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.
Marine Toys for Tots has been around for 75 years and delivered more than 627 million toys and books to children. Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is once again a drop off for the annual Isabella County Toys for Tots event, and we’ll wrap up this year’s drive Thursday when we Cram a Cruiser from 3-5:30 p.m.
We have collection boxes for Toys For Tots set up in our sales showroom, Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center and the Krapohl Body Shop. Donated toys and books should be new and unwrapped.
Eastman’s Antique Apples/Forbidden Ciders in Wheeler is first stop in video series
Welcome to “Touring with Tom,” an occasional series designed to showcase the hidden gems, longtime favorites and exciting new spots that make Michigan’s central region so special. Tom Krapohl, second-generation owner of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, invites you along to experience, reminisce and maybe discover something new. Local Dealership. Local Commitment.
For Tom Krapohl, family trips in a car when he was a child usually meant another drive to Bay City to visit grandparents.
“It was to their house, and then to the graveyard. We got to not like those trips,” Tom, co-owner of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln said, laughing. “I really can’t think of any highlights. We rode in a ’57 Ford Fairlane. There were a lot of station wagons because there were three of us kids.”
Eastman’s Antique Apples/Forgotten Ciders co-owner Nicole Ward shows Tom and Mary Krapohl and their grandchildren Merritt, 10, and Jake, 8, how to load an old-style apple carrier.
As parents themselves, Tom and his wife, Mary, enjoyed taking short trips and traveling on vacations. They regularly included their children.
“Every year, we would do a family trip,” Mary said. “So now, our kids do. Our girls just did a trip to California to see Pink. They wanted Tom and I to go! I was like, ‘You know, you guys do this.’”
Tom and Mary’s love of adventure and arriving in a Ford continue. For the inaugural “Touring with Tom,” we arranged a behind-the-scenes look at Eastman’s Antique Apples in Wheeler. Like Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, the orchard is a multi-generational operation.
Tom and Mary were joined by two of their grandchildren, Merritt, 10, and Jake, 8. They rode in one of Ford’s hottest models, a full-size 2020 Bronco Wildtrak sporting an orange metallic tri-coat.
Orchard co-owner Nicole Ward set up Merritt and Jake in a prime spot while Tom donned the gear of long-ago apple pickers — a metal container with a cloth opening and straps to secure it to his body. The boys helped fill it after Ward taught them how to pick an apple by lifting and turning so it snapped off the tree.
She also brought tiny apples — a tart crabapple variety — for the boys. Both took one bite and grimaced. One signaled his review with a thumbs down.
Ward, who operates the farm with her husband, Rafe, and other family members, said the fifth-generation orchard has more than 1,000 varieties of apples and more than 3,000 apple trees.
“Basically, my husband’s grandfather and uncle treated apple trees like a baseball card collection,” Ward said. “Over time, we’ve learned what a rare, unique gem we have. I haven’t fully vetted it, but I think we are the largest commercial orchard — in terms of varieties. We might be the last holder of some of these types of apples.”
While the orchard itself is no longer open to the public, people do visit to enjoy its Forgotten Ciders tasting room, food trucks and live music. The apple variety creates a series of hard ciders with unique tastes, including the best-selling, red, dry and tart “Mad Russian.”
Eastman’s Forgotten Ciders is located at 1058 W. Midland-Gratiot County Line Road in Wheeler.
Loyalty works both ways at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln
Once again, the annual People’s Choice awards show people in Isabella County count on Krapohl Ford & Lincoln to be their full-service dealership.
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.
Annual customer appreciation event combines music and classic vehicles
Did you ever drive a Ford Falcon?
Do cool cars equal a good day in your world? If yes, put Thursday, July 21 on your calendar and stop by between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the annual car show at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln.
This free event is a way to show appreciation to our community and customers. It’s extra special this year as we thank all of you for your ongoing support and patience while our industry continues to wrestle with supply shortages and shifting norms in buying vehicles and getting service parts.
Over the past 72 years, customers have encouraged us, pushed us to go further, and joined us in making our communities better places to live and work.
Please stop in to wander among 200 cars and trucks of today and yesterday, meeting their owners and marveling at how these vehicles have taken us, our families and our friends to places near and far.
Youth soccer is one of many Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation activities that rely on volunteers.
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, Summit Smokehouse partner to sponsor awards
Parks and recreation programs are a pillar of so many communities, and Mt. Pleasant has one of the best.
Youth programs teach fundamental athletic skills in areas such as golf, T-ball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, while providing opportunities to learn and grow mentally and socially. In addition, programs such as PEAK and special events such as Thrilling Thursdays, the Farmers’ Market and the annual Christmas celebration engage our community throughout the year.
None of this would be possible without dedicated volunteers.
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is partnering with Summit Smokehouse and Mountain Town Brewing Co. to sponsor a new program recognizing Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation volunteers.
“Krapohl is proud to sponsor this new program to celebrate volunteers who give selflessly to provide special opportunities for our community,” said Mark Smith, co-owner and general manager of Krapohl.
The first volunteer will be announced later this week, and one will be announced each month throughout the year.
“We saw this as an incredible opportunity to recognize and give back to people in our community,” said Ryan Longoria, director of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation. “These volunteers give so much of their time and energy to be role models, mentors, and community partners, and allow us to put on all of the programming and events that help make our community such a great place to live.”
Volunteers recognized through this program will receive “The Works” from Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center at Krapohl, which includes a full oil and filter change, tire rotation, brake inspection, top off of fluids under the hood, battery test, air/cabin filter check and more. They also will receive a $50 gift certificate to Summit Smokehouse.
The 2021 Disney animated movie “Encanto” will be shown in the parking lot at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Saturday, June 25.
Families can enjoy Disney’s ‘Encanto’ while helping raise money for a great cause
Join Krapohl Ford & Lincoln for the animated Disney movie, “Encanto,” during a drive-in movie night Saturday, June 25. We’re partnering with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan Area 7. Donations collected at the event will benefit Special Olympics athletes at the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan.
The lot at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln will open for movie-goers at 7 p.m., and the movie will start at dusk. Suggested donation is $20 per vehicle, but any donation will be greatly appreciated. Reserve your spot today to receive free popcorn during the movie!
This event is co-sponsored by Keller Williams Signature Group Northern Michigan and MLT Transport, LLC.
Also, law enforcement officers will be at Krapohl from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on June 25 to conduct car seat safety checks. We thank the Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Safety and the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department for providing this important service for our community.
Event details:
Drive-in movie “Encanto” will benefit Special Olympics athletes at the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan
- Date: Saturday, June 25
- Time: Lot opens at 7; movie starts at dusk
- Location: Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, 1415 E Pickard Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI
Need an oil change? Krapohl Ford & Lincoln will donate 50% of all oil change sales on Friday, June 24 to Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan. Stop in anytime between 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
**PLEASE NOTE: Audio for this movie is provided via FM radio right through your vehicle.
Products, funds help women and girls through The Care Store, Clothing INC
The second annual Kay’s Way’s fundraiser and supply drive to collect items for women and girls of Isabella County raised $12,000 in May, a 58% increase from the inaugural campaign.
From left to right, Brian Chapman from Clothing INC, Mark Smith, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln co-owner and general manager, Jennifer Reinhardt, Erika Ross, Ramie Harrison, Linda Coyne, Leah Rau, Shannon Vautrin Browne, Maureen Starry — all from the Women’s Initiative — Julia Eigenbrood, the executive director at The Care Store and Paula Arndt from co-sponsor Weichert Realtors/Broadway Realty.
Kay’s Way, conducted by the Women’s Initiative and sponsored by Krapohl Ford & Lincoln and supported by Weichert Realtors/Broadway Realty, collected supplies for The Care Store and Clothing INC. Both organizations will distribute the donated items from their locations in the Strickler Nonprofit Center on High Street. All monetary donations will fund additional supplies.
“The products donated through Kay’s Way will help us for several months,” said Julia Eigenbrood, executive director of the Care Store. “All of the products we have in the Care Store are donated or purchased through financial donations. We need that help, that support. The Women’s Initiative and Krapohl Ford are just amazing how they help do that for us.”
Bryan Chapman of Clothing INC said the Kay’s Way drive provides key items that often do not come through regular donations.
“The Kay’s Way drive provides items we know we’re going to use — clean socks, underwear, bras — because the Women’s Initiative asked what we needed, and then they worked to get those things,” Chapman said.
Kay’s Way is named for Kay Krapohl Smith, daughter of Bob Krapohl, who founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln with his brother, Harold. Kay could be found working behind the scenes at Krapohl, raising her family and volunteering. She co-founded the Women’s Initiative 19 years ago, establishing it as an endowed fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.
When Kay passed away in 2008 at age 67, her obituary listed more than 20 volunteer organizations she had served, mostly in leadership roles. She was the Mt. Pleasant Citizen of the Year in 2006.
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln played host to an oil change fundraiser for Kay’s Way on May 18. All proceeds from oil changes went to the drive, and the event raised $4,133.
‘Kay’s Way’ honors Kay Krapohl Smith by collecting personal hygiene products May 9-25
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is partnering with the Women’s Initiative on this year’s Kay’s Way Supply Drive, May 9-25. The dealership is a drop-off site for items for women and girls of Isabella County.
Imagine your mom, daughter, friend, neighbor, or the woman you met yesterday not having essentials such as feminine hygiene or period products, underwear or shampoo. It happens more than we realize.
That’s why the Women’s Initiative is launching Kay’s Way today — a special drive to collect items for women and girls of Isabella County. The top 6 supplies needed are:
- Feminine hygiene/period products
- Underwear, socks and sports bras
- Deodorant
- Shampoo, conditioner and styling products
- Shaving cream, razors
- Lotion, moisturizer
Supplies and donations can be dropped off at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Pickard and Weichert Realtors on Broadway through Wednesday, May 25. Clothing INC and The Care Store will distribute all items from their locations in the Strickler Nonprofit Center on High Street. All monetary donations, which can be made at their locations or via their websites, will be used to buy additional supplies.
Kay’s Way is named for Kay Krapohl Smith, daughter of Bob Krapohl, who founded Krapohl Ford & Lincoln with his brother, Harold. Kay could be found working behind the scenes at Krapohl, raising her family and volunteering. She co-founded the Women’s Initiative 19 years ago through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.
When Kay passed away in 2008 at age 67, her obituary listed more than 20 volunteer organizations she served, mostly in leadership roles. She was the Mt. Pleasant Citizen of the Year in 2006.
In Kay’s honor, Krapohl also will have a special oil change fundraiser on Wednesday May 18, donating 100% of all oil change purchases at Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center to the supply drive.
The Women’s Initiative endowment has granted more than $100,000 to local organizations to support women and girls. It has funded coats, boots, diapers, formula, tricycles, a lunch that introduced eighth-grade girls to careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), Girls on the Run, and phone/video-conference mental-health services during the pandemic.
“Mom was a force and a role model for women,” said Mark Smith, her son and third-generation co-owner and general manager of Krapohl. “Tom (Krapohl, dealership co-owner and Kay’s cousin) and I are excited to partner with the Women’s Initiative and Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation to expand her impact.”
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