and those we’ve yet to meet — is not only our responsibility, it’s a way of life. We’re hoping to expand a sense of community at a time when it’s needed more than ever.” HATS Executive Director Angela Miedema said Krapohl’s support and publicity are significant. “Partners like Krapohl Ford & Lincoln make it possible for HATS to serve our region well,” Miedema said. “Every kitten, cat, puppy, dog or other animal we take in requires funding so we can place it with a loving home. Thank you so much, Krapohl Ford!” HATS in 2020 took in 591 animals, facilitated 441 adoptions, returned 121 pets to owners, donated more than 10,000 pounds of pet food to those in need, and performed 1,646 low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to decrease pet overpopulation and homelessness.

We work hard every day. The goal isn’t to win awards, yet it’s time to cheer a bit when you are honored for 22 consecutive years with the People’s Choice Award for the best dealership in the area. The same goes when you’re recognized for having the best service department for 18 consecutive years. The awards we won in this year’s People’s Choice balloting come from our community, our neighbors and our customers. Thank you all for thinking of us when it comes to choosing your vehicle, servicing your vehicle or stopping in for a quick visit at Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center for an oil change or a new set of tires. We’ve been in Mt. Pleasant for 70 years, and we plan to be here for the next 70 years as your full-service, lifetime dealership. We focused on customer service and our community needs when we first opened. Today, we teach each new employee our values and aim to reinforce them every day we’re open. We’ve evolved to meet new customer needs. For example, our body shop can handle any vehicle, including RVs. And our service team’s master mechanics have the latest in training for today’s rapidly changing vehicles. Our values are why we have longtime employees who have worked at Krapohl for 10, 20, 30 years or more. They take pride in their expertise and customer service. People’s Choice Awards for:  New car dealership  Used car dealership  New truck dealership  Used truck dealership  Jeremy Skelton and James Yun, top salespeople  Auto service center  Auto detailer  Auto oil/lube shop with Quick Lane  Body shop

Pat Jarman inspects his new Ford GT Supercar at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Sept. 25, 2020. Pricing starts at $500,000 for hard-to-buy model It’s rare, and it’s fast. A Heritage Edition of the Ford GT supercar will be delivered to Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Friday morning, the final chapter of a customer’s multi-year process of applying to purchase the special model. The GT will be the seventh version of a supercar in the collection of Pat Jarman, a Mount Pleasant native and businessman. “The new ones are really cool,” he said. “I hear they are only making 50 this year. It’s the rarest one, and it has the Gulf Racing No. 6 color scheme on it.” The look of the 2020 Heritage model is a nod to the acclaimed 1968 and 1969 Le Mans-winning GT40 race car. Jarman’s newest GT supercar is white with orange and black highlights. The 2020 Ford GT supercar features 660 horsepower, and prospective owners must apply to Ford to buy one. Pricing starts at $500,000. Jarman says he has one GT he drives occasionally, and he often brings one of his GT supercars to car shows. It’s a long way from his first car, an early 1980s Ford Mustang with a four-cylinder engine. “I have one GT that I drive,” he said. “You have to be careful. Everybody wants to take pictures or give you a thumbs up. They draw a lot of attention.” Media should arrive at 9:45 a.m. Friday at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln at 1415 E. Pickard in Mount Pleasant. Ford will deliver the vehicle, unload it and work with Pat Jarman to explain its features.