Coughlin Automotive has acquired Bob Chapman Ford, Ohio’s oldest Ford dealership, marking the end of a 112-year family legacy in Marysville.
The dealership, now operating as Coughlin Ford of Marysville, is Coughlin’s 17th franchise and solidifies its footprint in the Marysville market, where it already owns Chevrolet-Buick-Cadillac and Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram locations.
The acquisition was finalized June 30 and facilitated by the Tim Lamb Group.
Located at 1255 Columbus Ave., the 28,000-square-foot dealership sits on 6 acres and includes 24 service bays and a Ford Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center. The facility is Ford image-compliant, and no renovations are planned. All current employees will remain in place.
Joe Chapman, dealer principal and fourth-generation owner, made the decision to sell as part of his retirement and a shift into other business interests.
“After 112 years and four generations of family ownership, selling our Ford dealership was one of the most emotional and important decisions of my life,” Chapman said. “This wasn't just a business, it was a legacy built on over a century of hard work, community relationships and family pride.”
Founded in 1913, Bob Chapman Ford had the distinction of being the oldest Ford dealership in the state. Chapman expressed gratitude to Coughlin Automotive and the Tim Lamb Group, stating the transition "feels like a new chapter that still carries forward our legacy."
Mike Coughlin, co-owner of Coughlin Automotive, acknowledged the responsibility of carrying on the dealership’s legacy.
“Acquiring the oldest Ford dealership in Ohio is both an honor and responsibility we don’t take lightly,” he said. “Chapman Ford has been a pillar in the Marysville community for generations and we’re proud to carry that legacy forward.”
The deal marks the 11th transaction between Coughlin Automotive and the Tim Lamb Group. Chris Infantino, director at the Tim Lamb Group, managed the sale.
“I have known and worked with the Chapman family for 25 years,” said Infantino. “They’ve represented the Ford brand with integrity for four generations, and it was an honor to help them close this chapter.”
Al Coughlin, president of Coughlin Automotive, praised the Tim Lamb Group for their work on the transaction.
“We’ve worked with the Tim Lamb Group on over 10 acquisitions and recommend them to anyone looking for talented, hard-working professionals with integrity,” he said. “Chris Infantino did a wonderful job taking this over the finish line.”
