Koch Ford Lincoln

The Many Faces of Koch Ford Lincoln

By Nerissa McNaughton

Koch Ford Lincoln’s focus is on people; and that is what drives their success.

Dealerships abound in Edmonton, but there are many reasons why Koch Ford Lincoln is set apart.

Rather than focusing on moving cars off the lot, their focus is entirely on customer service – and this is an area in which this dealership excels.

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ew businesses exemplify the term family business as Koch Ford Lincoln. Started in 1965 by the Koch brother’s father and uncles, the dealership has been in the family ever since. Today, David Koch, president of Koch Automotive Group (KAG) runs the dealership along with brothers and partners, Duane and Rick.

The dealership has changed with the times as much as the cars on the lot. The Koch family started the dealership as Koch Mercury Sales. That changed to Koch Mercury Lincoln in 1968 and again to Koch Ford Lincoln in the mid-90s. The 90s also saw the first expansion to include the second branch, DK Ford Leduc. The Koch brothers worked at the dealership since the 70s and they purchased the flagship store from their uncles Original partners. Loris Koch, Les Koch, Murray in 2003. In 2005, KAG opened Koch Ford AthaKoch and Frank Paege 1965. basca.

Dealerships abound in Edmonton, but there are many reacustomers and staff, you have a completely successful business.” sons why Koch Ford Lincoln is set apart. Rather than focusing This progressive people-first philosophy is seen in Koch Ford on moving cars off the lot, their focus is entirely on customer Lincoln’s diversity of departments, their varied marketing stratservice – and this is an area in which this dealership excels. egy, and their contributions to charitable causes.

An example of this difference is seen in the Lincoln departKoch Ford Lincoln is made up of several departments. New ment. Ford Lincolns are a specialized brand that exemplifies vehicles is where you will find the 2013 and highly anticipated luxury and elegance. Koch Ford Lincoln has a separate depart2014 models. Ford Fusion, C-Max Hybrid, Edge, Escape, F-150, ment for Lincoln. The staff are specifically trained in all aspects LINCOLN MKX, MKZ, MKS, Navigator – they are all available of this brand. When a customer comes to test drive a Lincoln here at prices that are hard to beat. If you prefer a great selection or have one serviced, their needs are handled by specialists that of pre-owned vehicles, Koch Ford Lincoln has a large line up of know every nuance of these distinctive vehicles. older models. The fleet department, which is one of the stronIt is not as though Lincoln customers receive any better treatgest and most active fleet departments in Alberta, has everyment, however. Each and every customer receives first class thing you want for your company’s vehicle needs. Whether you service, whether they are browsing in the pre-owned departwant one vehicle or many, the fleet specialists at Koch have a ment or checking out a new model. “The number one imporsolution for you. In addition to high-quality fleet vehicles, Ford tant thing in the dealership is customer service,” says General Quality Fleet Care, Business Preferred Total Transportation SoManager Kurtz. “The number two thing is our employees. Putlutions for Canadian Business, and the Commercial Customer ting people first is what makes a business a success. We strive Incentive programs are also available. for completely satisfied customers. When you’ve got satisfied

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Of course, no Ford product is complete without a range of accessories; and Koch Ford Lincoln has those too. Koch Ford Lincoln keeps an impressive stock of Ford parts, including oil filters, cabin filters, windshield wipers, axels, struts, brakes, batteries and more. Parts can be ordered in person, online or by phones and don’t forget to check out the Koch Ford Lincoln website (kochfordlincoln.com/ parts-department.htm) to save money with their deals and specials on parts.

The collision department is comprised of the body shop and the detail centre. The body shop cares for your car as you care for your health following an accident. Knowing that no accident is a pleasant experience, they promise not to add to the stress you are going through. A team of painstaking perfectionists gets your car back on the road in record time.

If you have not had an accident but simply want to give your car a little something special, the body shop is happy to oblige. From putting Lamborghini doors on a Ford Mustang to changing your vehicle’s paint colour, the body shop has what you need to keep your car looking its best.

Each visit to the detail shop makes your car look brand new.

The technicians are trained to deal with Ford’s wide variety of fabrics, finishes and trims ensuring your car gets the proper care from the inside out. Acid from bug splatter or bird droppings can damage your paint as can grease residue. The detail centre removes these dangers with tried and true yet gentle methods.

On the inside, the upholstery must be cleaned to maintain its strength. Your dashboard and doors must be moistened – not just to keep that glossy shine – but to also prevent creasing and cracking due to weather conditions. From a basic wash and dry to a state-of-the-art triple stage power polish, the detail centre has something for every car and every budget. With all the options available, there is no reason your car can’t always look brand new!

There is more to Koch Ford Lincoln than their outstanding line up of high-quality vehicles and car services. For example, they have a program that offers subsidized rates for students that graduate in their field. They understand that a student just starting out needs reliable transportation to find and keep a job.

This program gives students the option to own a vehicle as they launch their career.

Congratulations Koch Ford Lincoln on your Grand Re-Opening & 10th Anniversary!

17229 - 103 Ave Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1J4 Tel: 780.436.2174 • Fax: 780.436.2179 • www.cpiconstruction.ca Koch Ford Lincoln | Page 3

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There is also a program for customers struggling with lessthan-fortunate credit. “We have a department at Koch where we arrange sub-prime credit for people who have had trouble financing in the past,” says David. Koch Ford Lincoln understand that unfortunate circumstances sometimes happen for reasons beyond our control. The sub-prime program puts a little of that control back in consumer’s hands.

Koch Ford Lincoln’s altruism extends outside of the dealerships as well. When the team was approached by the Rotary district to sponsor a dinner benefiting Rotary International, they were all for it and KAG became the title sponsor. In addition to the funds the Rotarians pledged to the foundation, the $10,000 tickets created $1 million in immediate funds. Overall all, $4.3 million was raised. The funds will be distributed among communities worldwide.

KAG is also involved in the Ford Mobility Program. This program assists those whose vehicles require special adaptations such as hand driving controls and wheelchair lifts. Under the program, new or leased Ford vehicles may be eligible for up to $1,000 in modifications. Koch Ford Lincoln works with Malley Industries Inc. to modify personal, commercial, para-transit and taxi vehicles to ensure people with all ranges of mobility can enjoy the safe, comfortable ride a Ford product offers.

As the vehicles get more progressive, so does Koch Ford Lincoln’s marketing strategies. “We have a business development center that takes care of our social media marketing, says David.

“We are involved in every aspect of social media marketing.”

David anticipates that 80 per cent of their advertising will be through social media over time. Currently, their social media marketing strategy is getting a little help from internal and external sources. While the general public is having fun commenting on posts and retweeting their information, an internal contest has staff sending media coordinator Laurie Callsen photos, videos, and content for all their online media platforms.

Each submission gets the sender an entry form into a draw. The prize? A weekend away at the Koch Ford condo in Canmore.

Rotary Million Dollar sponsorship.

Congratulations Koch Ford on your Grand Re-Opening & 10th Anniversary!

6115 30 St NW Edmonton, AB 1.780.466.8065 www.westerntruckbody.com

Congrats Koch Ford Lincoln! www.boltsecurity.net • B.N. (Brian) Gylytiuk, Tel: 780-454-5864

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Since the Ford brand has been around for many years, so have the various dealerships. Recently Ford decided it was time these buildings got a facelift. Koch Ford Lincoln was right on board with creating a better shopping experience for their customers and were quick to overhaul the look and feel of the dealership. New landscaping, a completely refreshed interior and a sumptuous Lincoln lounge are just some of the improvements you will see at Koch. The Lincoln lounge’s big-screen television, snack centre, massage chair and leather furniture make car owners want to take their car in for service so they can enjoy this luxurious treat.

So what is next for Koch Ford Lincoln? “Further expansion if the right opportunity comes along,” indicates David. Such expansion, however, does not mean KAG would lose that family feel. As David points out, for him nothing is better than “being in business with my family.” The Koch brothers have worked as family promoting the KAG brand for the majority of their careers. Now the second generation of Koch family members, their children and nephews, also work at Koch.

Koch Ford Lincoln drives forward with a newly renovated building, a thriving dealership, and many satisfied clients. The family business remains as strong as ever and there are no signs of that slowing down in the future. “It was always in our blood; in our family,” concludes the Koch family and management team. “It’s always been Ford.”

5121 Gateway Blvd NW Edmonton, AB T6H 5W5 (780) 434-8411 • 1-888-697-2294 www.kochfordlincoln.com

Manufacturer of high quality truck equipment and accessories for over 20 years. We have recently added custom manufactured service bodies, truck slip-ins and truck decks manufactured in quality steel, stainless steel and aluminum materials to our product line. www.advancemanufacturing.ca

Congrats to Koch Ford Lincoln!

ADVANCE MANUFACTURING LTD. – Congratulates KOCH FORD LINCOLN EDMONTON on its GRAND RE-OPENING & 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! 4612 ELENIAK ROAD NW EDMONTON, AB T6B 2S1 EMAIL: customflow@telus.net Phone: 780-463-1621 Fax: 780-463-1641

BOX 3733 Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3A9 780-962-8750 •1-800-668-4164 • meadowlarktowing.com

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