Hilltop 'icon' Krug Ford dealership changes hands

Written byAmanda Whitesell,   DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

Krug Hilltop Ford, 2798 E. Grand River Ave. in Genoa Township, was acquired by Bob Maxey Ford of Detroit.
Howell Area Chamber of Commerce President Pat Convery called the Krug dealership a community "icon." But another family-owned business will take over the operation.
"I'm excited about it," said new co-owner Bob Maxey. "It's a great dealership and it's in a great location."

The late Bob Maxey, father of co-owners Bob and Mike Maxey, established Bob Maxey Lincoln 40 years ago in Detroit. The business eventually expanded 10 years ago to a second Detroit location: Bob Maxey Ford.
"My brother and I have grown up in the business our whole lives," Bob Maxey said. "I remember (my dad) having me wash cars and drive into work with him every day and learn the business from him in the car.
"It was the best classroom I ever had," he added.
Former owner Mike Krug, who recently retired, approached Bob Maxey with the opportunity to purchase the business in May.
Krug could not be reached for comment Monday and was reportedly out of town.
"Our families had known each other for a long time," Bob Maxey said. "Our fathers were friends."
In the last year, Krug Hilltop Ford began to foster a relationship with Livingston County United Way, according to Jeanne Clum, development and marketing director. The business most recently committed to donating $100 of Krug's personal funds for each vehicle purchased in April with a qualifying certificate.
The amount received from the initiative has not been finalized, Clum said.
Krug Ford was an "excellent" example of a car dealership getting involved in the community, Convery said.
"I'm sure that going forward, the dealership is left in good hands," she said. "That dealership has been there for many years and it's always been an icon in the community.
"And I expect it will be going forward," she added.
Employee changes were few as Mike Maxey replaced Krug as president Friday. Only "a couple" alterations were made with sales staff, mechanics and managers staying the same, Mike Krug said.