Van Horn Automotive Group is proud to welcome Chase Kramer, Samuel Sanchez, and Ryan Wolter to the High Gear Apprenticeship Program! 

The High Gear Program is a hands-on, industry-driven apprenticeship designed to develop the next generation of skilled automotive professionals. Through mentorship, training, and real-world experience, participants gain valuable knowledge while building rewarding careers in the automotive industry.

Chase, Samuel, and Ryan have each demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to learning, making them excellent additions to this growing initiative.

At Van Horn Stevens Point, Chase Kramer has begun his apprenticeship under the guidance of mentor Trevor. At Van Horn Latino, Samuel Sanchez is working alongside mentor Arnulfo as he develops his technical skills and industry knowledge. At Van Horn Honda of Glendale, Ryan Wolter has officially joined the program under the mentorship of Manny, where he will continue building his skills and gaining valuable hands-on experience.

We are excited to support Chase, Samuel, and Ryan as they take this important next step in their careers and look forward to watching them grow and succeed within the Van Horn family.

Please join us in congratulating Chase, Samuel, and Ryan on this exciting achievement!

  Featured Technician 

Max Umbs has once again been selected to compete in the 2026 Kia Skill National Cup, an honor reserved for the top technicians in the country. As a past national champion and World Cup competitor, Max continues to set the bar with his skill, dedication, and commitment to his craft. Those who work alongside Max see his impact every day. As his manager shared, "Max is a delight to work with. Not only does he possess a wealth of automotive knowledge, but he also strives to impart that knowledge and wisdom on his fellow technicians. He comes to work every day with the goal of making things better for our customers and our staff. We are fortunate to call him our colleague."

Max will be heading to Irvine, California this April, and we’re all looking forward to cheering him on as he represents Van Horn on the national stage once again.

Max's professional accomplishments are impressive, but there is more to his story! Enjoy getting to know Max a little better.

What first interested you in becoming a technician?  

I was almost born with a wrench in my hand...  My Dad worked at a motorcycle shop, and I spent a decent chunk of the first couple years of my life around that shop.  At 2-3 years old, I was getting hand-me-down tools and random parts to play with from the guys in the shop.

If you weren't a mechanic, what do you think you would be doing?  

If I weren't an auto technician, I would probably be working as a motorcycle technician either for a shop or a race team.  Outside of that, maybe an instructor for automotive.

What is your dream car?

I don't really have a dream car...although I would probably be pretty happy with a custom 1930s street rod.

What do you think people would be surprised to know about you?

I used to play paintball at a competitive/national level.  I also managed one of the largest indoor paintball fields in the nation.

Favorite food or restaurant?  

A high quality filet mignon will always be welcome...but I do also love pizza, burritos, and pretty much anything made with potatoes...

What do you do outside of work? Hobbies?  

Shooting sports.  I've been around guns all my life, and currently work part time in the industry as a safety officer, gunsmith, and instructor.

Be sure to wish Max good luck if you see him. We’ll all be cheering him on!

To read more visit: https://bit.ly/4sn6bP7

For six decades, Van Horn Automotive Group has been shaped by the vision of one family, strengthened by generations of leadership, and sustained by employees who believe in something bigger than a job. From a single Chevrolet dealership in Plymouth to a state-wide, employee-owned automotive group, our story is one of resilience, opportunity, and people-first values.

We’re excited to celebrate this milestone together at our 60th Anniversary Party on October 3rd at The Osthoff Resort. Save the dates have been mailed—keep an eye out! Registration details will be shared in the coming months, and we have a lot of fun things planned. You won’t want to miss it.

In the meantime, explore the moments—both triumphant and challenging—that helped define who we are, where we came from, and where we’re headed next.

Visit https://www.vhcars.com/60-anniversary/ to view our timeline, read our 60-year story, and hear from the people who helped shape our culture.

What’s one habit that’s made you more successful?

Amanda Wasmer- Marketing

One habit that has made me more successful is staying open to continuous learning, whether it’s new tools, skills, or industry knowledge. When I feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar tasks, I remind myself to focus on what I’ll gain, which helps me push past discomfort and grow.

Max Schuer- CFO

If I had to pick, it'd be staying consistently grounded and approachable. I make a conscious effort to stay level-headed and keep things in perspective. While the role of CFO comes with greater responsibility and decision-making, I try not to let it create distance between myself and others. My goal is to create space for open communication and better decisions by empowering others to step up, lead, and have their voices heard. After all, we are all employee owners who are working toward empowering people to amaze customers.