In 2025, the Ford Motor Company presented the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously to Bert Boeckmann, via his son, Beau, in Detroit. This was the last of many automotive awards and accolades that Mr. Boeckmann received over his life. The Boeckmann Family noted upon his passing in 2023 that, “he was a man of unwavering faith, as well as incredible kindness, integrity, caring, compassion, and a remarkable humanitarian.”
Bert Boeckmann began working his way up the ranks at Galpin Ford, starting in sales at the age of 22 in 1953, becoming General Manager at 26, President 11 years later, and finally owner. Galpin Ford was also America’s first in-dealership restaurant in 1966 with The Horseless Carriage, which continues today with a renowned chef at the helm in the kitchen.
A man in constant motion who built an automotive empire that includes Ford, Lincoln, Lotus, Aston Martin, Volkswagen, Porsche, Genesis, Volvo, Polestar, Subaru, Honda, Mazda, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Ford awarded Galpin Ford as the number 1 volume Ford dealer for a record 29 years in a row. Other awards included –
Ford Motor Company’s inaugural Dealer Hall of Fame (2017)
Time Magazine’s National Quality Dealer of the Year (1985)
Bert Boeckmann also received the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, given to exceptional leaders who have triumphed over adversity to achieve greatness.
Bert Boeckmann is credited with such industry innovations, including in-house vehicle customizing (“Galpinize it!”), and firsts like a sunroof installation, custom conversion vans, and offering leasing to individual customers.
The Ford Lifetime Achievement Award is the last in the life of a man who was always first. Herbert F. “Bert” Boeckmann II served as a pioneer, leader, and servant to the community. In an article upon his passing in 2023, Pegi Matsuda, former publisher of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, said of Bert Boeckmann, “He was the kind of person who showed up.”
