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Bird Kultgen Celebrates 85 Years

BK Ford 85th Anniversary Group Photo
On Wednesday November 10th, Bird-Kultgen Ford celebrated their 85th anniversary. BK was established in 1936 by Jack Kultgen and Arthur Bird and is still family owned and operated. The dealership has grown to be the largest Ford dealership in Central Texas and is a trusted fixture in the Waco community.   Current President Claire Kultgen McDonald shared, “ I would like to say thank you to all of the customers that have trusted us and allowed us to earn their business for over four generations. We are here to serve you. Additionally, to all of the wonderful and talented men and women that have worked on our team and been part of the Bird Kultgen family, thank you. But we aren’t done yet. The tradition of excellence that was established has provided a strong foundation for becoming the best Bird-Kultgen Ford we have ever been.” Future   Mark Stewart, who owns the dealership with Claire and runs the day to day operations as General Manager, is focused on BK’s future success. We are evolving to simplify the car buying process and offer an easy service experience to meet the needs of our customers. We are preparing now to sell and service electric vehicles and provide more advanced mobile repairs. Providing the best service to Central Texas requires our team to be the best. We will do this by continuing to provide a great work environment, world class training, and state of the art equipment and tools. This will allow us to provide the highest levels of service to our customers,” stated Mark.    Mission and Charity   Our BK mission is twofold. We believe we are called to serve the transportation needs of our community, to help them get work done and make lasting memories with their families, and we are called to give back to this great community and are honored to support many charities and nonprofits in the Waco area.    In 2021, the dealership supported many local events and charities such as
  • Youth at the McLennan County Agriculture Sale
  • Raffling off a Mustang Convertible for Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry
  • 100 free mammograms in October with Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest
  • Presenting Sponsor of the Chamber Waco Under 40 Awards
  • Scholarships through TSTCs automotive department
  • Fuzzy Friends Barking Ball 
  • Waco United Way 
  HistoryIn 1936 Jack Kultgen and Arthur Bird began operating the Ford dealership located in downtown Waco on 5th Street. In 1947 they moved to Franklin Avenue and became one of the first buildings in Waco to offer air conditioning! In 1992, BK moved to its present location on the Motor Mile.    The dealership has sold and serviced some of America’s most iconic vehicles. From Ford’s first truck, the Model TT, to the Model A, the launch of the F series in 1948, the 1954 Thunderbird, the iconic 1964 Mustang, the Taurus in 1985 which was the best selling vehicle in America with over 3 million sold, and the Explorer in 1990 which launched the SUV revolution.   Presently, the dealership sells the best selling vehicle in America for the last 44 straight years, the Ford F-150. They also sell exciting new products such as the electric Mustang Mach-E, the new Bronco, and the all Electric F-150 Lightning coming in 2022, which has already generated over 50 reservations.Jack Kultgen ran the dealership from the 1930s until the late 1980s. His grandsons, Peter and Edward Kultgen, joined in the 1970s and helped build and lead Bird Kultgen during the later half of the 20th century until Ed’s retirement in 2015 and Peter’s in 2021. Claire McDonald, Jack’s great granddaughter, joined the dealership in 2010, and Mark Stewart was adopted into the BK family as an owner in 2021.    In ClosingTogether, Claire and Mark are dedicated to the continued success of the Bird Kultgen dealership by providing simple and easy service for their customers, a great work environment for their employees, and cultivating an even better Bird-Kultgen for the future.  
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BK Ford Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Free Mammograms for Central Texas Women

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and BK Ford is proud to continue its commitment in joining the fight. October 2nd marks the start of our campaign in partnership with Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Hillcrest, offering 88 free mammograms to women in Central Texas in honor of our 88th year anniversary. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women, affecting one in eight during their lifetime. Early detection is crucial, and we want to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent women from receiving the screenings they need. “We are thrilled to provide this service,” said Claire Kultgen McDonald, President of BK Ford. “Our goal is to make sure that every woman has access to the necessary screenings for early detection.” Baylor Scott & White have provided everything you need to know about Mammography and Breast Imaging services on their website. We invite our community to also participate in raising awareness about breast health. Wear pink throughout October, spread the word about the importance of regular mammograms, and share valuable education and resources with your loved ones. For more information or to schedule a mammogram, please call (254) 202-4220 ( Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest can provide information on assistance). Visit our Breast Cancer Awareness page to learn more about proper breast health and the importance of yearly mammograms. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer and support those affected by this disease.

Midway Football Local Texas High school football

How BK Ford Has Proudly Supported Local Football Teams

(Credit: Midway Football) BK Ford has a long-standing commitment to supporting local and high school football in Central Texas. Over the years, we have proudly sponsored local athletic programs such as Midway, China Spring, and Robinson High Schools. Our goal is simple: to help our local athletes thrive. From providing resources to cheering them on, here's how we have stood behind our teams. Official Sponsors of China Spring and Robinson High Schools As the official sponsor of China Spring and Robinson High School athletics for over 3 years, BK Ford is honored to contribute to the success of these schools. We believe in the power of sports to shape young athletes into future leaders. By sponsoring these teams, we help give them the tools they need to perform at their best. From much needed equipment to quality uniforms, our focus is on helping athletes succeed. more Media Sponsorship and Recognition Beyond the field, BK Ford supports local football through media sponsorships. We proudly sponsor the Coach’s Show on ESPN, where local coaches share insights ahead of big games. We also back Sic’em 365’s Player of the Game segment, recognizing outstanding performances from Midway High School athletes. These partnerships highlight the best of Central Texas football and keep the community connected. Honoring Baylor’s Football Legacy (Scoreboard from "The Miracle on the Brazos" via Baylor University. Bird-Kultgen Ford sponsor seen center-left.) BK Ford’s ties to football run deep, extending to Baylor University’s historic “Miracle on the Brazos” over 50 years ago. In 1974, Baylor made an incredible comeback to win the Southwest Conference Championship in what still is known as one of the greatest moments in Baylor football history. That spirit of perseverance and teamwork lives on in our support for local football. Just as Baylor fought for victory, we continue to champion our local athletes, helping them strive for success both on and off the field. Committed to the Future At BK Ford, we don’t just sponsor football—we invest in the future of our community. High school football is more than a game; it’s a way to build character, promote teamwork, and bring people together. We are proud to support Central Texas athletes as they grow into tomorrow’s leaders. Whether you’re rooting for China Spring, Robinson, or Midway, BK Ford is here to celebrate every touchdown and every victory.

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BK Ford Supports TSTC Through Vehicle Donation

Here at BK Ford, we're more than just a dealership. We're proud members of the Waco community, and that means investing in its future. That's why we're thrilled to continue our 87-year partnership with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) to support their incredible mechanic program. "Our tie to TSTC goes back to its very beginning when the Waco Chamber asked Jack Kultgen to help lead a committee with Earl Retter and John Connolly. Earl Retter, President of A&M, and John Connolly, the Governor of Texas, to transition the old base into a technical school. That's why the Automotive Center today is named after Jack Kultgen," BK Ford President Claire Kultgen-McDonald said With our shared history, BK Ford proudly contributed a vehicle to TSTC's mechanic program, and we're pleased to stand alongside Ford's own generous donation. While it might seem like just a car, it represents an opportunity for students to hone their skills on real-world technology, preparing them for fulfilling careers. Many of our technicians, including our President, Claire Kultgen-McDonald, proudly call TSTC their alma mater. They gained invaluable skills there, and now they use that knowledge to deliver exceptional service to our customers. That's one of the reasons why our recent vehicle donation to TSTC's mechanic program holds deep meaning. "We've been doing it for 87 years, and that's a huge part of who we are. Continuing to support technical education in our local communities, and also just grow young people to be involved in this industry. We need more technicians to take care of people and their cars," Kultgen-McDonald said. We believe in supporting initiatives that cultivate excellence. By partnering with TSTC, we're not just contributing to individual careers; we're investing in the future of the automotive industry. It's a future where skilled technicians like our TSTC graduates push boundaries, drive innovation and deliver exceptional service.