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A friend to customers and co-workers retires after 20 years with Krapohl Thirty-six years working in the automotive industry are coming to an end this week for Kim Laurenz. The start of his career began with Ford Motor Co., and for the last 20 years he’s been a Service Advisor at Krapohl — a Ford Master Certified Service Advisor, to be exact. Kim writes repair orders, figuring out estimates for customers and finalizing report orders. Kim Laurenz, right, worked with customers at the service desk at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln for 20 years. He will retire Thursday, April 15. In 2001, Kim saw a Krapohl Ford & Lincoln note in a newspaper that the dealership was hiring, so he sent in his resume. He’s been a service advisor ever since. “He’s very knowledgeable and through,” Service Advisor Katelyn Wontorcik said. “He has a lot of experience because he’s done it for so long.” During Kim's automotive journey, he’s encountered personal challenges with life and his health. He said the past two decades at Krapohl have been rewarding and enjoyable. His favorite part about the job is the family-like atmosphere. “You’re treated like family,” Kim said. “You can talk to anyone, and everyone gets along with each other.” Respect and kindness from co-workers doesn’t only exist during hours of operation. Many Krapohl employees have great relationships with co-workers and enjoy each other’s company outside of the office. Once retired, he’s going to miss the people. “As far as what I’ll miss about him is sharing a lot of stories back and forth,” Service Manager Jeff Slocum said. “It has always been a pleasure.” In his free time, Kim enjoys watching NASCAR and Michigan State University sports, and being with his family. He’s also an elder at his church, Emmanuel Lutheran. Although he’s going to miss working at Krapohl, retirement is going to give him more time to do the things he loves. “Thank you all for the help and for being family members,” he said. “I wish you all well and health in years to come.”

Dealership up to 904 solar panels after system expansion The first 576 solar panels installed at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln went on the roof of the main sales and service building in 2017. Mark Smith, co-owner and general manager of the dealership, noticed an immediate difference in the electric bills. “We saved about $25,000 a year,” Smith said. Solar panels on top of the main sales and service building at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. In early March, 328 solar panels were added to the body shop and 74 to the reconditioning building. Smith expects the panels to supply more than 65 percent of all electrical needs at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Solar is just one aspect of sustainability efforts at the dealership. Recycling, energy efficient lighting, and reuse of materials is part of everyday life in every building. “I’ve always been interested in alternative energy sources,” Smith said. “At one time, I looked at windmills. Then I heard more about solar panels and tax credits. Some other companies we work with used solar, and I talked to them.” He figures the solar panels, which have an estimated 30-year life, will pay for themselves in seven to nine years. “Even if it took 15 years, you still have another 15 years after that,” he said. Instead, he’s found that panels need zero maintenance and snow melts quickly. When the first batch went in, Smith said he had concerns about longevity, maintenance and performance. Further, he can go online to see exactly how much electricity the panels generate. Smith said Krapohl went with Michigan companies for both installations. “I believe in protecting the environment, and I figured using solar would have a bigger impact with the business than at my house,” Smith said. Among the other sustainability moves, Smith said a switch to LED lights made a difference. “The savings are amazing,” he said. “It’s about 90 percent less than what we used to use.” Other sustainability efforts include: Oil-burning furnaces: The Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center generates a lot of used oil. Smith put in the first oil-burning furnace nearly 20 years ago, and he’s added to the system over the years. He’s up to “seven or eight” furnaces. “The new ones are more efficient and burn less oil. Oil that does not go into the furnaces is recycled. Oil filters are crushed to get all of the oil out of them.” That oil often bought and used to make asphalt or similar products. Cardboard, paper: “We have a LOT of cardboard. We recycle paper and cardboard. It’s just expected here. People learn it’s part of the job.” Boxes are often reused to ship parts and other materials. Tires: Tires with little wear are sold to a business. A tire recycling company collects ones not resold. Water safety: “When we clean dirt and oil off a part, we use recycled water so we are not discharging a chemical into the system,” Smith said. Batteries: Old batteries are sent to Ford or the battery manufacturer. Metal: Some is sold to a scrap metal facility. Re-use: “Wooden pallets are reused for shipping or storage. Anything we can re-use, we do.” Proper disposal: Chemicals such as air conditioning fluid and brake fluid are disposed of properly.

Preserves offer more than 600 acres of pure nature The ongoing pandemic changed everything. Businesses closed for stretches or opened at a reduced capacity. For many, 2020 was a life of work from home, learn from home and home delivery. And, it seems, we wanted to explore the outdoors. The more than 600 acres over 22 preserves that make up the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy had its busiest year in terms of visitors hiking, running trails, watching birds and enjoying nature. “It was an explosion of activity for us,” said Alexis Wixson, the development and outreach coordinator for the Watershed Conservancy. This year, the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy is challenging its visitors: Download the Passport to Adventure sponsored by Krapohl Ford & Lincoln and take on some of the 50 adventures listed. Some are as simple as visiting a preserve. Others include: A sunrise hike at Bundy Hill Preserve; a full-moon hike at any of the preserves; paddle the Chippewa River; paddle Coldwater Lake to Kjolhede’s Kove Preserve; and find a porcupine den tree The Watershed Conservancy is our community partner for the month of April. You’ll learn more about the preserves on our Facebook page and on this blog. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln also will promote and participate in a volunteer event later this month to help rid a preserve of an invasive species. We hope you’ll find a way to join us that day to help maintain the preserves, which stretch over Isabella, Clare, Gratiot, Mecosta and Montcalm counties.

Go ahead. Picture yourself behind the wheel of the all new Bronco. For just $10, it could happen. The Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum is raffling off a three-day, two-night free rental of a Ford Bronco, courtesy of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Tickets are $10, with 100% of the funds going to the museum. Tickets are available at Krapohl, the Discovery Museum and Mitchell’s Deli in Mt. Pleasant and Shepherd. They also are available online through the museum’s website. The winner — two if more than 200 tickets are sold — will be drawn Friday, April 9. Winners may choose any size Bronco from Krapohl’s rental inventory, including the full-size Bronco, which is expected to arrive late this summer or fall. Winners must be 21 or older and will be able to use the Bronco any three days of the week. “Krapohl Ford & Lincoln has been part of the Discovery Museum since its inception,” General Manager Mark Smith said. “My wife, Shelly, helped envision the museum. Kids truly are the future. And as life-long residents of Mount Pleasant, we want to ensure all children have a place to explore and play.” Community involvement is a core value at Krapohl, the area’s only remaining locally owned and operated full-service dealership. Its 70 years of supporting local organizations include employees who volunteer and serve as board members, in-kind contributions, space for student-run car washes, and financial donations. The Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum is one of Krapohl’s 12 community partners this year and is featured on one of its “Local Dealership; Local Commitment” billboards.

'The Croods' come to Krapohl Ford & Lincoln in benefit for Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum UPDATE: ALL PARKING SPOTS CURRENTLY ARE FILLED! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE MT. PLEASANT DISCOVERY MUSEUM! March 9, 2021 Contact: Sherry Knight — 734-277-5843; sherry.knight@paladincomm.net In its ongoing quest to support the community, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln will set up a 30-foot drive-in movie screen on Saturday, March 20, and entertain area families with “The Croods: A New Age,” a new animated creation from DreamWorks Studios. All proceeds from the donation-based event ($10 per vehicle suggested) will go to the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum. The children’s creativity, learning and play museum is reopening this week after months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighty parking spots are available and must be reserved in advance. For details, visit the Facebook page of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln or Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum. “With the Discovery Museum not being able to hold an event in almost a year, this movie is so exciting,” Executive Director Lisa Phelps said. “It's getting us — and the families we serve — out of survival mode and breathing life back into us.” “This drive-in movie is another way we can be a part of people's lives. It’s a way to celebrate the first day of spring and to encourage families to visit the museum again,” she said. Krapohl and Isabella Bank, long-time museum supporters, are sponsoring the 8 p.m. movie. In addition to entry donations, tickets for a 50/50 raffle will be sold that evening before the movie.

The reconditioning team cleans and disinfects vehicles at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. It also includes an expert on Great Lakes shipping in part-timer Sam Hankinson, a senior at Central Michigan University. Sam Hankinson, a senior at Central Michigan University, works with the reconditioning team at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Sam spent the past two summers as an intern at the Port of Monroe, and he contributed to a recent study from the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy on Great Lakes commercial ports. The study, featured in December on lessenberryink.com, found Michigan lags behind other states in how it funds and uses ports to drive its own economy. “The last few semesters have been a balancing act of school, Krapohl, work with the port, plus some extracurriculars,” said Sam, a logistics management major at CMU. He also continues work remotely for the Port of Monroe. Sam writes “Ships Log,” a column in the Grand Haven Tribune that tracks ships and cargo on Lake Michigan. He grew up in Grand Haven, and said he’s always been fascinated by the ships. He also is a contributor to the 2021 “Know Your Ships” book, which will be released March 25. The annual book is a field guide to watching ships on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. After graduation, Sam hopes to land a full-time role, perhaps with the Port of Monroe. “I’m just excited to be part of an industry that is so historic and important,” he said.

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.

Front-line and essential workers are welcome to receive a free oil change and tire rotation at Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln in Mount Pleasant. “Like every community, we have had a large number of people dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic by continuing to work and provide necessary services,” said Mark Smith, general manager and co-owner at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. “We want to thank these vital people — our neighbors, friends, familiar faces — with a tangible reward. An oil change and tire rotation give us a way to thank them in person.” Essential workers from Isabella County and the region can take advantage of the offer in three easy steps: Download the FordPass Rewards app on a smartphone. Note: It is not necessary to own a Ford automobile to participate. Register on FordPass Rewards with your name and email and choose Krapohl Ford & Lincoln as your primary dealership. There are other fields, but it is not necessary to fill them all out. Essential workers then would email FordPass@krapohl.com along with a photo of their workplace verification and with their FordPass Rewards username. This moves allows a Quick Lane representative to add the necessary points to their FordPass Rewards account for a complimentary The Works oil change package. Workplace verification can be a work ID, business card, essential worker letter or name tag. Instead of emailing Krapohl, essential workers can opt to visit Quick Lane at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, 1415 E. Pickard, where a representative will add points to the account. Points must be added to a FordPass Rewards account by June 30, although The Works service is available at any time. No appointment is necessary at Quick Lane, which can be reached at 989-953-8473. See krapohl.com for more information.