Accessories make your vehicle work for your lifestyle. For example, a remote starter can ensure a clean windshield and warm car on a cold Michigan morning. A bedliner for a truck prevents scratches. A backup camera makes it easier to park and, of course, back up.
Accessories also make great gifts. Here are the top five suggestions from your team at Krapohl Body Shop and Custom Accessories:
The FloorLiner HP is the latest line of car and truck mats from WeatherTech.
WeatherTech floor mats: Noah Pontius, one of our estimators and often among the first to greet customers in person or on the phone, said WeatherTech has a variety of floor mats to keep vehicle interiors clean and dry. One of the company’s newer products — FloorLiner HP — is “more rubbery,” according to Noah, making it easier to take in and out of a truck or car.
Remote start system for Fords: If you haven’t experienced starting your car from inside the house with a push or two on a key fob, it’s time to try it out. A remote start makes cold-weather mornings easier to handle. Noah said remote starts can work with existing keys on vehicles made since 2018. Older models will need a button added to a fob.
Running boards: It’s great to drive an F-150, Ranger or other type of pickup. Running boards look good and make it easier for everybody to enter or exit the truck. There are several styles of running boards, and Krapohl has several models to look at.
Roll-up bed covers for trucks: Again, customers can choose from several styles of convenient
The Revolver4X hard-rolling cover offers convenience and security.
roll-up bed covers. Noah pointed out a newer version from Bak — the RevolverX4. It’s a hard rolling cover that latches automatically to provide security. TruXPort offers a more economical model that also offers easy installation.
Spray-in bedliners: Another one for the trucks. A spray-in bedliner prevents chips, scratches and rusting of the bed. Bonus: They should last the lifetime of the truck. Drop-in bedliners are another option.
Other items to consider: Undercoating, keyless entry systems, heated seats, seat covers, mud flaps and hood deflectors.
Curious? Stop by Krapohl Body Shop and Custom Accessories or give us a call at 989-773-3105.
A 1977 Ford LTD sold by Krapohl Ford & Lincoln now has a home in Thurso, Scotland.
Original sales papers still in glove box of 44-year-old pristine vehicle
The dealer plate from Krapohl remains a part of the vehicle, which has just 72,424 miles on it.
In June 1977, Delmar Allen of Clare bought a new red Ford LTD from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln. Dealership co-founder Harold Krapohl signed the paperwork.
It was a roomy ride. At more than 4,000 pounds, a ’77 LTD weighed more than some of today’s F-150s. Its 351 V8 engine chewed through gasoline at 12 mpg, and it took a leisurely 11.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. The LTD was 211 inches long — about a foot more than a 2022 Explorer.
Today, 44 years later, Delmar’s LTD appears spotless and ready for a long trip. It’s also 3,436 miles from the Krapohl Ford & Lincoln lot, now located in the northernmost town on the British mainland.
Dave Cochrane of Thurso, Scotland, reached out on Facebook last week. He recently purchased the ’77 LTD and noted the original paperwork from Krapohl Ford Sales came with it. The Krapohl nameplate remains on the trunk. The interior is lush, with red carpeting and seats. Even the door panels and steering wheel are red. Fake wood outlines the dashboard.
The odometer reads 72,424 miles, an average of 1,646 miles per year.
“I think the car has only been in the UK for about three years, and it has been used a fair bit —15,000 miles in the last two years,” Cochrane wrote. “It has been well cared for.
“When I got the car and saw the dealer’s badge, I just thought to Google it,” he wrote. “I was surprised to see you still sell Fords to this day, and that’s what spurred me to contact you.”
The interior is spotless and looks much as it would have in 1977.
A classic car and a classic photo: Ford Mustang pedal cars made children happy in 1965. Krapohl will serve as a Toys for Tots collection site for new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 10.
Three Cram a Cruiser (and a classic Ford!) Toys for Tots events set for December
There’s nothing quite like a child opening holiday presents. Which is why Krapohl Ford & Lincoln and the Mt. Pleasant Police invite you to join them in supporting the 2021 Marine Toys for Tots campaign.
Krapohl will serve as a collection site for new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 10. The dealership also will join the police department for three “Cram a Cruiser” events, bringing a classic Ford to fill with toys as well.
These are great opportunities for the family to explore a police vehicle and vintage Ford while experiencing the joy of giving. The dates, times and locations of the events are:
- Thursday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln on Pickard Street
- Friday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m.to 8 p.m., during Mt. Pleasant’s Christmas Celebration on Broadway and Main streets
- Wednesday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street
Will you join us? Your gifts will deliver holiday magic to local children. #LocalDealership #LocalCommitment
Marine Toys for Tots is rated one of the top charities by “Philanthropy 400” and meets all 20 standards established by the Better Business Bureau WiseGiving Alliance.
An apprentice learns Krapohl’s ways from a master
Brandon Sadler, left, laughs at a comment from Doug Randall while working on a vehicle part.
One year later, Brandon Sadler on his way to a Body Shop career
Doug Randall and Brandon Sadler both stood in front of vehicles, working to repair front ends on a busy, noisy Thursday morning at Krapohl Body Shop and Custom Accessories.
Doug Randall has been with Krapohl Body Shop and Custom Accessories for 23 years. “I didn’t have a mentor when I started, but I was like a prairie dog, watching how the others handled the tough jobs.”
The two men have worked side by side for much of the past year as Doug, in his 23rd year working in the Body Shop at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, has mentored Brandon on the fine art of taking a crumpled car and making it look new again.
The pairing is one of the latest examples of Krapohl leaders recognizing young employees who have room for growth and assigning them a mentor to set them up for long-term success.
Brandon, a 28-year-old Mount Pleasant High School graduate, arrived at Krapohl about six years ago and worked as part of the team in the Quick Lane Tire & Center attached to Krapohl. From there, he moved to the Body Shop, first as an estimator before asking Kevin Telfor, the manager, if there was hands-on work he could learn.
“I really enjoy cars,” Brandon said. “I have a Ford Focus RS and two BMW project cars at home.”
Being paired with Doug, Brandon said, has allowed him to reach the point where he handles most projects on his own and can call on Doug or another technician if it’s more complicated.
“The basic mechanics, I pretty much have that down,” he said. “Krapohl has been good. I think they knew I was somebody who would put forth the effort in any job. Doug is a good teacher; he goes at your pace and never makes it overwhelming.”
Doug, who learned body repair in his family’s business, said he has mentored several apprentices at Krapohl. Newcomers such as Brandon who are a bit older tend to do well, in his opinion. A natural aptitude toward mechanics and automobiles helps, too.
“This isn’t for everybody,” Doug said. “It takes years and years to get all of it down, and just when you think you know it all, you’ll see something new. It can be a little scary for a new person to see a car all gnarled up, and you have to decide where and how to begin.”
Doug said helping employees find their best fit and encouraging them to get the necessary education, certifications and mentoring is one reason the dealership is successful.
“There is no other place like this,” Doug said. “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.”
Brandon, when asked if he’s found his career, was quick to respond. “I think so, yeah.”
Krapohl delivers the magic to area children
A Mt. Pleasant Police Department cruiser will be at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln from 3-5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 to collect donations for Toys for Tots.
Toys for Tots special event set for Dec. 2; collection continues through Dec. 10
The Marine Toys for Tots program has created holiday cheer since 1947 with more than 604 million toys for children across the U.S.
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln helps deliver the magic locally, because we believe every child deserves to experience the wonder of wrapping paper, bows and ultimately, a new toy or game.
The back of a Mt. Pleasant Police Department cruiser can hold many toys for children.
The dealership once again is a Toys for Tots collection site, through Dec. 10. This year, we’re excited to partner with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and will host its first “Cram a Cruiser” event from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2. We’ll add a classic Ford to the scene, making room for lots of new, unwrapped and unopened toys.
It’s a great opportunity to let the family explore a police vehicle and vintage Ford while experiencing the joy of giving.
We applaud the Mt. Pleasant Police and community residents who routinely help the department win the area’s Toys for Tots Law Enforcement Challenge. That includes last year, when MPPD won the Challenge trophy by collecting more than half of the 2,006 toys gathered by area law enforcement officers for local children.
Please join us in making the holidays bright for local children.
Marine Toys for Tots is rated one of the top charities by “Philanthropy 400” and meets all 20 standards established by the Better Business Bureau WiseGiving Alliance.
Not long ago, we found a 20-year-old newspaper in a file cabinet with a full-page advertisement that named every Krapohl Ford & Lincoln employee, thanking them for earning numerous People’s Choice Awards.
The 2021 full-page newspaper advertisement we used to thank customers for voting for us in the People’s Choice Awards for Isabella County.
Honors from customers are the highest compliments we receive. The same goes for constructive criticism, which helps us see ourselves in a different light and often leads to important adjustments in how we do business.
The 2021 People’s Choice Awards for Isabella County were announced recently, and for the 23rd consecutive year, Krapohl Ford & Lincoln was named the top automotive dealership. Our service department was No. 1 for the 19th consecutive year.
In all, we earned 13 awards:
- Auto Body Shop
- Auto Oil/Lube
- Auto Sales Professional, New: 1. James Yun; 2. Jeremy Skeleton
- Auto Sales Professional, Used: 1. Jeremy Skeleton; 2. James Yun
- Auto Service Department
- Auto Dealer, New
- Auto Dealer, Used
- Truck Dealer, New
- Truck Dealer, Used
- Auto Body Shop
- Auto & Truck/Detailer
As we said in the advertisement in this year’s full-page ad, we thank all of our customers, and we pledge to continue to earn your trust as your full-service dealership.
And the great thing about that full-page ad from 20 years ago? Many of the same employees still are part of the Krapohl team.
Community Cancer Services is entirely run by volunteers, which means 90 cents of every dollar donated during fundraising efforts goes straight to residents.
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln is a regular sponsor of CCS events
We’ve all been there, or likely will be someday. Whether it’s us personally, a family member or a friend, a cancer diagnosis is scary. Treatment is expensive, time consuming and sometimes requires travel.
That’s why Community Cancer Services was founded nearly 40 years ago. It exists to help residents of Isabella County with treatment costs and transportation expenses. Just recently, thanks to support from Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, CCS now has the ability to provide a driver or rental vehicle free of charge when there’s no other answer.
The organization is entirely run by volunteers, which means 90 cents of every dollar donated during fundraising efforts goes straight to residents.
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln has been a frequent sponsor of the annual Cancer Awareness Walk and Survivor Celebration at the county fairgrounds. The dealership also supports CCS’ Central Michigan Area Concert Band’s Veteran’s Day Concert each November. The two events are key to the organization’s outreach.
“We’ve seen employees, friends and family members struggle with cancer,” said Mark Smith, Krapohl general manager and co-owner. “The diagnosis, treatment and impact on the daily lives of those with cancer, and their family members and friends, is enormous. Supporting them financially through their journey is so important.”
Community Cancer Services is unique to Isabella County. It is not affiliated with national cancer organizations. The CCS “donate” web page includes information about its fundraising events and various ways to make a contribution.
CCS is one of the organizations promoted by Krapohl each month this year, as a way of recognizing their impact and rallying community members to get involved through volunteering and financial gifts.
“Helping neighbors and friends is not only our responsibility, it’s been our way of life at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln for more than 70 years. We’re hoping to expand a greater sense of community because it’s needed now more than ever,” Smith said.
GI Tech Center students tour Krapohl Ford & Lincoln
Retired master technician Ray Garver, right, explains a repair underway in the service area at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln to Carter Filhart, left, and Kyle Stephenson.
Automotive students enjoy close-up look at career opportunities
Ray Garver was back on the service floor Tuesday in an old Krapohl Ford & Lincoln work uniform. The master technician retired in April after working more than 40 years for Krapohl. He returned for an opportunity to pass on his passion for the automotive world to two teenagers.
Ray Garver explains how every area of a vehicle is complex, even the seats, which include motors and heating elements.
Accompanying him on a tour of the facilities was Carter Filhart, 17, and Kyle Stephenson, 15, from Mount Pleasant High School. Both are students in the “Introduction to Auto Repair” course through the Gratiot-Isabella Technical Education Center.
The three started in the service area where Casey Gott worked on a large diesel engine that needed extensive work. Filhart and Stephenson saw various projects underway with cars and other trucks, including an F-550 that needed its entire diesel exhaust system installed after a thief was caught trying to steal it to sell the metal.
The three-hour tour included introductions to the Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, the reconditioning department, body shop, parts department and sales area.
“I liked it all, especially the body shop,” Filhart said. “I didn’t realize how big this place is. I thought it was just working on engines, but it’s all sorts of things.”
Service Manager Jeff Slocum has a long relationship with the GI Tech Center, and he set up the tours. Garver soon will lead more small groups of students through the Krapohl shops. He told Filhart and Stephenson how Krapohl works with new hires to train them and set them up for classes to earn certifications. “It’s not really work if you love what you do,” Garver said.
“I learned that if you want to get into this, there are a lot of options in this type of work,” Stephenson said. “I got a good idea of what you can do.”
Mark Smith, co-owner and general manager of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, said he and his wife, Shelly, are committed to helping education in the community.
Mark and Shelly Smith have been involved at Renaissance Public School Academy since their three sons started going there — and the oldest now is 21.
Shelly would read with students, taught Spanish and served as president of the parent teacher organization at the K-8 school on Isabella Road. Mark then joined the school board, and today serves as its president.
“Kids and education are important,” said Mark, a third-generation owner of Mount Pleasant’s only locally owned and operated, full-service dealership. “I grew up watching my parents give back to the community, and Shelly and I work to instill that same ethic in our boys.”
The Smiths are co-owners of Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, along with Tom Krapohl. Those who know them say their influence and impact goes far beyond their immediate family.
“Mark and Shelly are champions for Renaissance and the community as a whole,” said Lisa Bergman, executive director of the school. “They’re role models. Businesses such as Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, which has been a community leader for decades, help all of us. They also challenge all of us to care more and help more.”
The Smiths live west of Mount Pleasant, in the Montebella school district. They began exploring options after learning the boys would have a 45-minute bus ride each way, to and from school.
Mark is proud of positioning Renaissance to buy its building and supporting the leadership team and staff as they reshaped the school with an emphasis on project-based learning.
“Renaissance offers something unique in the community,” Mark said. “The school is in strong financial shape, and students and teachers alike are happy.
“It’s gratifying to watch teachers guide students as they dig in and do projects that expand their knowledge of the world, help them identify their passions and build their confidence. This has been a good school for our family,” he said.
Lisa Diaz Sytsema, vice president of the board, said Mark’s constant view of what’s best for students is invaluable.
“Mark is committed to keeping students and the entire school community as our center of focus. His leadership and business expertise are essential when we take on new initiatives that advance learning experiences,” Sytsema said.
Krapohl Ford & Lincoln loans the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers Team at Central Michigan University vehicles to travel to in-state races and this year will paint the Baja and formula car frames in the Krapohl Body Shop.
The owners and leaders at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln have a soft spot for students.
You’ll often find a high school grad or college student — or two, or three — on the staff. Ray Garver, who retired this spring as a top-tier automotive technician, has spent more than 32 years supporting and mentoring students through his involvement with advisory boards at the Gratiot Isabella Tech Center, Ferris State University, Mount Pleasant High School and Mid Michigan College. Service manager Jeff Slocum also is involved with some of those boards.
“It’s our responsibility to help prepare the next generation for careers in the automotive world,” Krapohl general manager and co-owner Mark Smith said. “Students can find great careers at local dealerships, at major automotive companies and at suppliers. It’s gratifying to help students develop their skills.”
As part of its efforts to promote local organizations, Krapohl in September will highlight educational partners — working to inspire others to get involved in supporting students as well.
One such group is the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers Team at Central Michigan University, which challenges students to engineer, fabricate and race developmental, single-passenger, off-road vehicles. It’s a real-world manufacturing project that teaches students skills such as engineering, technology, logistics and marketing.
This year, Krapohl again will loan the team vehicles to travel to in-state races and will paint both the Baja and formula car frames in the Krapohl Body Shop.
“The Krapohl Body Shop works on any make and model of vehicle — from the largest RVs to these exciting, single-person, student-designed racing cars from the Baja team,” Smith said. “This kind of project is fun, especially since it helps students.”
Ben Ritter, a CMU faculty member who works with the Baja team, said Krapohl is a longtime team supporter.
“We once had a team stranded at Michigan Tech during a winter race, and Krapohl just sent a driver up to rescue them,” Ritter said. “That kind of local commitment makes a difference.”
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