November 2024
Q4
WHEELERS & DEALERS
Driven | Learner | Kind | Team Player
Hello Everyone,
I hope this message finds you ready to make the last stretch of the year count. As we move through the fourth quarter, I want to shift our focus to a core value that is essential to our success as a company: TEAM PLAYER. In the spirit of unity, let’s take a moment to reflect on what it means to truly embody this value—and how it strengthens our workplace culture and our progress as a whole.
To me, being a TEAM PLAYER is about more than just working alongside one another. It’s about genuinely collaborating to create something greater than what any one person could accomplish alone. It's the willingness to step in, lend a hand, or share a fresh perspective for the betterment of the entire team. In this newsletter you’ll find a link to the third quarter state of the company video. In it, you’ll find a snapshot of our third-quarter achievements and insights, but I’d like to take a few minutes here to explore a little deeper what TEAM PLAYER means to me and how we can each bring it to life every day.
We all know our four core values—DRIVEN, TEAM PLAYER, LEARNER, and KIND—are more than just words. They’re a roadmap to building the kind of culture that sets us apart in the industry. Imagine a team that is DRIVEN and LEARNER-focused but lacks the TEAM PLAYER value. While they may be skilled and motivated, without a cooperative spirit, there’s a missing link that prevents the team from achieving its full potential. As TEAM PLAYERS, we create an environment that encourages people to rely on each other’s strengths, communicate openly, and celebrate shared successes.
Our industry moves fast, and there are challenges that require us to be agile and resourceful. When everyone pulls together as a TEAM PLAYER, those challenges become opportunities. This is what allows us to stay innovative and efficient, ultimately delivering exceptional results for our customers and helping to maximize the value of our ESOP.
So, how do we, as leaders and team members, encourage the TEAM PLAYER spirit? It begins with the conversations we have, the feedback we give, and the expectations we set. When we’re bringing new people onto our teams, are we showing them the importance of collaboration in our culture? During the interview, are we asking questions like: Can you share a time when you helped a teammate achieve a challenging goal? What strengths do you bring to a team setting, and how do you use them to support others? How do you handle situations where you need to pivot or adjust your role to support team priorities? These questions allow us to see if a potential teammate is prepared to embrace collaboration and mutual support.
Being a TEAM PLAYER isn’t just about carrying out your own responsibilities. It’s about doing so in a way that lifts the entire team, so every win is a shared victory. When we each embody this value, we don’t just grow as a company; we build connections and make our work more rewarding.
Let’s embrace the TEAM PLAYER spirit, support each other, and finish 2024 strong—together!
JEFF NIESEN, PRESIDENT & CEO
Elizabeth is the lucky winner of the CarsFor15K.com $15,000 Giveaway. We had the pleasure of celebrating her big win at Van Horn Budget Auto with other Van Horn employees. After purchasing her car during the contest period, Elizabeth's name was drawn from 150 participants. Congratulations Elizabeth
Van Horn Automotive Group held its first Quarter Century Club Dinner to honor team members who have dedicated 25 years or more to the organization. The event took place at The Berkshire in Sheboygan, filled with good food, laughter, and cherished memories.
The Quarter Century Club recognizes the incredible dedication, expertise, and friendship that these remarkable individuals have contributed over the years. Each honoree has played a vital role in shaping the company’s values and success.
The following employees were celebrated during the evening:
Tom Artabasy – Salesman, Budget Motors
Dale Klein – Master Technician, Sheboygan Hyundai
Pat Mickle – Body Shop Technician, Manitowoc CDJR
Bill Spelshaus – Master Technician, Van Horn Motors of Sheboygan
Dan Welnetz – Service Manager, Manitowoc CDJR
Chuck Spackman – Service Advisor, Manitowoc CDJR
Brian Wimmer – Master Technician, Manitowoc CDJR
Doreen Schreiber – Accounting Registration Supervisor, Corporate Support
Jennica Krebsbach – Dealership Controller, Corporate Support
Teresa Van Horn – Director of Van Horn Gives and Wellness & Chairperson of Van Horn Board of Directors
Sunday Strong – Accounting Administrator
These honorees were celebrated not only for their years of service but for the positive impact they have had on their colleagues and the company. The evening was a heartfelt reminder of the strong bonds formed over decades of teamwork and shared experiences.
October was ESOP Month, and we went all out to celebrate the incredible benefits of employee ownership! Here’s a recap of all the fun and exciting activities we enjoyed together:
☕🍩 Coffee & Donut Kickoff – We started the month with a delicious coffee and donut celebration, bonding over sweet treats and the pride of being employee-owners.
👕✨ Company Shirt Day – Our team showed up in style, rocking their Van Horn shirts with pride. It was a great way to highlight the spirit of teamwork and ownership that makes us who we are.
🏅💪 National Sports Day – We showed our true colors by sporting our favorite team gear. Everyone brought their A-game in representing their teams with pride!
🧁🎉 Cupcake Day – We indulged in sugary goodness with a cupcake celebration, enjoying sweet moments together as a team.
🎉📋 ESOP Bingo – ESOP Day was a hit with Bingo! Fun questions about the company helped us connect, learn, and win some awesome prizes.
🍂🎃 Pumpkin Decorating Day – We wrapped up the month with a festive Pumpkin Decorating Day. Our team showcased their creativity and embraced the fall spirit with some amazing designs.
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this ESOP Month unforgettable. Here’s to the power of employee ownership and the incredible team that makes it all happen!
This holiday season, Van Horn Automotive Group celebrated in style with some of our favorite traditions, bringing joy and community spirit to life! Here's a look back at the highlights:
🌟🎁 Christmas Tree Decorating Competition – Our annual Christmas Tree Decorating Contest was a hit! Each location showcased their creativity and ESOP spirit, making it tough to choose a winner. Huge congratulations to Van Horn Budget Auto of Plymouth for taking the top spot! Every tree was a masterpiece, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s competition.
🎉🎄 Christmas Parades – We joined in the festive fun at the Sheboygan Parade and the Plymouth Parade, thanks to the Sheboygan Jaycees and the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce. Walking in these incredible community events and handing out candy to excited faces was such a memorable experience. 🍬
A big thank you to everyone who participated, voted, and helped us make this holiday season so special.
Glendale, Wisconsin – December 4th, 2024 – Van Horn Automotive Group officially broke ground on the construction of a new Honda dealership building, located at 6100 N. Green Bay Avenue, Glendale, WI. This event marked an exciting new chapter for a long-standing community landmark.
David Hobbs Honda has been a cornerstone of Glendale’s automotive industry for nearly four decades. In March 2023, Van Horn Automotive Group acquired David Hobbs Honda, making it their first Honda franchise and their first new car dealership in the Milwaukee metro area. Plans for a new facility had been underway since 2019, but the project was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these delays, Van Horn remained committed to advancing the project, as part of their purchase agreement with Hobbs and Honda Motor Company.
The current facility, spanning 18,000 square feet and offering 13 service bays, has served customers well over the years but the size of their customer base has outgrown this facility. The new dealership will stand as a beacon of progress, designed as one of the first facilities in the U.S. to reflect Honda’s updated image program. With a massive leap in service capacity, the new building will accommodate 32 service bays—2.5 times the capacity of the existing location—along with three indoor service reception lanes, ensuring customers receive efficient and top-tier service.
The state-of-the-art dealership will be constructed on the existing site and span 7.09 acres, offering over 450 parking spaces. The building itself will feature a main floor of 45,200 square feet and an additional 8,000-square-foot second floor. A 4-stall new car delivery area with integrated EV charging stations will enhance the delivery experience for new owners, while a customer lounge with diverse seating and hospitality options will elevate the in-dealership experience. Additional features include a full-service car wash and a quick-check alignment station that allow vehicles to leave in peak condition.
“We are thrilled to see this project come to life as we expand our footprint in the Milwaukee area,” said Jeff Niesen, President and CEO of Van Horn Automotive Group. “This new Honda facility represents our commitment to providing top-notch service and a modern, welcoming experience for our customers. We’re excited to bring enhanced resources and capabilities to our Glendale location, ensuring our team can deliver an exceptional automotive experience for years to come.”
The Redmond Company, known for its excellence in dealership construction, will oversee the project, ensuring it meets Van Horn’s high standards for quality and completion timelines. “We are excited to partner with the Van Horn Automotive Group and expand on the group’s services to the greater Glendale community,” said Craig Wojtczak, Project Designer for The Redmond Company. “This new facility will continue to be a landmark and position the dealership for long-term success and growth in an ever-evolving automotive market.”
The new Honda dealership is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the dealership’s history and a new chapter of growth and innovation for Van Horn Automotive Group. During construction, Van Horn Honda of Glendale will remain open during normal business hours. For more information, and directions during your visit, see www.VHHondaGlendale.com.
Van Horn Automotive Group, Inc. is a family born, employee-owned automotive group with headquarters in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Founded in 1966 by Joe Van Horn as a single Chevrolet dealership, Van Horn Automotive Group has grown to include 18 automotive dealerships, a finance company, a fleet management division, and a wholesale financial products company. The group employs over 750 people throughout Wisconsin. For employment opportunities visit the Careers page at https://www.vhcars.com/careers/.
The Redmond Company, headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, specializes in innovative design-build solutions and has been a trusted leader in construction and architecture since its founding in 1976. Known for delivering high-quality, customized projects in the financial, automotive, and retail sectors, The Redmond Company serves clients throughout the Midwest and beyond. With a commitment to integrity, excellence, and client satisfaction, Redmond employs a dedicated team of professionals to manage projects from concept to completion. For more information, visit their website at www.theredmondco.com.
The North Shore Chamber of Commerce is a chamber organization designed by area businesses…for local businesses in the North Shore and beyond. We promote economic growth and prosperity of our business community through advocacy, collaboration, education, and networking. Learn more at https://discoverthenorthshoremke.com/northshore-chamber-home/
Last month, we celebrated the incredible career of Brian Wimmer, an A-Technician at Van Horn CDJR of Manitowoc, who retired after an impressive 45 years of service.
Brian’s exceptional skills, passion, and dedication made him one of the top auto technicians in the area, and his kind and inspiring presence uplifted everyone fortunate enough to work with him.
While we’ll miss having Brian as part of our daily team, we’re excited for him as he begins his well-deserved retirement. Brian’s contributions over the years have left a lasting legacy, and we’re proud to call him a lifelong member of the Van Horn family.
Here’s to Brian’s next chapter—filled with joy, relaxation, and everything he loves. Congratulations on your retirement, Brian, and thank you for 45 amazing years! 💙
We’re excited to share that Van Horn Auto Group was honored with the prestigious ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award at this year’s ATHENA Leadership Awards banquet! 🏆
This award reflects the incredible teamwork and commitment of everyone in our organization to empower and uplift others. It’s a proud moment for all of us to see our shared values of leadership, collaboration, and growth recognized in such a meaningful way.
Thank you to every employee for contributing to this success. Together, we’re building a legacy of positive impact and inspiring leadership! 🌟
