If you’ve ever driven down Roscoe Boulevard in North Hills, you’ve seen the sprawling 50-acre empire. It’s hard to miss. Thousands of cars, bright lights, and that iconic "Galpin" sign. But most people don’t realize that Jane and Bert Boeckmann weren't just "car people." Honestly, calling Bert a car dealer is like calling Julia Child a line cook. It technically fits, but it misses the entire point of the legacy they built.
Bert Boeckmann passed away in 2023, exactly two years to the day after Jane. It’s the kind of detail that sounds like a movie script, but for those who knew them, it felt right. They were a unit. While Bert was the face of the world's most successful Ford dealership—holding the #1 spot for 29 straight years—Jane was the architect of their cultural and philanthropic footprint.
The 1953 Accidental Hire
Basically, Bert didn't even want the job. In 1953, he went to Galpin Ford just to keep a friend company during an interview. The friend lasted six weeks. Bert stayed for 70 years.
Think about that for a second.
He started as a salesman at age 22. By 26, he was the General Manager. By 1968, he owned the place. He didn't come from money; he was the textbook definition of the Horatio Alger story, a fact later cemented when he actually received the Horatio Alger Award. He joined a list that includes U.S. Presidents.
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But what really made the Boeckmanns different wasn't just volume; it was the "Galpinizing" of the industry. Before every dealership had a customization wing, Bert was the one listening to kids in the 1960s who wanted to fix up their vans. He pioneered the surfer-van craze. He added fold-out beds and custom interiors when other dealers were just trying to move stock.
Jane Boeckmann: More Than a "Partner"
You've probably heard of the "First Lady of Galpin," but Jane was a powerhouse in her own right. She wasn't just standing by Bert’s side at ribbon cuttings. She was the President of World of Communications, Inc. and the publisher of Valley Magazine and L.A. Brides.
She basically curated the lifestyle of the San Fernando Valley for decades.
- Interior Design: She was the official designer for all Galpin facilities.
- Media: She produced award-winning documentaries like Desperate Passage.
- Logistics: She handled the massive charity events that defined the family's presence in Los Angeles.
One of their most "kinda-crazy-but-it-worked" ideas was opening The Horseless Carriage in 1966. It was America's first in-dealership restaurant. People thought they were nuts. Why put a full-service restaurant inside a car showroom? But Bert and Jane knew their customers. They wanted people to feel at home. Today, that restaurant still has chefs who came from the Beverly Hills Hotel. It’s not just a place to get a burger while your oil is changed; it’s a Valley institution.
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The Seed Project and Global Reach
People often think of the Boeckmanns as local figures, but their impact was weirdly global. In 1991, when Russian farmers were facing massive crop shortages, the Boeckmanns didn't just send a check. They arranged for 57,000 pounds of seeds to be delivered to Moscow.
They actually went there.
They stood on the ground and oversaw the distribution. It’s that "show up" mentality that defined them. Bert was a man of immense faith, and he didn't view his wealth as a trophy. He viewed it as a tool. Whether it was supporting the Delores Hope Charity Foundation or local YMCA projects, the sheer scale of their giving is almost impossible to track.
Why the "Galpin Way" Actually Worked
Honestly, it comes down to three things Bert preached constantly: honesty, integrity, and caring. Sounds like corporate fluff, right? Except it wasn't.
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Bert was known for never going for the "last buck" in a deal. He wanted a customer for life, not a one-time win. He worked six days a week well into his 80s—Monday through Friday at the office and Saturday from home.
His son, Beau Boeckmann, who now leads the company, often talks about how his dad was the "ultimate fair guy." That's why Ford gave him the first-ever Dealer Hall of Fame award. That’s why he was the first auto dealer named a "Hero for the Planet."
How to Apply the Boeckmann Legacy Today
You don't need to own a 50-acre car dealership to learn from Jane and Bert Boeckmann. Their lives offer a blueprint for building something that actually lasts in a world of "disruptors" and "hustle culture."
- Prioritize the Relationship Over the Transaction: If you’re in business, stop looking at the immediate margin. Bert’s 29-year streak as #1 wasn't built on high-pressure sales; it was built on people coming back for their fifth, sixth, and seventh car because they trusted him.
- Vertical Integration of Passion: Jane didn't just support the business; she used her own skills—publishing, design, production—to expand its reach. Find ways to weave your personal strengths into your primary work.
- Community Visibility: Be the person who shows up. Whether it’s a local park (like the proposed Jane Boeckmann Park in Porter Ranch) or a global crisis, tangible presence matters more than a digital footprint.
The Boeckmanns proved that you could be "astute businesspersons" and "selfless humanitarians" at the same time. They didn't see those as conflicting identities. In a time when the San Fernando Valley was just beginning to find its soul, they were the ones who helped build its heart.
To honor this legacy, look at your own professional relationships this week. Ask yourself where you can "Galpinize" a project—adding that extra bit of customization and care that no one asked for but everyone will remember.
The most important thing to remember is that Bert and Jane didn't start at the top. They started with a single conversation and a willingness to stay longer than anyone else. That's the real secret. It’s not about the cars. It’s about the people in them.