November 2024
Q4

WHEELERS & DEALERS

Driven | Learner | Kind | Team Player
REFERRAL BONUS: Get paid $500-$3,000 for referring employee candidates Learn More
2025
Q1

WHEELERS & DEALERS

Driven | Learner | Kind | Team Player

COMPANY UPDATE

Jeff Niesen
President | Van Horn Automotive Group
Team,
2024 wasn’t without its challenges, and while we may not have achieved every goal, we made meaningful progress in key areas:
  • Improved total retail sales volume by 995 units
  • Increased fixed operations gross profit by $6 million
  • Raised fixed absorption from 67% to 70%
  • Returned WCC to a path of consistent profitability
  • Increased showroom closing percentage by 10%
The biggest challenge in the business remains the shrinking front-end gross profit on vehicle sales. This is largely due to supply and demand dynamics, as the new car supply for our brands has nearly doubled over the past year. This increase has drastically reduced front-end gross profits on new car sales.
 
Additionally, there is still a supply crunch in the wholesale market for used vehicles. While used vehicle values are declining, there is a continued disconnect in the wholesale market. We can improve front-end gross profits for used vehicles by intensifying our efforts in acquiring vehicles from sources other than wholesale auctions, focusing on acquiring customer trade-ins, and delivering a tailored, one-on-one experience for every guest. Creating unique and positive customer experiences not only fosters positive sentiment but also reduces the need for higher advertising spend to attract customers.
 
Despite these challenges, your hard work, resilience, and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Together, we are laying a solid foundation for a brighter 2025. As we enter the new year, we are presented with exciting opportunities and a clear vision to guide us forward. Our main goal for 2025 is PROGRESS, not necessarily perfection. By focusing on continuous improvement, we will continue to move the needle forward.
Thank you for everything you’ve contributed this year. I’m optimistic about what we’ll achieve together in 2025 and look forward to seeing us grow as a company and as a team.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and successful 2025!
Sincerely,
 
Jeff Niesen

IN THE NEWS

Christmas Party

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Honda Auto Show

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Russ Flips Whips

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🎳 Van Horn Hits the Lanes for Youth Mentorship 🎳

Team members from across the Van Horn Automotive Group showed up to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of WI Shoreline at their annual Bowling Event!

We had participation from locations across our automotive group—from Stevens Point and Manitowoc to Sheboygan County—coming together to support youth mentorship and make a positive impact in our communities.

Special shoutout to our crews from Van Horn CDJR of Manitowoc, Van Horn Nissan of Stevens Point, Marketing and the BDC team who came ready to bowl, connect, and represent what it means to Amaze both inside and outside the workplace.

As an employee-owned company, we’re proud to champion causes that align with our values. Whether it's behind the wheel or at the bowling alley.

 

 

💙 2025 Pay It Forward Recap – $7,500 Donated Across Our Communities! 💙

Van Horn Automotive Group proudly continued our Pay It Forward initiative throughout 2025, partnering with local Chambers and community events to support nonprofits chosen by everyday heroes in our communities. Thanks to your support and participation, we donated a total of $7,500 this year to causes that matter!

Here’s a look back at the impact we made together:

  • Lomira Annual Banquet – Citizens of the Year, Phil and Jackie Luedtke, selected the Lomira Fire Department to receive the $1,000 donation.

  • Portage Business Council Annual Dinner – The winner from Oso Brewery directed their donation to the Interfaith Food Pantry.

  • Elkhart Lake Annual Chamber Dinner – Van Horn was honored to be recognized as a Chamber Champion! The Pay It Forward winner from Quit Qui Oc selected the Humane Society of Sheboygan County.

  • Manitowoc Awards of Distinction – Mike Foti presented an additional award, and the Pay It Forward recipient chose Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Shoreline.

  • Stoughton Annual Meeting – A representative from Fort Littlegreen selected Imagine Academy for their $1,000 donation.

  • Sheboygan Annual Champions Gala – A guest from Bookworm Gardens won and directed the donation right back to Bookworm Gardens.

  • Plymouth Chamber Annual Awards Dinner – Jackie Pottratz from Allechant Boutique chose Project Angel Hugs as her nonprofit of choice.

Additionally, Van Horn proudly attended the Samaritan’s Hand and Habitat for Humanity Annual Galas and more to show continued community support.

👏 A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this initiative a success—from our team members attending these events to the incredible organizations making an impact every day. Your involvement keeps our mission alive: People. Purpose. Passion.

To learn more about these opportunities visit: 2025 Events & Guest Lists

Van Horn Sponsorship Spotlight: Amanda Lucksted Leads the Way
 

Amanda Lucksted Shines at Dale Carnegie Women’s Leadership Academy 🌟

Please join us in celebrating Amanda Lucksted for graduating from the Dale Carnegie Women’s Leadership Academy—an opportunity she earned through a company-sponsored scholarship!

Not only did Amanda complete the program with excellence, but she was also honored with the Breakthrough Presentation Award, recognizing her exceptional personal and professional growth throughout the academy.

This program empowers women to strengthen their leadership skills, and Amanda is excited to bring those insights back to the workplace. We’re proud to support her on this journey and look forward to the continued impact she’ll make here at Van Horn!

👏 Way to go, Amanda!

Volunteer Program Reminder

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

2023 Volunteers
Retirements
CONGRATULATIONS! KIA's Max Umbs (Selected to KIA's Skills National Cup)
  • Who Owned It?

    If you catch one of your fellow employees going the extra mile for the dealership, your team or a customer; please nominate them to be recognized at the next Town Hall meeting. Winners will receive a trophy for their work station for the month, and they will be entered into larger prize drawings throughout the year.
    Nominate a Coworker
  • Share Your Celebrations!

    We are always looking for new exciting content for our quarterly newsletters. Did you get married, have a new grandchild, a graduation in your family, a wedding anniversary, etc? We want to share your celebrations! To have your celebration featured in the newsletter send an email to Paige in HR at:

    [email protected]

  • Revamp of our Apparel Store!

    When you visit, you'll immediately notice our expanded selection of items and the addition of four distinct logos to choose from: Van Horn, WDS, Cloudlot, and WCC. Notably, our volunteer blue Van Horn shirt is now conveniently available at your nearest parts department, and we're pleased to offer it at a new price of $5. So, if you're in the market for some fresh apparel, be sure to check it out!
    Order Apparel

UPCOMING EVENTS

Looking to participate in a Van Horn Event 
or even use your volunteer hours?
View All Events

WORK ANNIVERSARIES

April
May
June
1 Year
Blake Dillavou
4/1/2024
Keith Kornely
4/1/2024
Val Plouff
4/4/2024
Jesus Barrera Vargas
4/09/2024
Robert Klug
4/9/2024
Jacob Sturm
4/15/2024
Trevor Peters
4/16/2024
Maxwell Stephenson
4/17/2024
Oscar Rivadeneyra
4/18/2024
Emma Jamrosz
4/22/2024
Andrew Smith
4/22/2024
Austin Vande Zande
4/22/2024
Zach Jaschob
4/26/2024
Jack Hutter
4/29/2024
Shahmeer Khan
4/29/2024
Aleicea Avina
4/30/2024
2 Years
Jocelyn Gahagan
04/03/2023
Jacob Rubsam
04/03/2023
Dave Slatinshek
04/03/2023
Vanhsay Ratsimeuang
04/05/2023
Javonte McMiller
04/10/2023
Kyle Swangstu
04/10/2023
Sylvain Ly
04/18/2023
Mitchell Kietzmann
04/24/2023
3 Years
Nicholas Randall
04/04/2022
Nathan Stierna
04/04/2022
Elijah Tuesburg
04/04/2022
David Eagle
04/11/2022
Jody Leischner
04/18/2022
James Barber
04/25/2022
Kevin Barnes
04/25/2022
Chris Meyer
04/25/2022
4 Years
Amanda Lucksted
04/05/2021
Gwen Mayers
04/12/2021
Thomas Junk
04/13/2021
Jessica Michaels
04/19/2021
James Fromm
04/23/2021
6 Years
Wilfred Vande Slunt
04/29/2019
7 Years
Kristen Storm
04/09/2018
John Heal
04/17/2018
Barbara Pahl
04/30/2018
Edward Pahl
04/30/2018
8 Years
Ryan Thiel
04/17/2017
9 Years
Anthony Mendez
04/18/2016
Dustin Medved
04/21/2016
11Years
Mark Schnell
04/25/2014
17 Years
Kyle Fale
04/01/2008
1 Year
Ricky Raeder
05/02/2024
Chris Jentges
05/06/2024
Jeff Dean
05/06/2024
Brian Strandt
05/06/2024
Jonathan Hartman
05/07/2024
Peter Karczewski
05/09/2024
Haziel Perez
05/10/2024
Deklin Steiner
05/10/2024
Eric Adams
05/15/2024
Fernando Huerta
05/15/2024
Charles Reschke Jr.
05/16/2024
Greg Barber
05/20/2024
David Kramer
05/20/2024
Billy O'Dwyer
05/20/2024
Alex Reimer
05/27/2024
Shelby Schroeder
05/28/2024
Jacob Knight
05/28/2024
2 Years
Jacob Armentrout
05/08/2023
Justin Dassow
05/08/2023
Waycee Thomas
05/15/2023
Peyton Veenendaal
05/15/2023
Bailey Hetzel
05/22/2023
Henry, Daniel J.
2/13/2023
Allan Reseburg
05/23/2023
Kristen Leschke
5/23/2023
3 Years
Terry Wehse
05/02/2022
Gary Schaefer
05/04/2022
Shawn Kunkle
05/10/2022
Ken Newbury
05/18/2022
Tim Donahue
05/23/2022
4 Years
Steve DoBas
05/04/2021
Steve Kujala
05/17/2021
5 Years
Jeremy Watts
05/18/2020
Jason Springer
05/26/2020
6 Years
Michael Augustine
05/07/2019
Dan Ronayne
05/17/2019
Tim Darr
05/17/2019
7 Years
Cody Suddeth
05/03/2018
8 Years
Aaron May
05/22/2017
12 Years
Sarah Dinkelman
05/13/2013
Scott Heinecke
05/22/2013
14 Years
Lisa Mickelson
05/02/2011
Jesse Jaehnig
05/23/2011
23 Years
Matt Klemme
05/27/2002
25 Years
Bruce Vreeke
05/25/2000
38 Years
Dan Welnetz
05/11/1987
1 Year
Mason Carlson
06/03/2024
John Knapp
06/03/2024
April Heinecke
06/03/2024
Justin Pena-Borbon
06/04/2024
Adela Prado
06/05/2024
Dale Piscitello
06/05/2024
Stephanie Zimmerman
06/05/2024
Brennan Van Horn
06/10/2024
Faith Cunningham
06/11/2024
Abby Mydlowski
06/13/2024
Justin Cagle
06/13/2024
Veronika Henning
06/14/2024
Ryan Schreurs
06/17/2024
Devon Jones
06/24/2024
Collin Gneiser
06/24/2024
2 Years
John Piontkowski
06/01/2023
Jacob Ortega
06/12/2023
Richard Tofte
06/13/2023
Dakota Phippen-Wollam
06/19/2023
Bryce Remy
06/21/2023
Frederick Haack
06/23/2023
Anthony Alexander
06/23/2023
David Yanke
06/26/2023
3 Years
Jeri Johnson
06/01/2022
Jennifer Messenger
06/06/2022
Yusef Qandeel
06/07/2022
Alyssa Glenetske
06/20/2022
Ariana Hendricks
06/27/2022
Jane Weinfurter
06/27/2022
4 Years
Sheila Barger
06/01/2021
Peter Hilbelink
06/01/2021
Kou Vue
06/07/2021
Darren Leher
06/07/2021
5 Years
Christine Preder
06/01/2020
Zach Hasenstein
06/01/2020
Shannon Laehn
06/04/2020
Brenna Prieto
06/15/2020
Rhea Williams
06/22/2020
6 Years
Jake Beringer
06/24/2019
James Grossen
06/26/2019
7 Years
Zachary Walsh
06/18/2018
9 Years
Chris Craemer
06/10/2016
Jared Henning
06/27/2016
10 Years
Brian Tatela
06/04/2015
11 Years
Jean Orozco
06/02/2014
Mark Sloan
06/16/2014
Thomas Malone
06/30/2014
13 Years
Fredric Fabris
06/08/2012
Lindy Guetzke
06/08/2012
18 Years
Amy Horness
06/28/2007
20 Years
Jarred Birschbach
06/13/2005
Chris Otters
06/27/2005
22 Years
Adam Gaedke
06/13/2003
24 Years
Dan Schreiner
06/25/2001
25 Years
Colleen Butler
06/29/2000
27 Years
Dale Klein
06/18/1998
November 2024
Q4

WHEELERS & DEALERS

Driven | Learner | Kind | Team Player

GET TO KNOW

Chase Larson
Marketing Manager
Fun fact about yourself
I enjoy cooking and smoking a variety of food
Favorite hobby, pastime or passion
I am an avid outdoorsman. I love to hunt, fish, camp and capture my outdoor adventures through photography and film.
Favorite Food or Restaurant:
Steak and scallops at Schwarz's Supper Club
What’s on your bucket list?
To live a month in a remote place off-grid
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever been to?
I stayed at a remote outpost for two weeks, 20 miles north of Armstrong, Canada. That was one of the most interesting places I have ever been to.
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Power to time-travel
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
I actually wouldn't want to be an expert in just one thing. I see value in the philosophy of "master of none"... The idea of being skilled in a variety of different areas than just a single one makes you a more well-rounded person.
If you could live in any time period, past or future, which would it be?
I would like to live in the Wild West time period.

Q & A

How would you describe your team/ culture at your location?
Corina Yang
Marketing
Our marketing team has a lively and energetic culture where everyone brings their own strengths to the table. Whether it’s SEO, content, design, social media, or events, each person has their area of expertise, making it easy to work together. We’re always learning, staying on top of trends, and trying new ideas. Leaders encourage us to take ownership of our work, while providing the support we need, creating an environment built on trust and respect. In our fast-paced world, we adapt quickly to change, all while keeping a positive, inclusive vibe that celebrates both individual and team success.
Trevor Hess
Oconomowoc
Our team has a great culture—it’s energetic, supportive, and feels like a family. After 10 years here, I can say we have a lot of fun while staying focused on helping our customers. Everyone brings a lot of positivity and teamwork to the table, which makes every day enjoyable.
Spencer Smith
Stoughton
At our dealership, our team culture is built on trust, collaboration, and customer focus. We are a tight-knit group that thrives on working together to provide an exceptional experience for every customer. From the sales floor to service and management, we prioritize open communication and mutual support, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the dealership's success. Our culture is fast-paced, dynamic, and customer-centric. We all share a commitment to providing top-notch service and delivering value to our clients, whether they're purchasing a new vehicle or bringing their car in for service. We embrace a "one team" mentality, where everyone—regardless of their role—is dedicated to making the dealership a great place to work and a trusted resource for our customers. At the same time, we encourage continuous learning and development to stay ahead in the industry. We celebrate team achievements and always support one another to reach our goals. It’s a place where hard work is recognized, and there’s always room for growth.

PET CORNER

Tiffany
Jeri Johnson
Bear
Faith Cunningham
Archie
Maureena Sindric
Grizzly
Dylan Hauck
Tesla
Bryce Remy
Empower People. Amaze Customers.
Copyright © 2024 | Van Horn Automotive Group
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