Graff Chevrolet history

In 1914, with $600 and high hopes, Otto P. Graff launched the Ford Sales Company in Flint, Michigan.

Otto moved the location to the corner of Kearsley and Harrison where the dealership remained until 1918.

The business continued to grow and in 1924 a new sales peak of 2,400 vehicles was reached, but then the depression hit.

On May 26, 1927, Henry Ford and his son Edsel drove the 15 millionth Model T Ford out of their factory marking the end of the famous automobile’s last day of production.

In 1937, Max was assigned to manage the branch at Dort Highway and Davison Road.

In addition, Ford only allocated 176 cars and trucks to Otto in 1946.

Much of this area was built in 1950.

In 1958, Otto P. Graff semi-retired and Max became the Dealer-Designate.

Also in 1969, Max H. (Hank) Graff, Max’s son, graduated from Michigan State University.

In 1975, Hank became the General Manager.

In 1982, Max and Hank learned that Uptegraff Chevrolet in Davison, Michigan was for sale.

In 1990, Hank and Tim Shannon, a long time Graff employee, purchased a Chevrolet, Buick, and Oldsmobile dealership in Fostoria, Ohio.

In 1991, Hank and Keith Barnett purchased the Chevrolet, Buick and Oldsmobile Geo dealership in Sandusky, Michigan.

1999 was a year of growth in the Graff Group as two additional dealerships were acquired.

The Chevrolet dealership was moved from its aging facility to a newly renovated facility on Perry Road in 2004.

In 2007, Hank repurchased Wayne’s interests in the Bay City and Mount Pleasant dealerships.

In 2011, Chris purchased Hank’s stock in the Okemos dealership.