NORTH HILLS, Calif. — Galpin Motors Chairman and CEO Bert Boeckmann was presented with Ford Motor Company’s first “Dealer Hall of Fame” award last week. The honor recognizes his lifetime of achievement, outstanding performance and inspirational leadership.

Galpin Ford also received more than 12 additional awards, including recognition for being the No. 1 volume Ford dealer for a record 27 years in a row.

“The objective criteria is really, which of the dealers in this top volume group are universally admired, respected and loved by folks at Ford Motor Co., Ford Credit, by their employees and especially by other Ford dealers?” asked Mark LaNeve, vice president of marketing sales and service for Ford’s U.S. operation during last Thursday’s presentation. “It was my great honor to induct Bert Boeckmann into the Inaugural Ford Hall of Fame.”

Boeckmann joined Galpin in 1953 as a salesman. By 1957, Boeckmann, who was 26 at the time, was general manager of the company. By 1968, he became president and majority stakeholder and the rest is history. Today, Boeckmann is widely recognized as the most honored and successful automobile dealer in America. According to Ford officials, he has achieved a record of success for a single franchise, single location dealer that is unparalleled in the automotive retail industry.

“My father is the most honest man I know, the hardest working person I know and sincerely cares about every customer and employee,” said Beau Boeckmann, president and COO of Galpin Motors. “Without his dedication to our customers and employees, Galpin would not be where it is today. I’m thankful to Ford for their support and recognition, and I couldn’t think of a better first-time recipient than my dad.”

Galpin, which celebrated its 70th anniversary last year, has always been a pioneer in the dealership industry. In the ‘60s, Galpin began leasing cars to individuals before dealerships were even leasing to companies. In 1966, Galpin opened America’s first in-dealership restaurant, The Horseless Carriage, which is still a success today. The dealership also coined the term “Galpinizing” for its world-renowned custom vehicles.

Today, Galpin operates 12 franchises in addition to its customization shop, Galpin Auto Sports.