If you’ve lived anywhere near Marysville or Plain City over the last century, that blue oval sign with the Chapman name wasn't just a place to buy a truck. It was a landmark. It was basically a permanent fixture of the central Ohio landscape. But things look a little different now on Columbus Avenue. In July 2025, a massive shift happened that caught a lot of locals off guard, even though the rumors had been swirling for a bit.
Bob Chapman Marysville Ohio isn't just a name on a building; it represents four generations of one family sticking it out through the Great Depression, multiple wars, and the total transformation of how Americans buy cars.
What actually happened to the dealership?
Honestly, it’s the end of an era. Joe Chapman, the fourth-generation dealer principal, officially sold the store to Coughlin Automotive. The deal closed on July 8, 2025. It wasn't a snap decision. Joe mentioned it was one of the most emotional choices of his life, which makes sense when your family has been selling Fords since 1913.
- Think about that.
That’s the same year Henry Ford rolled out the moving assembly line for the Model T. George Butler Chapman started the whole thing in Plain City before the business eventually planted its roots firmly in Marysville. For 112 years, a Chapman was at the helm. Now, the sign says Coughlin Ford of Marysville.
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The Men Behind the Name
People often get confused because there are a few "Bob Chapmans" in the family tree. You’ve got the original legacy and then the subsequent Roberts who kept the engine running.
- George Butler Chapman: The founder who started it all in 1913.
- Robert R. "Bob" Chapman: A local legend who passed away in 2005 at the age of 97. This guy was a pilot, a ham radio operator, and took over the Ford shop during the heart of the Depression in 1935.
- Robert G. Chapman: Joe’s father, who continued the expansion.
- Joe Chapman: The most recent owner who navigated the dealership through the crazy inventory shortages of the early 2020s before deciding to retire.
It's a common mistake to mix up this Bob Chapman with the famous CEO of Barry-Wehmiller in St. Louis. That Bob Chapman is known for "Truly Human Leadership" and wrote the book Everybody Matters. While they share a name and a knack for business, the Marysville Chapmans are the ones who built the Ohio automotive dynasty.
Why Joe Chapman decided to sell
Retirement is the big reason. After 112 years, sometimes you just want to focus on other interests. Joe expressed that he wanted to ensure the legacy landed in good hands, and Coughlin Automotive—which already had a massive footprint in Marysville with Chevy and Jeep stores—seemed like the right fit.
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The dealership is a beast. We’re talking 28,000 square feet on about six acres. It has 24 service bays and that Ford Quick Lane that many of you probably used for oil changes.
The good news for the 2026 car buyer? Coughlin kept all the employees. So, while the name on your license plate frame might change, the mechanic who’s been working on your F-150 for a decade is likely still there.
Community Impact Beyond Cars
You can't talk about Bob Chapman Marysville Ohio without mentioning the "Chapman Cares" initiatives. They weren't just about moving metal. They were the ones donating "Little Annie" CPR training systems to the Jerome Township Division of Fire. They sponsored the Classic Car Cruise-In that used to take over Plain City every summer.
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They were part of the Golden Buckeye program, offering discounts to seniors, and were deeply involved with the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association. It’s that "hometown" feel that a lot of people worry will disappear when a family-owned shop gets absorbed by a larger automotive group.
What most people get wrong
Some folks think the dealership closed because of the shift to Electric Vehicles (EVs) or because Ford was putting pressure on smaller dealers. That’s not really the case here. The Marysville shop was a high-performer. It was the oldest Ford dealership in the state of Ohio. You don't survive a century by being bad at business. This was a legacy transition, plain and simple.
What's next for Marysville Ford owners?
If you have a warranty or a service contract from the Bob Chapman era, don't panic. Coughlin Ford of Marysville has taken over those operations. The facility is already "Ford image-compliant," so you won't see a massive construction zone there anytime soon. They’re basically hitting the ground running.
The inventory in 2026 is looking a lot better than it did a few years ago, too. Whether you're looking for a new Bronco or one of the updated Lightning models, the lot is full again.
Actionable Steps for Locals:
- Check your Service Records: If you were a regular at Chapman, your data should have migrated to the Coughlin system, but it's worth a phone call to confirm your next scheduled maintenance.
- Update your GPS: Some older systems still list the location as "Bob Chapman Ford." Make sure you search for "Coughlin Ford of Marysville" to get the most accurate hours and contact info.
- Support the Transition: Reach out to your usual salesperson. Most of the team stayed on, and they appreciate the continuity from long-time customers.
The era of family-owned, century-old dealerships is shrinking. Watching the Chapman legacy transition is a reminder of how much Marysville has grown from a small farming hub to a major automotive center. The name might be different, but the 112-year-old foundation isn't going anywhere.