Ford honored the chairman and CEO of California-based Galpin Motors, Bert Boeckmann, by presenting him with its first “Dealer Hall of Fame” award. This is not a surprise to those following the carmaker’s sales numbers. For 27 years, Galpin Ford has pushed more vehicles out of showroom doors than any other of the brand’s franchised dealers.
The 86-year-old Boeckmann began his career at Galpin Motors in 1953, as a salesman. Four years later, he was the general manager for the company. By 1968, he was president and majority stakeholder. In addition to holding the franchise for the largest-volume Ford dealership, the 71-year-old company also represents 11 other brands, including Honda, Subaru, Volkswagen and Jaguar.
Although sales volume is a qualifying factor, induction into the Dealer Hall of Fame also requires a dealer be admired, respected and loved by the people at Ford Motor Company, Ford Credit, their own employees and other dealers. To commemorate his induction, Boeckmann was given a large Super Bowl-like ring.
Making history, the brand’s vice president of marketing sales and service, Mark LaNeve, announced, “It was my great honor to induct Bert Boeckmann into the inaugural Ford Hall of Fame.
