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The holidays are a time for giving, and Bird Kultgen Ford is proud to be a sponsor to an amazing local charity: Fuzzy Friends Rescue.   Founded as a backyard nonprofit organization in 1997 by Betsy Robinson, and joined by animal enthusiastic Kathie Robnett, the two committed launch Fuzzy Friends Rescue.  It was officially established as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to the long-term care for abandoned, unwanted, or otherwise in-need animals. Animals stay at Fuzzy Friends Rescue until they leave in the arms of a new owner, however long that takes. It is a No-Kill shelter. For 11 years, the Fuzzy Friends Rescue Barkin’ Ball has been voted Waco’s Best Charity Event!  The gala is the organization's capital fundraiser, generating over sixty-percent of the annual operating funds that are required to save hundreds of Waco’s abandoned dogs and cats, and support their various community outreach programs. Tickets are on sale now for this fun, exciting and influential New Year's event.  Have a ball and support a great local charity as you ring in the New Year – you may even see the familiar faces of Bird Kultgen friends and family there!  Rock out to amazing music by The Project and catering from the delicious Eddie Deen! Click here to learn more about the event, and purchase your tickets today.

by Claire Kultgen This month we got to know Jon Taft, Quick Lane Manager here at Bird-Kultgen Ford. We’re so pleased to have Jon lead our Quick Lane team, and we wanted to take a moment to highlight him here on our blog. We asked him a few questions about his background and professional experience, and we are excited for you to get to know Jon. Jon has been working at BKF for 1,000 days as of November 11th, and is coming up on his 3-year anniversary February 15th. Born in Temple, Jon stayed local and spent the next 15 years in College Station. He attended Lincoln Tech Institute in Grand Prairie, TX for their automotive program. After graduating at the top of his class on a Monday, he immediately packed up and moved back to College Station to accept a position with Garlyn Shelton Imports in Bryan and began work the very next Wednesday! He started out as a lube technician, and he soon moved into the Parts Department. He continued to work his way up the ranks to become the Parts Manager before finally departing for BK Ford in 2015. Waco is home to the Taft family. They’ve put down roots and enjoy the community they’ve found here. "Our customers and the warm embrace I have received from the BK family is what keeps us here in Waco. My wife Keri and I just had a house built and are enjoying raising our 18 month old son Bentley in this community. My parents also live here, as well as my older sister Chelsea and her husband Stephen. Chelsea is an Agriculture teacher at China Spring high school and her husband teaches and coaches at McGregor. I also have two little sisters, one lives in College Station and the other in Austin. We’re locals! In my free time I like to spend it with family and friends as well as play sports. I am a competitive person and enjoy just about every sport out there. I really enjoy volleyball as well as soccer, football and basketball." Jon’s always had a strong interest in service writing, and finding a home at BK Ford has allowed him to pursue that interest. "I really enjoy showing customer what to expect when having a vehicle serviced. Going above and beyond for a customer is how I believe they should be treated, and I believe that if I can provide the best experience for a customer that I will not only become their preferred service provider, but become someone that they look for when they need honest answers." Having an excellent customer experience while your car is serviced is not just a task or chore to our BK team. It is a goal and a priority. We know you’re busy, and maintaining your vehicles is one thing we can take off your list of things to do. Stop through our Quick Lane and visit Jon and his team. They’ll make sure you’re taken care of, and get you on your way in no time. "What I like most about working at Bird-Kultgen is that I'm empowered to make decisions for our customers, my team, and what is good for our company, and I love being able to help the company grow towards being the dominant dealership in the Waco area. What is most fun for me is passing on my knowledge to my team members, especially new employees and helping them get promoted, as well as learning something new myself every single day."

by Claire Kultgen The all-new 2019 Ford Ranger is sure to impress.  Durable and capable, the Ranger is Built Ford Tough. Over 100 years of Ford ingenuity culminates in truck excellence.  The 2.3L EcoBoost® engine with Auto Start-Stop technology elevates power and efficiency using turbocharging and direct gasoline injection.  Paired with the innovative and class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission, the Ford Ranger offers a number of high-quality driver-assist technologies that ensure your ventures are a lot more enjoyable. To preorder the 2019 Ford Ranger, you first get to build one exactly to your liking. You can preorder a new 2019 Ranger simply by contacting our helpful Bird-Kultgen Ford Team right here! Choose your trim level, color, wheels, interior, and everything else to make your 2019 Ranger your own. You can also do all of this in person, right from the comfort of the Bird-Kultgen Ford showroom if you prefer!  Either way, once you’re on the list, we will work with you closely to bring your vision of the perfect pickup to life.  As an extra incentive, receive $750 bonus cash when you pre-order! Contact Bird-Kultgen Ford today at 262-845-7787.  We’ll help get you into your perfect vehicle. *Preorder by 1/2/19 and then take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 7/2/19. See dealer for details.

by Claire Kultgen This month we got to know Mark Stewart, newly appointed General Manager here at Bird-Kultgen Ford.  We’re so pleased to have Mark on our team, and we wanted to take a moment to highlight him here on our blog.  We asked Mark a few questions about his background and professional experiences, and he’s graciously allowed us to share those insights with you! Born and raised here in Waco, Mark considers this his forever-home.  A fourth generation Wacoan, he attended high school at Midway High, graduated from Baylor University, met his wife, and decided to plant roots of his own and raise a family here.  Mark is immensely proud of his family, and dedicates as much time with them as he’s able to. He has two boys, both involved in sports, which is a fun activity that occupies a lot of their time as a family.  When he’s not with his family, he enjoys anything in the realm of sports and the outdoors. Being from Waco, and having Baylor alum parents as well, Mark considers himself a Baylor guy through and through. A Baylor fan in the good days and the bad, Mark also enjoys Dallas Cowboys football and Texas Rangers baseball. When the opportunity arose for Mark to lead the BK team, a local and family-owned company, he took it without hesitation.  “Bird-Kultgen Ford, it’s a family-owned and operated business. I want to help the Kultgen family operate their business and make a positive impact in Waco. Being in Waco is important. It’s my home. I’ve always respected Ford, its way of doing business, and its ability to build the best product.  My first vehicle was a 1985 Ford Bronco. Ford’s ability to innovate and thrive for over 100 years is inspiring.” While his tenure with BK Ford is just getting started, it’s evident that Mark is in the right business.  “Whether it’s finding their dream car, fitting one into a budget or finding a creative way to help someone with a repair concern, my favorite thing is being around cars and people that love them. I love the satisfaction of helping people with their auto needs.” “I love the people. We have a great group of people at BK Ford with high moral character. We also have a wonderful customer base that loves Ford and Bird-Kultgen. It’s fun to be around every day.” Welcome to the BK team, Mark!

by Claire Kultgen Fall is right around the corner, and in Baylor Bear country, that means two things: trucks and tailgating! That’s right – tailgate season is back and better than ever. In addition to great snacks, drinks and music, any suitable tailgate party first requires the right car, truck or SUV. The perfect tailgate vehicle offers roomy seating, plenty of storage space for essential equipment such as coolers, grills, tables, chairs and bag toss, exceptional technology for streaming your favorite music or pre-game station, and even some additional outlets or power converters for those extra Game Day accessories. Ford’s line up of cars, trucks and SUVs has you covered. Their top-selling F-150 offers enough room for up to six passengers, optional B&O Play Audio System with 10 speakers plus a subwoofer, Ford’s leading-edge Sync technology for seamless smartphone integration, and a power inverter that offers up to 400 watts at 110 volts! Plus, you’ll have that official tailgate space for extra seating, or bar or serving place. Need three rows of available seating for all your sports fans? No problem. The Ford Flex, Ford Explorer, and Ford Expedition all offer convenient third-row seating, SYNC technology and plenty of cargo space. So, before you belt out your next rendition of ‘That Good Old Baylor Line’, stop by Bird Kultgen Ford to check out our extensive line-up of new and used Ford vehicles. Happy tailgating!

by Claire Kultgen The BIG tent is up at BK Ford which means BIG reasons to celebrate summer! Up throughout July and August, visit BK during our special Tent Sale to take advantage of big savings, and even bigger inventory. We have some GREAT savings right now, for example- SUVS 2018 Ford Escape S models $19,995 Plus $1,000 Trade In Bonus Cash (1) Escape, Edge, and Explorer 0% for 72 Months PLUS $1,000 Ford Credit Bonus Cash (2) 2018 EcoSport 0% for 60 months PLUS $1,000 Bonus Cash (3) TRUCKS $11,000 Total Savings on 2018 F-150 XLT 302As with Ford Credit Financing (5) CARS 2018 Ford Focus SE’s $5000 Off MSRP (6) 2018 Ford Mustangs $4,000 Off MSRP (7) With our comprehensive selection of Ford vehicles from the F-150, to the 2018 Escape, EcoSport and Fusion, you’re sure to find the right vehicle to suit your needs. Come test drive the all new 2018 Ford Expedtion. Visit with our helpful and knowledgeable sales team who can demonstrate the extensive safety and technology features on any of our Ford models. Integrated tailgate steps, 360-degree cameras, SYNC Connect, Park Assist, FordPass, Blind Spot Information System and Tow Assist, Pre-Collision Assist and Lane Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and new Ford+Alexa with Voice Navigation, are just a few of the many innovative and cutting edge features available in many of our Ford models. Even if you're not in the market for a vehicle, come down and visit friends at BK. We love to talk cars, trucks and SUVs! Need a break from the Texas heat? Pop inside for a visit to the Bird-Kultgen Ford air-conditioned showroom! Visit our expansive indoor showroom where we’re able to feature one of every new Ford model in stock. Come for the air conditioning, stay for the summer Tent Sale! Example stock #A409. MSRP $24,934. BK discount $940. $4000 Retail Customer Cash. $1000 Retail Trade Assist Bonus Cash, requires ownership of a 1995 or newer vehicle for at least 30 days. Offer expires 9/4/18. $1000 Ford Credit Bonus Cash. Must finance with Ford Motor Credit Company. 0% APR financing on approved credit through Ford Motor Credit Company at $13.89 per month per thousand financed. Not all buyers will qualify. Tax, title, documentation and license fees not included. Offer expires 9/4/18. $1000 retail customer cash. 0% APR financing for 60 months on approved credit through Ford Motor Credit Company at $16.67 per month per thousand financed. Not all buyers will qualify. Tax, title, documentation and license fees not included. Offer expires 9/4/18 Stock #A169. MSRP $37,020. BK discount $3725. $ 1000 retail customer cash. $ 1000 Ford Credit Bonus Cash. $ 1500 bonus cash. $ 500 select inventory customer cash. $ 300 ecoboost bonus cash. Tax, title, documentation and license fees not included. Offer expires 9/4/18. Example stock #A027. BK discount $2200. $2500 package discount. $ 1000 Ford Credit Bonus Cash. $ 2250 retail customer cash. $ 750 special package bonus cash. $ 500 select inventory customer cash. $ 1500 bonus cash. $ 300 ecoboost bonus cash. Offer expires 9/4/18. $4000 Retail Customer Cash. $1000 BK Discount. SE models only. Offer expires 9/4/18. $2500 retail customer cash. $1500 BK discount. Offer expires 9/4/18.

by Claire Kultgen Just as Wacoans have done for over half a century, beat the Texas heat by shopping at Bird-Kultgen Ford in our comfortable air-conditioned showroom! Did you know Bird-Kultgen down on Franklin was one of the first buildings in Waco to be air conditioned back in the 50s? People came by for months just to "see what it felt like!" KWTX and the Waco Tribune Herald ran stories about this exciting new technology. Today, come visit our giant indoor showroom, the largest in Texas, where we’re able to feature one of every new Ford model in stock. Not sure if an Explorer or Edge is the right one for you? Want to compare the F-150 and SuperDuty? Do it inside, without sweating! Come into the air conditioning! We’ll take all the time you need to make sure you get the right vehicle. Once we have your new car picked out, we’ll head into the delivery area. Keep cool while we take all the time you need indoors going over the features and details of your new vehicle. We’ll even pull your trade-in inside to help you transfer your belongings before you hit the road in your new ride. Whether you’re here for service, tires, collision repair, or to explore our new and used inventory, we want you to be comfortable, and stay out of the Texas heat as much as possible. Here are a few other helpful hints to keep you cool this summer: 1) Hydration is key Drink water, and then drink some more. Staying hydrated is key to beating the high heat. Carry a water bottle around and refill it often. 2) Stay in the shade Avoid being outside during the afternoon if possible. If you must go out, wear a hat, and apply SPF. 3) Go for a swim Visit our watering holes for a dip! Enjoy boating on Lake Waco, swimming at Waco Riverbend Park, or take advantage of Waco's great splash parks – just remember your water bottle!

by Claire Kultgen Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is an American holiday originally established to honor fallen soldiers from the Civil War.  After World War I, however, the holiday evolved and extended to honor American military personnel who died in all wars. We often observe Memorial Day in remembrance of those who served by holding town parades and ceremonies, and taking time to visit and decorate the memorials and headstones of the fallen.  We spend a 3-day weekend with our families, friends, and loved ones to celebrate the memory and servitude of service members who have died in the line of duty. Bird Kultgen Ford commemorates and honors military personnel and veterans, as well as First Responders, by Saluting Those Who Serve. Now through July 9th, we have an additional $1,000 Military and First Responder Bonus Cash on purchase or lease of ‘17/’18 Ford models.  We want to give back to those who serve our communities and protect our country. First Responders (police, fire, EMT, 911 dispatchers) Military (active, reserve, retired, veterans, and surviving spouses) Be safe this Memorial Day weekend, and be sure to watch for friendly Bird Kultgen faces and vehicles in our local parades! *Ford Military Appreciation Cash available for active, retired and veteran members of an eligible military branch, spouses/surviving spouses and household members. Available on purchase or lease of any new and eligible 2017/2018/2019 Ford Vehicle. Not Available on Focus RS, Mustang Shelby GT350/GT350R, Mustang BULLITT, Ford GT and Raptor. May not be used with other Ford private offers. Amounts may vary by market.Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 7/9/18. See dealer or go to FordSalutesThoseWhoServe.com for complete details and eligibility.

by Claire Kultgen Who are we? We are Waco: A vibrant community with a bright future and a rich heritage. We are people who care about one another, from the young to the young at heart. 91-year-old former General Manager of Bird-Kultgen Ford, Charley Furrer, knows firsthand the importance of fortitude, commitment and a culture of tradition. First starting in July of 1946 as a mechanic’s assistant, Charley soon moved into the Parts Department, then Sales and on to General Manager. He aided in Bird-Kultgen’s move to a new location, oversaw growth and renovation and helped train the next generation of BK team members. He knows the importance of community involvement as a local business, and he has witnessed firsthand the widespread impact a positive business-community relationship can have. Serving the Waco community allows Bird-Kultgen Ford to interact with a diverse network of folks from a wide range of backgrounds. To remain in business for over 86 years, Bird-Kultgen Ford has taken the time to learn from our customers and team members who have helped our business thrive. Bird-Kultgen employees ensure customers are always treated fairly. We continue to improve upon how we serve our customers, and we push ourselves to perform at the highest standards in order to flourish within Waco’s culture and community. It’s dedicated team members and community members like Charley that help to raise Waco to new levels of progress, servitude and innovation. BK is proud of its history in Waco. Through four generations, Bird-Kultgen has been a staple of this community and we couldn’t be more thankful to call Waco our hometown. We are Bird-Kultgen Ford. We are Waco.

by Claire Kultgen It’s that time of year again! Ford Truck Month is here at Bird-Kultgen Ford in Waco, Texas.  Now is the perfect time to take advantage of these special offers from Ford.  Stop in and visit us at BK Ford to test drive a 2018 F-Series Truck, Fords #1 best-selling truck in America for 41 years.  Take advantage of special Ford offers and incentives when you visit us at BK Ford, such as *JUST ANNOUNCED* $12,000 Total Savings on the 2018 F-150 XLT Supercrew.  Attractive offers can be found on all F-Series Trucks, including Super Duty models. Learn more about the offers surrounding the Ford F-Series Line-Up of the F-150, F-250 and the F-350 from the example below: Example - #A092: Total Before Discount $44,365 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Package Discount $1,750 MSRP $42,615 BK Discount $3,450 Retail Cust Cash $2,500 Ford Credit Retail Bonus Cust Cash $750 Bonus Cust Cash $1,500 EcoBoost Bonus Cust Cash $300 Special Pkg Bonus Cust $750 ____________________________ Sale Price: $33,115 plus TT&L *JUST ANNOUNCED* Now receive up to $12,000 Total Savings!!! * Must finance with Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify. Price excludes tax, title license, and documentation fees. For customers not meeting rebate residency requirements, an additional dealer discount in the amount of the rebate will be applied in place of the rebate. Offers expire 4/2/18.

by Claire Kultgen Many of you are immersed in the current excitement of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, rooting for your favorite athletes and experiencing a sense of national pride with each world-record and medal ceremony.  Bird Kultgen has the opportunity to experience some of that same excitement locally with our sponsorship and partnership with Special Olympics – Texas. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. The movement is also about working together with others, gaining self-confidence and learning additional skills that make it possible for our athletes to become significant and productive citizens of our communities. Donations Special Olympics Texas is a registered 501(c)(3), non-profit organization supported by private donations from individuals, corporations and organizations throughout the state. Special Olympics is “the most credible charity in America” according to a survey in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Visit our website for helpful information on how donations are utilized. SOTX Website: http://www.sotx.org/about/ Volunteer Needs / How to Volunteer Volunteers with Special Olympics - Texas include students, senior citizens, business groups, professional individuals, civic organizations, families, amateur and professional athletes, and coaches, to name a few. No experience required; however, you must be at least 15 years of age, unless accompanied by an adult. Volunteers participate in an orientation prior to working with our athletes. Spring Games Saturday, April 21 st 9AM-3PM Connally High School 200 Cadet Way Waco, TX 76705 Take part in Bird Kultgen’s $20.18 Spring Games Challenge!

by Claire Kultgen Bird-Kultgen Ford has an extensive selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs, certified pre-owned Fords, and even what we like to call our bargain vehicles – all priced to sell to meet your needs.  We you’re your vehicle purchase is a large investment, and we want to ensure your satisfaction. Each model in our inventory that has less than 100k miles on it goes through a 1.9 hour inspection with a Ford certified technician in our service department. The technician checks over a long list of components, verifying that the vehicle is ready for you and your family. All of these vehicles come with original factory warranties or, if that has expired, they come with a 3 month/4,000 mile 23 component powertrain warranty to keep you protected. All of our vehicles are fully detailed and come with a full tank of gas so you’ll be ready to hit the road right away. We also provide a free CarFax report on all of our pre-owned vehicles so you can know the owner history, maintenance records, and check for any accident damage. If brakes are in the “yellow” we replace them. This is a warning measurement when they are getting low and measure less than 5mm on the brake pads. On the tires, we verify all of them have at least 5/32” of tread remaining or we replace them to keep you safe! Each of our Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicles has passed our detailed 172-point inspection and comes complete with Ford manufacturer-backed Limited Warranty Coverage and 24-hour Roadside Assistance.  Before your CPO purchase, you’ll know the comprehensive vehicle history with a free CarFax, including scheduled maintenance performed.  Each certified pre-owned car, truck, or SUV comes with 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty coverage, 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage, as well as a complete Vehicle Inspection Checklist. Carfax Vehicle History Reports complement our used vehicle inventory to provide transparency to your vehicle purchasing experience. As you browse our selection, be sure to take advantage of the helpful tools and resources, such as the Smart Buyer Checklist and Carfax Vehicle History Report Summary, and in-person through our knowledgeable sales staff. Our ever-changing used vehicle inventory features new and popular items at competitive prices, and our helpful Finance Center can assist with your used car financing.  If you’re in the market for a vehicle, Bird-Kultgen’s lineup of pre-owned vehicles is a great place to start while remaining budget-conscious and market-savvy.