November 2024
Q4
WHEELERS & DEALERS
Driven | Learner | Kind | Team Player
Van Horn Automotive made a standout impression at this year’s Milwaukee Auto Show, proudly representing as the only dealer group with a booth on display. Over the 10-day event, our space drew hundreds of attendees, thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of our incredible volunteers, sales staff, and BDC team members.
A major crowd-pleaser was our Oil for Life raffle, which generated tons of excitement and helped keep traffic flowing to our booth. We also highlighted the progress of our new Van Horn Honda of Glendale dealership, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm from the local community.
Huge thanks to everyone who helped bring this event to life—your hard work and dedication made a powerful impact. Way to go, Team Van Horn!
We had the incredible opportunity to welcome RussFlipsWhips and his team for an engaging and energizing social media training, with a special focus on TikTok!
Russ shared his inspiring journey—from how he got started to the strategies behind his explosive growth—and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes his content stand out. From crafting engaging hooks to mastering video techniques and creative storytelling, our sales teams dove into hands-on training and left with actionable tips to elevate our digital presence.
With these new skills in our toolbox, we’re more excited than ever to boost our content and connect with audiences in fresh, authentic ways.
👉 Follow along with our journey on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn!
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.
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:
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
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!
At Van Horn, giving back is more than a value—it’s part of our culture. Through our Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, part-time employees receive 8 hours and full-time employees receive 12 hours annually to support causes they care about.
In the past, we've used an average of just 5% of our available VTO hours. In 2025, we're aiming higher—with a bold goal to reach 25% usage by the end of the year.
Whether you volunteer individually or as a team, your time makes a difference. Let’s work together to meet this goal and make an even greater impact in the communities we serve.
Need help finding a volunteer opportunity? Contact Lauren Splivalo at [email protected]—she’s here to help!
Fun fact about you.
I am getting married in May of this year! My life has been consumed by wedding planning lately, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
What’s a place you’d love to travel to?
My fiancé and I have a deep passion for travel. We enjoy a quick weekend getaway to Door County, Wisconsin Dells or Green Bay a few times a year. However, our most recent big adventure took us to London and Paris. Next on our travel itinerary are Italy and Slovenia, as this is where our families originated from.
What’s something your passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to keep busy. Whether we are renovating our home, wedding planning, traveling, camping, or spending time with friends and family; my calendar is almost always full. Life goes so fast, so I try to spend my time with those I love doing things I enjoy as much as I can.
If you could jump in a time machine, would you go forward or backwards and to what time?
Cheesy maybe, but I would travel back in time to when I was a kid. Maybe 8 years old or so. Childhood innocence and imagination, limited technology, playing outside until the streetlights came on with my cousins or neighbor kids, spending time with my grandma. A lot of things we tend to take for granted that I would love to experience again, even for a day. The simple things, when life seemed slower.
What’s your favorite movie quote?
“Where we're going, we don’t need roads.” – Back to the Future. Only the greatest trilogy of all time. To me this quote means endless possibilities. Make the impossible, possible. Make your own road.
What would you choose to have an unlimited supply of in the office?
DRINKS. I feel like no matter what I am doing I am always wanting something to drink, something to sip on. My personal favorite, a cold can of Fresca!
What’s a piece of advice you’d give someone starting their career in the industry?
For someone starting their career in the industry, my advice would be to prioritize building connections. Step out of your comfort zone, even if you're naturally inclined to stay within your bubble. Take the initiative to help others, ask questions, and actively participate in company activities. Networking and fostering relationships are one of the most effective ways to grow professionally. Reflecting on my own experience, taking on a managerial role was intimidating, but my success would not have been possible without the support, guidance, and advice I received from those around me. Without a team, a peer, even a friend, sometimes things can seem impossible. But I promise you here, with Van Horn; there is always someone willing and wanting to give you the guidance and advice someone once gave them.
Fun fact about you:
I once met Pauly Shore while working in hospitality. He was filming a documentary, and I had no idea who he was! Naturally, I pretended like I did, playing it cool the whole time. For clarification, I did follow our procedure and notify marketing, but they were out for the day. So, I ended up handling it myself—completely clueless about who I was talking to!
What’s a place you’d like to travel to?
I enjoy the little things in life. A simple, quiet, serene spot in nature, like a remote cabin in the woods or a quiet lakeside retreat. Somewhere I could just unplug completely and enjoy some peace and quiet—no crowds, no noise, just me and the scenery.
What’s something you're passionate about outside of work?
I’m really passionate about exploring different perspectives through books or podcasts. I love diving into stories or discussions that give me new insights or ways of thinking. It’s not about having a busy schedule—just having meaningful moments that spark curiosity.
If you could jump in a time machine, would you go forward or backwards and to what time?
I’d probably head forward in time (as long as I stay the same age, of course). I’m curious to see how technology advances and how society evolves in ways we can’t even imagine yet. There’s something exciting about the unknown future, and I’d love to see how the things we take for granted today might be totally different in the years to come.
What’s your favorite movie quote?
“Run your own race.” – The Wolf of Wall Street
I love this quote because it’s a reminder to stay focused on your own goals and not get distracted by others. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but real success comes from carving your own path and sticking to it.
What would you choose to have an unlimited supply of in the office?
Definitely snacks. Not because I’m constantly hungry, but because having a variety of options can be the perfect little distraction during a break. Whether it’s something sweet or savory, it’s a small treat that makes a long day feel a little more manageable.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give someone starting their career in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to fail—and don’t expect to have all the answers right away. Every misstep is a lesson, and success often comes from learning what doesn’t work. Be patient with yourself, ask questions, and embrace the process. The best growth happens when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone and take calculated risks.
