Longtime Krapohl Ford & Lincoln salesman served thousands
You just never know about retirement. You think about it for a while. Then there’s a day when you just know — when the lure of the golf course and open road sends up a flare.
Jeremy Skelton uses his calculator to quantify the relationships he’s forged across 30 years of selling vehicles. He figures he’s sold roughly 7,500 vehicles — about 4,000 at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln during the last 15 years.
His customers at Krapohl likely topped 2,500 — many returning to talk with him when it was time for their next vehicle. He enjoyed working with customers; they’re the reason he stayed in the business.
“I almost didn’t become a car sales rep, because of the stigma, you know? But when you’re honest, it becomes exactly the opposite. I like the personal engagement, and I’ve made a lot of friends over the years,” Jeremy said.
He joined Krapohl because of its culture. He appreciates the family-owned business for its belief in giving customers a fair deal and not being high pressure, focused on taking care of people and making sure they’re happy.
Dealershop owner Tom Krapohl calls Jeremy “a true professional,” always helping out, sharing insights with new team members, and winning customer hearts. Jeremy has ranked as the first or second top salesperson in the Isabella County People’s Choice awards year after year, in both the new and used vehicle categories.
“Jeremy is just as good a salesperson as there ever was,” Tom said. “I’m so happy for him to be able to retire and spend time doing the things he wants to do. But we’re sure going to miss him.”
Owner Mark Smith and General Manager Mike Helmer both speak of Jeremy’s steady presence on the lot and in the showroom and of his quiet dedication to customers. He didn’t want customers to have to wait; he wanted them to know he would take care of them.
“Jeremy is no drama. He was known for years for being first in and last out, and for never missing a Saturday,” Mike said.
“We tried hard to get Jeremy to stay,” Mark said. “But he’s ready. He’s ready to spend more time visiting family, golfing, mountain biking, and, being an old rock ‘n’ roll fan, going to concerts.
“We appreciate all the time Jeremy has spent with us. He’s part of the family.”
Krapohl adds two convenient service options
Now available: pick-up-and-delivery service and a mobile service unit
We understand, life gets busy. Your SUV needs new brakes, but your work-from-home job keeps you tied to the house most days.
With Krapohl Ford & Lincoln’s pick-up-and-delivery service, you can have your vehicle repaired and returned to your driveway.
To use our pick-up-and-delivery option, ask your service advisor about it when you schedule your appointment. Of course, if your vehicle isn’t starting or running rough, or the transmission is glitchy, the pick-up-and delivery option likely will not work.
Then again, if you have a rough-starting car, it might mean a visit from our new Mobile Service Ford Pro truck — a Ford F-550 with a KUV body over the back — is your best option. This big rig allows our technicians to service your vehicle at your home or place of business. Again, a conversation with our service desk can determine if this is the right answer.
“We’ve made service more convenient for customers by adding pick-up-and-delivery service and the Mobile Service Ford Pro truck,” said Mike Helmer, general manager of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. “We’ve also added staff to ensure we can meet their expectations.”
To ask about our new options and schedule service, call 989-546-3880.
Founders started our ongoing commitment to community
The Legacy Award is on display in our sales department — a reminder of our ongoing commitment to the community as a family-owned business for more than 70 years.
We’re humbled to have received the honor earlier this month from the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, and we consider it to be a symbol of how we continue to follow the lead of our founders, Harold and Robert Krapohl.
The two brothers from Bay City launched our dealership in downtown Mt. Pleasant in 1950. By 1951, Krapohl was a Chamber member, and Harold and Robert were supporting community efforts. Robert went on to serve a term as the Chamber president, and he had two terms as president of the Central Michigan Community Hospital board of directors.
Harold served a term as president of the Mt. Pleasant Lions club and was a United Fund drive chairman. Both men supported local causes with donations and were active with annual Red Cross campaigns.
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln continues to support local businesses and nonprofit efforts — not out of obligation, but because caring for the communities we serve is simply part of who we are. We thank the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce for this honor and for giving our entire team a reason to pause and reflect on the importance of maintaining our core beliefs.
Mike Helmer promoted to general manager at Krapohl
Morgan Larson named new sales manager
For the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln has a new general manager.
Mike Helmer moved from sales manager to general manager this week. Co-owner Mark Smith served as GM the last 24 years. Smith and co-owner Tom Krapohl will remain hands-on owners with a focus on the dealership’s future.
“Mike joined our sales team in 2018, and early on we saw his leadership skills,” Mark said. “It wasn’t long before he became our assistant sales manager, then sales manager. He’s a strong advocate for the sales team and has the ability to be an asset in every area of the dealership.”
“Having Mike as GM allows Tom and me to put more time into planning for growth and evolution of the dealership, ensuring Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is around for generations to come,” Smith said. “A few people have asked if we’re going to sell the dealership. The answer is absolutely not.”
Mike currently is going through training at the National Automobile Dealers Association Academy in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, spending one week there every other month. He’s completed four of six sessions and said he’s learned a lot from session leaders and has forged connections with peers across the country.
Mike’s promotion came with the announcement of his replacement, Morgan Larson.
Larson, like Helmer, arrives at Krapohl with an extensive sales background. He started by selling memberships and other benefits at a health club before moving into the dealership world by joining the sales staff at Midland Ford. He was the sales manager there his last six years.
Mike said Morgan was impressive during the interview process.
“Morgan was vetting us as much as we were vetting him,” Mike said. “He wanted to make sure he’d be a good long-term fit for the role and that we’d be a good long-term fit for him.”
Morgan said the Krapohl reputation was a key reason he applied. Now, he wants customers to know he’s always willing to talk.
“I want to meet every person who buys a car,” Morgan said. “I want to shake their hand, I want to thank them for their purchase, their business and make it a friendly, fun experience.
“I believe when somebody buys a car, it’s the highlight of their month or even the highlight of their six months. It should be a celebration. Let’s make it fun, let’s make it enjoyable. That’s always been my approach.”
Event is a thank you to mid-Michigan farm families
In recognition of mid-Michigan’s more than 3,000 farms and farm families, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is hosting Lunch for Farmers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, March 15, at the dealership.
Krapohl is coordinating this kickoff of National Agriculture Week, which is March 17-23, in collaboration with the Isabella County Farm Bureau, Star of the West Milling Co., and MSU Extension.
Area farmers are invited to stop by the Krapohl Body Shop for a free lunch and insider’s look at both classic and new vehicles. Autume Balcome, Krapohl’s commercial sales representative, will be on hand to discuss the benefits of a commercial purchase — whether a customer has one vehicle or a fleet dedicated to business operations.
Those benefits include tax advantages, special financing and incentives, and dedicated, full-service attention throughout the dealership.
“As the area’s only locally owned, full-service auto dealership, we’ve been working with local farmers for more than 70 years,” said Mark Smith, Krapohl general manager and co-owner. “This lunch is a way to say thank you and to draw attention to the essential role farm families play in our community.”
Smith also noted the ongoing $500 cash incentive Farm Bureau members receive when they purchase certain Ford trucks. Members can learn more by talking with a Krapohl sales professional.
Linda Newman’s message: ‘If you need something, let me know.’
Linda Newman only drives Fords, but no matter what make or model you drive, she wants you to be happy with the service at the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln.
Three months into her role as the Quick Lane manager, she’s all-in on customer service.
“I try to treat people the way I expect my family to be treated,” Linda said. “I lived in Texas for five years and worked as a volunteer firefighter and with emergency medical services. That’s the ultimate in customer service. I learned a lot about people, and they just really want to be seen and heard. I try to give every customer I meet that opportunity.
“I’m here. If you need something, let me know.”
She also has extensive experience working at auto dealerships — all Ford, of course. She grew up in Northville, but when she ended up in Texas, she worked for two dealerships and was regularly promoted. She returned to Michigan in 2017 and worked at Blackwell Ford in Plymouth as the Ford Master Warranty administrator in the body shop.
“I’m a Ford girl,” Linda said. “My dad drove Fords, my grandfather drove Fords. It’s the only car I drive.”
She recently moved to a 40-acre plot of land in Lake — in Clare County — with her husband and fellow Ford driver, Keith. You’ll most likely find her at home gardening or reading.
“It’s beautiful up here, absolutely beautiful,” Linda said.
She appreciates that customers visit the Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center for more than oil changes. Krapohl guarantees the lowest tire prices, and Quick Lane technicians can check brakes, batteries, cooling systems, belts and hoses, and wipers. If they find a larger problem, Krapohl’s service department is next door.
“A lot of our customers don’t drive Fords, and yet, they still come to us — for a reason,” Linda said. “I like to think it’s excellent customer service. Some visits are to take care of problems customers are having with their vehicles, and car repair is something none of us wants. I try to take a little bit of the bite out of it by serving the customer well.”
The Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center is open from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours are 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Pick-up and delivery of vehicles, remote service truck among new programs
Customer-focused projects fill Curt Gottschalk’s day at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, and he enjoys every minute.
“I enjoy the challenges,” he said. “I enjoy something different every day. I don’t like to get into a routine of the same thing over and over.”
Earlier this year, Curt accepted a new role as the auto dealership’s manager of special projects.
Project No. 1 is pick-up and delivery of vehicles. It’s a service the dealership provided for customers for years, but only when requested. Once Ford started a national television campaign about pick-up and delivery, requests ballooned, and Krapohl needed a systematic approach. Curt, along with a team, built it, and the number of pick-ups and deliveries continues to grow.
“Society has changed,” Curt said. “People are busy, so they are looking for convenience. This program offers that.”
Customers will be asked if they’d like pick-up and delivery when scheduling service appointments but in the near future, they will have the ability to schedule it electronically along with appointments. Certain restrictions apply.
Project No. 2 is adding a mobile service truck to make runs to businesses, schools or customer homes to do light repairs. A Ford Super Duty is on order, and like a commercial fleet vehicle modified for business customers, it will be fully equipped with tools and equipment for repairs.
In fact, part of the objective of mobile service is for the commercial sales side of the dealership. “When part of a fleet goes down, those customers want to get it back on the road as soon as possible,” Curt said.
Another project will benefit electric vehicle owners. Chargers are being installed around the dealership, including a main one near the service area. Customers who drop off an EV for service will have their vehicle returned with plenty of charge.
“We’re jumping all in for EVs,” Curt said.
Krapohl General Manager and Co-owner Mark Smith said Curt was a logical choice to take on a variety of special projects.
“We’ve known Curt since he worked here 25 years ago on the service counter as a college student,” Smith said. “He understands dealerships and the needs of every department, and he’s an excellent project manager.”
Curt was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, and he’s lived in Beal City for years. He worked at dealerships after graduating from Northwood University and then was in manufacturing for several years. He was glad to see so many familiar faces when he returned to Krapohl.
“(Service Manager) Jeff Slocum and I worked together at another dealership for a short period of time, and we’ve always stayed in contact,” Curt said. “I’ve known Mark and Tom for a long time and back when I started here, Mark’s dad, Brian, was the manager.
“The people here are unique. They are long-term, family orientated. Everybody gets along, and we work well together. To me, that’s a story for success.”
Doug Randall’s work ethic, mentoring led Body Shop
Recently retired technician’s son, grandson continue to work at Krapohl
Doug Randall was a big presence in the Krapohl Body Shop for 24 years. He recently retired, and Body Shop Manager Kevin Telfor said he admired Doug’s work ethic as Krapohl’s main frame technician.
“Always one of the first on the floor in the morning, and he generally worked until 6:30 in the evening, sometimes later,” Kevin said. “If you walked through the shop, you’d find him under a vehicle, sparks flying. He was always on the move.”
Telfor said Doug’s attention to detail included taking the time to fully inspect a vehicle to look for unreported damage before he started work. “And he always was good about meeting deadlines,” Telfor said. “I wish I could have cloned five more of him.”
Doug’s work ethic became an ongoing joke with co-owner Tom Krapohl, who had way of walking through the Body Shop just when Doug was taking a drink of coffee.
Brandon Sadler now handles much of the role Doug filled. Doug served as Brandon’s mentor when he arrived at the shop. After about a year, Brandon was ready to go.
“There is no other place like this,” Doug said in 2021. “I know people who have left and then they end up coming back when they find that out. (Co-owners) Tom Krapohl and Mark Smith — they are just good folks to work for. I know I’m in the right spot.”
Doug’s son Bruce moved back to Michigan several years ago and started working at the Krapohl Body Shop five years ago as a combo tech who does body work and painting. He’s glad he had the opportunity to see his father work.
“I went a big stretch without seeing him, and it was nice to be where I could see his face every day,” Bruce said. “He loved working here. He took it seriously. He was a firm believer that you don’t want to be the guy right at the time clock at 5 p.m. He believes in putting your work in. He’d often stay until 7, 8 o’clock, just because.”
The Randall family ties to the Body Shop grew a few months ago when Bruce’s 16-year-old son, Waylon, started cleaning the shop and washing cars once his day at Mt. Pleasant High School was over.
For the 25th consecutive year, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln finished No. 1 as the top auto dealership in Isabella County in the annual People’s Choice Awards.
The awards, announced in the Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun earlier this week, show Krapohl with 11 honors, including first place for new and used car dealership, new and used truck dealership, auto service department and for oil changes at Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center at Krapohl.
Our sales team continued to earn honors with regulars Jeremy Skelton and James Yun earning their annual accolades. New this year is Cody Gross for used sales. Congratulations, Cody!
As always, thank you to our longtime customers for your continued support.
Fleet and customized service vehicles help regional businesses succeed
Commercial vehicle sales at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln come in all shapes and sizes. It’s a Mt. Pleasant city work truck, a customized van for a small business, a fleet of vehicles for a large operation.
Autume Balcom recently assumed leadership of Krapohl’s commercial sales, taking over the role Stan Miller filled. Stan recently retired after 33 years with Krapohl Ford & Lincoln.
Autume said she enjoys learning how Ford vehicles help local business operations thrive.
“It’s a full-service relationship,” Autume said. “We learn about what they need to succeed, and as a full-service dealership, they know they’ll get the necessary follow-up repairs and service to keep their businesses running.”
Autume said she works to learn about each business or government account, and she has been on the road visiting commercial customers.
“Going out to the farms and other locations is another layer of convenience for them, and it is part of the services we offer,” she said.
Autume said Ford commercial vehicles offer business-oriented extras such as Ford Pro telematics, a software package that allows managers to monitor vehicle location, fuel consumption, EV range and receive indicators for oil changes and other maintenance.
Krapohl also helps business owners with service packages and a financing tool it calls FinSimple.
“We can help a company that needs a large fleet all the way down to a one-person small business, like a plumber,” Autume said. “We maintain the traditional Krapohl family feel for all of our customers while we work to understand what specialty vehicles they need.”
To learn more about fleet sales or customized commercial vehicles, call 989-317-2374.
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