Remembering Bert Boeckmann: A Legacy of Selfless Leadership and Community Service at Galpin Ford

Bert Boeckmann stands outside his dealership on Roscoe Blvd. (Courtesy Galpin Motors) It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the passing of Bert Boeckmann, the CEO and owner of Galpin Ford, at the age of 92. Boeckmann was a true automotive legend, and his impact on the industry and the community will be felt for years to come. Boeckmann was born in Los Angeles in 1930 and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He attended Van Nuys High School before enrolling at San Fernando Valley State College (now California State University, Northridge) to study business.

After college, Boeckmann joined the Air National Guard and served for six years before returning to the San Fernando Valley to start his career in the automotive industry. He began his career at Galpin Ford as a salesperson in 1953 and quickly made a name for himself as a hard-working and dedicated employee.

Boeckmann's legacy at Galpin Ford is selfless leadership and a commitment to excellence.

In 1963, Boeckmann became the owner of Galpin Ford, and he remained in that role until his passing. Under his leadership, Galpin Ford grew into one of the largest and most successful Ford dealerships in the world. The dealership has received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious President's Award from Ford Motor Company, which recognizes excellence in customer satisfaction and sales. Boeckmann's focus on customer service and innovation helped to set Galpin Ford apart from its competitors. He was always on the cutting edge of new automotive technology and was quick to adopt new features and trends to meet the changing needs of his customers. For example, Galpin Ford was one of the first dealerships to offer a dedicated electric vehicle showroom, a testament to Boeckmann's forward-thinking approach

Beyond his success in the automotive industry, Boeckmann was also known for his philanthropic efforts. He and his team at Galpin Ford donated millions of dollars to charitable causes, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the American Cancer Society. Boeckmann believed in giving back to the community that had given him so much, and his generosity touched countless lives.

While Boeckmann's passing is a great loss to the automotive industry and the community, his legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the success of Galpin Ford. He will be remembered as a true American success story and an inspiration to us all.