November 2024
Q4

WHEELERS & DEALERS

Driven | Learner | Kind | Team Player
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WHEELERS & DEALERS
Q3 l 2026


Driven | Learner | Kind | Team Player

COMPANY UPDATE

Jeff Niesen
President | Van Horn Automotive Group
Team,
 
As we close out the second quarter, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made and the opportunity in front of us for the second half of 2026.
 
The first half of the year required a great deal of change across our organization. We launched Tekion, continued building our partnership with Zurich, changed how we source and manage used vehicle inventory, and kept pushing forward in fixed operations. None of this has been easy, but our team has continued to adapt, solve problems, and improve.
 
One area that deserves recognition is accounting. The transition to Tekion created a significant amount of change for our accounting team, and they have done a great job integrating the new system and building new processes around it. We are still waiting on Tekion to make some important system changes that will allow us to become even more efficient, but the progress already made is meaningful.
 
From a year-to-date performance standpoint, we are ahead of where we were at this point last year. Through June, variable gross profit is up approximately $637,000 compared to the first half of 2025, and total gross profit is up approximately $633,000 year over year.
 
Used vehicles continue to be one of the most encouraging areas of progress. Even though we retailed fewer used vehicles year to date compared to last year, we generated more used retail gross profit. Our used retail gross profit per unit is up nearly 13% compared to the first half of 2025. In June, we also made important progress selling through aging inventory, which gives us a cleaner inventory position and a stronger start to the third quarter.
 
Fixed operations continue to grind, and the story underneath the numbers is important. Mechanical gross profit is slightly ahead of last year, and body shop gross profit is up nearly 15%. Parts gross profit is down year over year, mostly due to lower warranty parts gross profit. While we have produced approximately 1,700 more warranty repair orders in 2026, total mechanical warranty sales dollars are essentially flat compared to last year. This means we are doing more warranty work, but the average ticket is smaller, with more software flashes and vehicle updates and fewer large repair tickets like complete engine replacements.
 
I also want to specifically call out the fixed operations team at Van Horn Honda. In June, they came incredibly close to reaching $500,000 in gross profit. July is their opportunity to become the first store in our group to exceed $500,000 in fixed operations gross profit without the contribution of a body shop.
 
As we look ahead, it is worth remembering that 2025 started strong but became very difficult in the second half of the year. This year, we are in a much better position. We are well positioned to produce strong results in the second half of 2026, but that will only happen if we stay focused.
We need to continue supporting our fellow team members, delivering a great customer experience, strengthening the processes we have built in sales and service, staying disciplined with used inventory, improving our execution within Tekion, and doing it all while having fun.
What has not changed is our mission: to Empower People and Amaze Customers. Thank you for your continued effort, adaptability, and commitment. I appreciate the work being done across our entire organization, and I am excited about the opportunity in front of us.

Jeff Niesen

Van Horn Automotive Group

President and CEO

IN THE NEWS

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Employee Q&A’s

Q: “What’s one small thing that makes your workday better?”

Ryan Elsinger- Van Horn Ford of Sheboygan 

 Good music, 80s rock, clean and gets people living

 

Ryan Elsinger

Q: “What’s one small thing that makes your workday better?”


Kyle Stowers- Carsfor15k

Seeing someone he has helped leave a good review immediately after being assisted

Creating memorable experiences they will remember during their review.

 

Kyle
From High Gear Student to A-Level Technician and Mentor

What started as a change in career direction turned into a career in automotive service. Gabriel originally went to school for electrical maintenance, but after talking with his counselor about his interests, he decided to try an automotive program. Having grown up working on cars with his dad, brother, and grandpa, he quickly discovered that automotive was the right fit for him.

During his time in the High Gear program, one of the biggest lessons he learned was to absorb as much information as possible and not be afraid to ask questions. His mentor, Collin, also taught him the importance of staying organized and keeping his work area clean. Early in the program, Collin even stayed late to help reorganize his toolbox, and Gabriel still has it set up the same way today. Now, as a mentor himself, he hopes to pass that same mindset along by encouraging his mentee and other young technicians to learn from everyone around them and take advantage of every opportunity to grow.

What is it like being on the other side of the program as a mentor?

“Being on the other side as a mentor feels like a big accomplishment for me. I understand what my mentee might be going through because I was in his shoes at one point. When he says, ‘This might be a dumb question,’ I can relate because I was the one asking those questions when I started.”

How does it feel knowing your hard work led to you becoming an A-level technician?

“It feels almost unreal. When I started out, I was the one asking all the questions, and today I’m on the other end answering them. Knowing that all my hard work has paid off and that I’m able to teach other young technicians is pretty crazy.”

His journey through High Gear has come full circle: from student, to A-level technician, to mentor helping the next generation of technicians.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pets, Babies & More, We Want to Celebrate You!

"We’d love to celebrate your exciting moments! Whether it’s a pet, a baby announcement, or any personal news you’d like to share, please send your updates to Kennedy. You can also watch upcoming emails with opportunities to be featured in “Get to Know” and other fun segments.
Reach out anytime at KBitter@vhcars.com."

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

  • UPCOMING EVENTS

    Looking to represent Van Horn in the community?
    Join us at upcoming community events, golf outings, parades, grand openings, and more! It's a great way to connect with coworkers, customers, and the communities we serve.
    View All Events

  • Revamp of our Apparel Store!

    When you visit, you'll immediately notice our expanded selection of Van Horn apparel and branded merchandise. From everyday essentials to new apparel options, there are plenty of ways to show your Van Horn pride both at work and in the community.
    If you're looking to refresh your wardrobe or pick up some new Van Horn gear, be sure to check it out!
    Order Apparel

  • Volunteer Reminder

    Did you know you receive paid volunteer hours each year?
    Van Horn employees are encouraged to give back through community service.
    ⭐ Full-Time Employees: 16 paid volunteer hours annually
    ⭐ Part-Time Employees: 8 paid volunteer hours annually
    Use your volunteer hours to support causes you're passionate about, participate in Van Horn-sponsored volunteer opportunities, or make an impact in your local community.

    Volunteer Now!

  • FMLA Absence Hotline

    To better support employees utilizing approved FMLA leave, we are introducing a dedicated FMLA Absence Reporting Hotline.
    If you need to miss work for a reason covered under your approved FMLA leave, please report your absence by calling the FMLA Hotline at 920-241-8476. This ensures your absence is properly documented and coded under your approved leave.
    Please continue to follow your department's normal call-in procedures in addition to contacting the hotline, unless otherwise directed by your supervisor.
    If you have any questions regarding your FMLA leave or absence reporting requirements, please contact Human Resources.

  • Explore New Opportunities with Our New Dialpad Open Position Channel

    Looking for your next career move within Van Horn Automotive? Want to help a friend or family member find a great opportunity?
    Join our new Dialpad Channel, where the HR team will regularly post open positions throughout the company.
    This channel is a great way to:
    Stay informed about internal career opportunities
    Explore potential growth and development paths within Van Horn Automotive
    Refer qualified friends and family members for open positions
    Learn about new roles as they become available
    Keep an eye on the channel and discover where your next opportunity could take you!


November 2024
Q4

WHEELERS & DEALERS

Driven | Learner | Kind | Team Player
Empower People. Amaze Customers.
Copyright © 2026 | Van Horn Automotive Group
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