Year-long classes pay off for GM Mike Helmer
Additional leadership skills and connections in the automotive dealership world are the result of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln General Manager Mike Helmer’s regular week-long trips to the NADA Academy.
The National Automobile Dealers Association, in Tysons, Virginia, serves as an advocate for more than 16,000 dealerships and conducts its classes in a training center and organizes conferences. Mike traveled to its headquarters every six weeks over an 11-month period.
Mike was named general manager in March after serving as a sales team member, assistant sales manager and then sales manager.
“I’m more comfortable approaching everyone,” Mike said. “The leadership sessions taught me to not let stuff fester. Early communication leads to better results.”
He said meeting other dealership leaders showed him every dealership faces similar problems and concerns. “It was the same, whether it was a 15-person store, or a huge dealership run by Nick Saban’s son,” Mike said.
Academy students spent a day on Capitol Hill to meet with a member of Congress and gain insight into the lawmaking process, the importance of dealer visits to Washington, D.C., and why inviting members of Congress to visit their stores can benefit dealers, their employees and their customers.
“We’re seeing what (co-owner) Tom (Krapohl) and I expected when Mike was named general manager in March,” co-owner Mark Smith said. “He’s pushed himself to be familiar with every aspect of our business, he dove in with his NADA classes. It’s allowing Tom and I to concentrate on long-range, big-picture planning on the opportunities and needs for the dealership.”
Convenience arrives in our big mobile service truck
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln service technician Mike Wilson handles our Ford Pro Mobile Service vehicle calls.
- Many light repairs can be done without visiting Krapohl’s lot
- First customer review: “The mobile unit was fantastic!“
The Ford Pro Mobile Service vehicle stands out on the Krapohl Ford & Lincoln lot. The white Ford F-550 is topped with a large KUV body, the dealership logo large on both sides.
Open the back door, and the tailgate is loaded with supplies for a variety of light repairs Krapohl service technician Mike Wilson performs when a call comes in.
Side panels on the exterior make it convenient to handle a variety of tasks. One door is set up with hoses to perform an oil change. Others carry basic tools and accessories.
Most of the time, Mike is on the service floor, working on a vehicle. When there is a need for a mobile service visit, he’s the one who hits the road.
“It’s usually a couple of calls a week,” he said. “We can’t rip an engine apart. It’s for basic maintenance, like oil changes, updating computers for certain recalls, battery service and key programming for when a customer loses their key. That way they don’t have to have their vehicle towed in.”
Mike joined the Krapohl service staff in March. He worked at tire stores before coming to Krapohl, and he enjoys his unique role.
“Most calls are in a 15- to 20-mile radius, although I did have one up in Lake for an air bag recall,” he said. “We’ve also had calls just a couple of miles down the road.”
Service Manager Jeff Slocum said calls for the Ford Pro Mobile Service vehicle are a mix of commercial and regular customers.
“It’s vital to keep the commercial vehicles on the road,” Jeff said. “Those businesses are dependent on their vehicles, and it’s convenient for them when we can go to their work site for a quick repair.
“For other people, the convenience comes from not having to drive to the dealership if a recall notice can be served with an update to their system.”
Earlier this month, we received some kind words from one of our customers after a mobile service visit to help with a key fob issue with her Ford Escape. Here is how she filled out her survey: “The mobile unit was fantastic! I am a senior, and I was home alone. He came out at slotted time and was only there maybe 10 min. Very, very nice and fast. I was back on the road to my holiday events! I Can’t thank the new service enough. Very reasonable on top of it! Thank you!”
The mobile unit includes a way to perform oil changes.
Ensure your vehicle is prepped for summer trips
Summer road trips with your family create memories and take you to places you’ve never visited — or back to your favorites. All of the planning that goes into a vacation might be helped by ensuring your vehicle is ready for hours on the road.
Here are 10 reasons to bring your vehicle to Krapohl Ford before you head out for your summer trip.
Summer road trips with your family create memories and take you to places you’ve never visited. All of the planning that goes into a vacation should include ensuring your vehicle is ready for hours on the road.
That said, here are 10 reasons to bring your vehicle to Krapohl Ford before you hit the road for your summer trip.
Tires. They connect your vehicle to the road. Worn or leaky tires can sideline you in a hurry. We have a low-price guarantee at Krapohl, available through the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center.
Oil change. Don’t hit the road if your “change oil” alert is on. In fact, if you ask for The Works package in Quick Lane, we’ll also do a tire rotation, a brake inspection and a battery test.
Pick-up and delivery service: If your vehicle needs work — and still runs — we can pick it up, repair it and bring it back to you. Ask about this service when you make your appointment with the Service desk.
Mobile service: Some repairs can be done where you live or work with our new mobile service unit. Again, ask about this option when you schedule work.
Brakes. We check brakes as part of The Works package, but if you know you’re due for some work, make an appointment before you start a long drive.
The little things: Many parts of your vehicle can put your vacation on pause. Batteries, hoses, belts, headlights, the cooling system. Ask for a tune-up, and we’ll check everything.
Air conditioning. You can drive with a balky air conditioner, but why sweat over whether it will make it through all the construction, all the way to your destination and back?
Reconditioning: We clean cars every day, inside and out. Let our reconditioning staff have the interior and exterior of your vehicle looking new. Call 989-772-2991 to set up an appointment.
Trained technicians: Our master certified technicians serve you well by keeping up with the latest in automotive technology, including electric vehicles.
Our Service Desk and Quick Lane managers and service advisors: Our goal with every customer is to listen and understand the issues before we take action to get you ready to pack the luggage, tent and toys. And the kids. Remember the kids.
The three partners for this year’s Kay’s Way supply drive provide vital services for women and children dealing with big issues: Child abuse. Domestic violence and sexual assault. Our local foster care system.
The clothing, personal care products and other items donated during the supply drive, May 13-24, will assist these nonprofit organizations in supporting the women and children they serve.
The Mt. Pleasant Women’s Initiative organizes Kay’s Way, which honors the memory of Kay Krapohl Smith, daughter of Krapohl Ford co-founder Robert Krapohl and the mother of current dealership co-owner Mark Smith. Kay, who became a co-owner of the dealership, was one of the co-founders of the Women’s Initiative. She was involved in community projects in multiple counties, and our ongoing community commitment honors her and the founders of our dealership.
“This is a special time of year for us at Krapohl,” Mark said. “My mother believed in giving back and working to make our community better. Our ‘Local Dealership. Local Commitment’ tagline came about in part because we continue to share her belief in getting involved.”
When Kay passed in 2008, her obituary listed more than 30 volunteer organizations she had served. The Women’s Initiative created Kay’s Day, an annual fundraising social gathering, in her honor. The pandemic of 2020 put that on hold, and it was transformed in 2021 as the Kay’s Way supply drive.
Donations of supplies for the Isabella County Child Advocacy Center, the Foster Closet of Isabella County and R.I.S.E. Advocacy can be dropped off in the Krapohl sales showroom and at Weichert Realtors-Broadway Realty.
On May 22, every dollar spent by customers on oil changes at the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center at Krapohl will go to the Kay’s Way supply drive partners, to purchase the items most needed by their constituents.
Here’s a closer look at each of this year’s partner organizations.
Isabella County Child Advocacy Center
The message from Britnee Neitzke is simple: “You can’t turn a blind eye to child abuse.”
Neitzke is in her third year as president and CEO of the Child Advocacy Center, which works with alleged victims of sexual or severe physical abuse or have witnessed violence.
“It’s important to understand child abuse exists in our community and to be able to recognize signs of abuse,” she said.
Three pillars make up the bulk of services the Child Advocacy Center provides:
- Forensic interviews: These usually are recorded single-session interviews conducted by trained professionals when child abuse is suspected or if a child has witnessed violence. Extended multi-session forensic interviews are conducted when children are involved in criminal or child protection investigations. More than 200 forensic interviews are conducted each year.
- Advocacy: Each child and family that come to the center are teamed with a family advocate. This relationship continues after the initial visit, throughout the investigation and court process. The advocacy may include crisis counseling, referrals to a sexual abuse treatment program, a medical exam, community resources, and/or prevention education.
- Prevention education: The Child Advocacy Center conducts sessions, such as its “Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children” program, which teaches adults how to prevent, recognize and react to child abuse. The Center provides several other programs, including those in every public school in Isabella County. Some school programs are geared for first- to third-graders, while others focus on seventh- to ninth-graders. These programs reach more than 8,000 people each year.
Items to donate to the Child Advocacy Center: Feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, styling products, hair accessories, shaving cream, deodorant, snacks, water, gas cards.
Foster Closet of Isabella County
Through special events, welcome packages to new teens and children, and outreach to the community for volunteers and supplies, a team of part-time volunteers works in Clare and Isabella counties. The Foster Closet started in 2014, and the Kay’s Way supply drive will especially help with the welcome packages and other needs for foster children and teens.
Items to donate to the Foster Closet: Underwear, socks, hairbrushes and accessories, feminine hygiene products, duffle bags, backpacks, makeup, nail polish, twin sheet sets.
R.I.S.E. Advocacy
R.I.S.E. Advocacy provides intimate partner and sexual assault support services in Isabella, Clare and Gratiot counties. Services it provides include free advocacy, counseling and support to survivors of assault.
The R.I.S.E. website offers help to those who feel they or their children are in an unsafe environment. If necessary, R.I.S.E. can provide emergency shelter for victims and their children. The organization also has legal advocates who can help clients across the three counties.
R.I.S.E. has a 24-hour help line for additional information or to talk with someone: 844-349-6177.
Items to donate to R.I.S.E. Advocacy: Twin sheets and comforters, pillows, bath towels, underwear, deodorant, laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaning supplies.
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.
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