Russel Kerlin - Where Our Story Begins

A mural displayed inside Kerlin Motor Company depicts Russel Kerlin assembling a 1926 Ford Model T. The artwork honors our family's automotive heritage and the beginnings of a business that has served Silver Lake, Indiana, since 1927.

The Kerlin Family - Our Roots in Silver Lake

A look back at Kerlin Motor Company's beginnings, featuring a portrait of Russell Kerlin, our historical mural, and the original dealership building at 109 E. Main Street in Silver Lake, Indiana. Standing in front of the building is Howard Swihart, a lifelong Kerlin employee whose dedication represents the people who helped build our company's legacy.

Growing with Silver Lake - 1927 to 1948

Kerlin Motor Company's early history includes a newspaper announcement of the dealership's opening in 1927 and the addition of Kerlin Tractor in 1939.

In 1948, a new dealership was built on Russel and Pearl Kerlin's farm just south of Silver Lake. Located at 207 S. Jefferson Street, the building became home to Kerlin's car and truck operations for the next 48 years.

The dealership was managed by Arthur "Dean" Kerlin, who was later joined by his younger brother, Ed Kerlin.

Russel Kerlin continued to maintain an office at Kerlin Tractor Sales, even after his retirement.

1977 - Celebrating 50 Years and Three Generations

In 1977, Kerlin Motor Company celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of serving Silver Lake and Northern Indiana.

As part of the celebration, a 1927 Ford Model T was displayed in the showroom. Pictured together, from left to right, are Rick Kerlin, Arthur "Dean" Kerlin, and Russel Kerlin, representing three generations of the Kerlin family.

The second photograph features Arthur "Dean" Kerlin, the oldest of Russel and Pearl Kerlin's four sons. For more than 40 years, Dean was a familiar presence at the dealership, often seen wearing the hat that became his personal trademark.

These photographs capture both an important anniversary and the family relationships that helped carry Kerlin Motor Company forward.

Continuing the Kerlin Tradition

As Kerlin Motor Company continued to grow, the Kerlin family expanded its operations while maintaining its commitment to customers and the Northern Indiana community.

In 1974, a new Kerlin Tractor Sales building opened under the management of Kenneth and Ted Kerlin. The facility also became home to Kerlin Bus Sales, managed by Ed Kerlin, with trailers added in 1990.

In 1986, third-generation general manager Rick Kerlin proudly accepted a Customer Excellence Award from Ford Motor Company.

The photographs also recognize Carl Doub, a 60-year employee and good friend of Russel Kerlin, pictured together at a traditional Christmas party.

Images of the service department in the early 1990s and another Ford Customer Excellence Award presentation highlight the employees and dedication behind the dealership's continued success.

A New Home and 75 Years of Kerlin

The 1990s marked another major chapter in Kerlin Motor Company's history. In 1993, the dealership received Ford Motor Company's prestigious Chairman's Award.

In December 1996, Kerlin moved to a larger, state-of-the-art facility on State Road 15, approximately one mile north of Silver Lake. The new location featured an expanded showroom and a service department with capacity for 14 vehicles, including motor homes.

In 1997, Ted Kerlin was recognized with another Ford Customer Excellence Award.

The dealership celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2002. Rick Kerlin accepted a commemorative plaque from Don Kaegi of Ford Motor Company.

One memorable part of the celebration was Ted Kerlin's 1927 Ford Model T Woody Depot Hack with a Tangley calliope. The vehicle participated in 24 parades that year, with 37 employees and family members joining the celebration.

Five Consecutive Ford President's Awards - 2020 Through 2024

Kerlin Motor Company earned Ford's prestigious President's Award five consecutive years, from 2020 through 2024.

The award recognizes dealerships that demonstrate exceptional customer satisfaction in both sales and service.

With eight total President's Awards, this achievement reflects the dedication of our employees and the trust our customers have placed in Kerlin Motor Company.

For us, these awards represent more than recognition from Ford. They reflect our commitment to treating customers the right way and delivering the experience they deserve.

2026 - Rick Kerlin Honored by Ford for Community Service

In February 2026, Rick Kerlin, co-owner of Kerlin Motor Company, was named one of eight Ford Salute to Dealers honorees. The national program recognizes Ford dealer principals who make extraordinary contributions to their communities.

Rick's recognition reflects a family tradition of giving back. His grandparents donated land for a community playground, and Rick continued that legacy by donating more than 3.5 acres for a new community center in Silver Lake, Indiana.

Since 1999, Rick has led Kerlin Motor Company's annual coat drive, collecting more than 25,000 coats and raising $250,000 for local charities, as reported in Ford's 2026 recognition.

His community involvement also includes supporting Boomerang Backpacks, which provides weekend meals for students, and Racquets for Riley, benefiting children's hospital research.

The award was presented during a Ford ceremony in Las Vegas on February 3, 2026. Rick was recognized alongside seven other Ford dealers for their dedication to serving others.

The recognition reflects a belief that has guided the Kerlin family for generations: a business's success should also be measured by the positive difference it makes in its community.

A New Era - Kerlin Performance

Nearly a century after Russel Kerlin founded Kerlin Motor Company, the dealership continues to evolve. Today, Kerlin Performance represents an exciting new chapter in our history.

Through relationships with Hennessey Performance, Shelby American, ROUSH, and Sherrod Customs, we offer an extraordinary selection of specialty trucks, high-performance vehicles, and custom-built Fords.

From supercharged horsepower and off-road capability to custom styling and luxury, Kerlin Performance brings something different to Silver Lake, Indiana.

While our inventory has expanded far beyond what Russel Kerlin could have imagined in 1927, our commitment remains the same: straightforward pricing, honest communication, and treating customers the right way.

Today, we serve customers across the country while remaining proud of our small-town roots.

The Road to 100 Years - 1927 to 2027

The countdown is on! In 2027, Kerlin Motor Company will celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of serving Silver Lake and Northern Indiana.

What began with Russel Kerlin in 1927 has grown through generations of family leadership, dedicated employees, loyal customers, and a community that has supported us for nearly a century.

From the earliest Ford Model T to today's advanced vehicles, the automotive industry has changed dramatically. But our commitment to treating people right, building relationships, and giving back to our community remains.

As we approach our centennial, we're not just celebrating where we've been. We're looking forward to the next chapter of Kerlin Motor Company.

We were here yesterday. We're here today. And we're building for tomorrow.