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.”
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