Van Horn Automotive Group - Page 2 of 23

VAN HORN AUTOMOTIVE PURCHASES NISSAN OF STEVENS POINT

By vanhornautos | Posted in Dealer Information, Nissan, Service on Monday, July 9th, 2018 at 3:45 PM

Stevens Point, WI, July 2, 2018 – The Van Horn Automotive Group has announced the purchase of Stevens Point Nissan from Home Run Auto Group, located at 301 Green Avenue N, Stevens Point, WI. This marks the 13^th dealership to be part of the Van Horn Automotive Group, and the 1^st Nissan dealership.

With plans for a greater new and used inventory and further developing the service center, Van Horn aims to retain and increase the staff of employees. “We believe in investing in all the communities that we serve,” said Dick Strong, Chief Operating Officer of Van Horn Automotive Group. “The Stevens Point community is strong, with a diverse mix of business, education, culture and the arts. We’re humbled to operate in such a vibrant town.”

“Nissan is a brand we’ve wanted to sell for years, and Stevens Point is a great location; very accessible from every direction,” says Chuck Van Horn, CEO for Van Horn Automotive Group. “It took the right opportunity to make this possible, and we’re humbled to operate in such a vibrant town.”

This acquisition marks the thirteenth dealership location for Van Horn Automotive Group which operates in several areas across the state of Wisconsin, including: Plymouth, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Fond du Lac, Lomira, Stoughton, Milwaukee and Oconomowoc and Newhall, IA. This is the first Nissan dealership for the group which carries several manufacturers, including: Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Hyundai and Mazda.

The Van Horn Automotive Group 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, and purchased by his children: Chuck, Teresa and JP Van Horn, the Van Horn Automotive Group has grown to include 13 automotive dealerships, a finance company, a real estate business and several insurance companies. The group employs over 500 people throughout Wisconsin and Iowa. For employment opportunities visit the Careers page at www.vhcars.com.

VAN HORN TEST DRIVES FOR CHILDREN OF FALLEN PATRIOTS

By vanhornautos | Posted in Van Horn Gives on Friday, June 1st, 2018 at 8:25 PM

Memorial Day Test Drive for Charity

On Memorial Day weekend, Van Horn Automotive Group took a different approach to customer test drives. For every test drive taken May 25, 26, and 28, 2018, Van Horn offered to donate $20 to Children of Fallen Patriots, a foundation that provides college scholarships and education to children who have lost a parent serving in the military. “We’ve been open on Memorial Day in the past,” said Marketing Director Ryan Thiel, “but we wanted to move away from a typical sales event and keep the focus on those who gave everything for our freedom and their families.”

Test Drive Results

After the event, the totals were combined from all 12 Van Horn locations throughout Wisconsin and Iowa equaling 221 test drives and a donation of $4,420. “We believe one of the best ways we can honor our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country is to invest in the future of those they loved most in the world: their children,” notes David Kim, co-founder and CEO of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. “Through their Memorial Day campaign, Van Horn Automotive Group has generated awareness for our mission and raised over $4,400 in funding for our Gold Star scholars. We couldn’t be more honored to receive Van Horn Automotive Group’s support.”

Thanks for Driving

Lastly, the Van Horn family would like to thank everyone that came out to test drive a vehicle. Whether it was a car someone was possibly interested in purchasing or a ride in a convertible, we appreciate everyone that came out.

Van Horn CDJR of Manitowoc test drive participant

VAN HORN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

By vanhornautos | Posted in Dealer Information on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 at 5:18 PM

A new structure provides defined leadership roles positioned for growth.

Teresa Van Horn has been promoted to co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and will share ownership duties with co-CEO and brother, Chuck Van Horn. Chuck states, “Teresa’s steady leadership and unwavering commitment to the Auto Group and the communities it serves propelled her into this role.” Her previous role was Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Van Horn Automotive Group.

Dick Strong will take over as Chief Operating Officer, adding to his role as Group President; a position he’s held since 2013. “With almost 40 years of experience in all areas of the auto business, there is no challenge that Dick hasn’t seen many times before,” says co-CEO Chuck Van Horn. “He is intimately connected to every detail of our complex business, and demands a high moral standard of himself, which is reflected by all those who work and deal with him.”

General Council Basil Buchko will accept the role of Executive VP – Legal and Compliance, and will continue to provide legal representation and direction for Van Horn Automotive Group. Chief Financial Officer Tom Stocco will also increase his role as Executive VP – Finance and Real Estate Operations. “As we expand our footprint to include more dealerships, retail finance and insurance as well as real estate development, it becomes more important to have strong legal and financial leadership for all Van Horn holdings,” says new COO Dick Strong. “In just the last three years, both Basil and Tom have been integral constituents in Van Horn’s growth.”

Adam Gaedke has escalated from his position of Platform Vice President to Executive Vice President of Dealership Operations. In this new role, Gaedke will optimize the efficiency of sales and service operations at all Van Horn dealerships. “Adam brings a clear, tenured vision of the culture; a transparent customer experience we want to impress upon anyone who deals with us,” says co-CEO Chuck Van Horn. “He is a positive leader, who treats everyone with respect and integrity, and instills the same values in his people.”

Mark Watson will serve as the Vice President of Operations for Wisconsin Dealer Services. “As a former Finance Director and Sales Vice President with a passion for training others, Mark’s energy and drive for continuous improvement made this appointment an easy decision,” says new co-CEO Teresa Van Horn.

Four Platform Directors have been assigned to oversee the performance of Van Horn dealerships; aligned by factory brand. They will be responsible for managing positive relationships with automobile manufacturers in executing program goals, and build strong teams to achieve profitability. Justin Stanford – Platform Director, FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) dealerships. Kyle Fale – Platform Director, Hyundai dealerships, Brad Knight – Platform Director, Ford dealerships. Jeff Niesen – Platform Director, Chevrolet and Mazda dealerships as well as Van Horn Budget and Van Horn Latino used car dealerships.

Chuck Van Horn adds “This realignment of senior management will create a greater economy of scale for the entire organization. As we expand, we will be readily equipped to handle more business with a high rate of operational efficiency and expense control.”

Van Horn Drives in Donations for Kevin

By vanhornautos | Posted in Hyundai on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 at 11:23 PM

On Saturday, May 5, 2018, Van Horn Hyundai of Fond du Lac held a Test Drive Fundraiser for a local youth named Kevin Kollmann. Kevin was born with Cerebral Palsy and is an honor roll student at Fond du Lac High School. He is planning to attend UW Whitewater to pursue a degree in Science Education. Kevin needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle that will allow him to drive to work and school.

Kevin taking Test Drive at Van Horn of Fond du Lac

Van Horn’s Test Drive Event brought in over $1,000 for Kevin’s cause. In addition to the test drives, Sunny 97.7 and Rock 95 & 96-1 the Rock were on location with giveaways, as well as Ang an Eddie’s Chicago Style Hot Dog Cart, who graciously donated 10% of their profits. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and Kevin had a great time riding with some of his fan’s during their test drives.

Kevin Kollman with Sunny 97.7 and Rock 95 & 96-1

Van Horn Huyndai of Fond du Lac Test Drive for Kevin

Meals on Wheels Recipient of Pay-It-Forward Donation

By Admin | Posted in Uncategorized on Friday, March 2nd, 2018 at 10:26 PM

Last week, the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce held their 2018 Chamber Champions Gala at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake. In attendance representing Van Horn Automotive Group were Teresa Van Horn, Dick Strong, Sunday Strong, Jeff Niesen, Brian Wieland, and Crystal Dekker. Van Horn Automotive Group was a Platinum Sponsor of this event, as well as the host of the the “Pay-it-Forward moment” – a random drawing, allowing a chosen guest to select a charity for a $1000 donation.

Brett Fosdick, Sales Manager at US Cellular, was the lucky recipient of the Pay-it-Forward award. He chose to pay it forward to Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County, Inc. He stated that he chose Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County because “they have helped out a peer of mine who was in need in the past. I believe it’s a great service for people who aren’t able to leave the confines of their homes to be able to get meals delivered to their homes.”

Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County partners with local farmers and gardeners to provide fresh meals for the elderly and homebound.

Van Horn has sponsored the Pay-it-Forward donation for the past four years, benefiting other local organizations such as the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund, and RCS Empowers Inc.

Teresa Van Horn believes it is very important as a pillar of the communities we live to give back to the community and support one another. “We have been very fortunate to have the support of our communities these past 50 years. Pay-it-forward gives us the opportunity to say thank you and give the community the additional opportunity to help each other out. The support that communities receive from our business and the many other businesses will help us to continue to grow and remain strong for the future,” says Van Horn.

For more information about Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County, please visit http://www.freshmealsonwheels.org.

VAN HORN OF PLYMOUTH TOPS WISCONSIN FCA DEALERS

By Admin | Posted in Uncategorized on Tuesday, February 6th, 2018 at 10:27 PM

Van Horn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, located at 3000 Eastern Ave, Plymouth, WI, is proud to announce their status as #1 FCA dealer for new car sales in Wisconsin and #1 Ram dealer in the Midwest.

Opened in 1987 as Chuck Van Horn Dodge, it was the second Van Horn dealership established after the original Joe Van Horn Chevrolet in 1966. After celebrating 50 years of business, the Van Horn Automotive Group opened a Truck Center in 2016 to create a destination for truck enthusiasts. “Having a dedicated location with Ram experts serving truck buyers has really helped us be successful in the market,” says Adam Gaedke, Platform Vice President for the Van Horn Automotive Group. “This is a very satisfying accomplishment considering the competition from larger metropolitan FCA dealers in the state of Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest.”

Van Horn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Plymouth and the Van Horn Truck Center employ over 45 people in both sales and service. “We’ve seen a lot of growth with the Automotive Group in just the last two years, expanding to markets including: Oconomowoc, Lomira and even Newhall, IA,” says Chuck Van Horn, CEO of Van Horn Automotive Group. “Its great to see one of our original locations stand the test of time and achieve this level of success in the backyard of our Plymouth headquarters. We really owe our success to the support from our local community and our employee owners in building a solid reputation.”

Van Horn Ford Chevrolet of Newhall Grand Opening

By Admin | Posted in Uncategorized on Tuesday, December 26th, 2017 at 7:21 PM

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 was an exciting day for Van Horn Automotive Group- we held our grand opening celebration for our first out of state location in Newhall, Iowa!

We celebrated with a performance by Jazz band, Eddie Piccard, Lifetime Achievement Award presentations, a ribbon cutting ceremony, public open house, and giveaways from Hyvee, Cit Drel Supper Club, First Stop, and numerous Van Horn prize packs. Scott Saville, sports talk show host from KCRG, was our MC for the night. The event was catered by Hyvee, who provided two separate delicious food stations as well as an ice cream bar!

During the ceremony, Bill Grovert was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by Newhall Council Member, Bill Much. Steve Schallau also received this same honor presented by Van Horne Mayor, Martin Junge. Both of these awards were given to honor Mr. Grovert and Mr. Schallau’s work in the local automotive industry. Steve Schallau proudly presented Van Horn President, Dick Strong with a Ford clock that was displayed in the original Newhall Ford dealership. Teresa Van Horn presented a $2,000 check to the Benton Scholarship Fund.

Van Horn Ford Chevrolet of Newhall welcomed over 200 guests to our celebration. Van Horn Automotive Group is looking forward to our future in the Benton County community.

More photos of our grand opening celebration can be found in our Facebook album.

Van Horn Gives Back to the Food Pantry

By Admin | Posted in Uncategorized on Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 at 8:45 PM

11/29/2017

This past summer Van Horn Automotive Group purchased various livestock raised through the 4H program at the Ozaukee and Sheboygan County fairs. We had the meat processed and offered it to our employees in exchange for a donation to our local food pantries. Donations were made to the Plymouth Food Pantry, Kewaskum Food Pantry, Peter's Pantry, Fondy Food Pantry, Hunger Task Force, Stoughton Food Pantry, Oconomowoc Food Pantry, and the Sheboygan Food Pantry. Van Horn Automotive Group proudly supports our community food pantries and our local 4H programs.

Representatives from the Plymouth Food Pantry, Exhibitors from local 4H programs, and Ryan Thiel from Van Horn Automotive Group

Van Horn Ford of Lomira Grand Opening

By Admin | Posted in Uncategorized on Friday, November 3rd, 2017 at 6:37 PM

On Thursday October 19^th, 2017, Van Horn Ford of Lomira held a grand opening celebration in honor of their new Ford store located in Lomira Wisconsin.

Among those who attended the event were Lomira city officials, Lomira High School staff and band members, area chamber businesses, and Van Horn associates.

The celebration of the new store consisted of a ribbon cutting ceremony, and a public open house with entertainment.

During the Ribbon cutting ceremony, President Dick Strong from the Van Horn Automotive Group spoke, as well as Roy Edwards, General Manager of Van Horn Ford of Lomira. Lomira High School Principle Deb Janke also took a turn speaking. Later on in the evening band direction Rod Eggert was presented with a $500 check for the High School Band will would use the money toward their trip.

Entertainment was provided by the Lomira High School Band who played multiple songs for the public, as well as the High School Cheer Team, and WMBZ, 92.5 Buzz Country provided a live broadcast and backdrop of music.

Over 200 people came to celebrate this event, and all those who attended got to enjoy Sue’s Country Catering who served a homestyle meal for guests which included BBQ Pork and Turkey and Gravy.

The atmosphere of the grand opening celebration was neighborly and welcoming. The community came together and celebrated the event in a true warm and friendly fashion.

Van Horn Ford of Lomira is the 12^thdealership to join the Van Horn Family.

Van Horn Automotive Group Adds Ford Lomira to Family of Dealerships

By Admin | Posted in Uncategorized on Wednesday, September 6th, 2017 at 1:00 PM

Bringing a wide selection of vehicles and new job opportunities

September 1, 2017

The Van Horn Automotive group has announced the purchase of Ford Lomira from Ernie Von Schledorn, located at 700 East Avenue, Lomira, WI. This marks the 12^th dealership to be part of the Van Horn Automotive Group, and the 2^nd Ford dealership, since Van Horn Ford of Oconomowoc was purchased from Safro in October 2016.

The location has a total lot size of almost 6 acres; capable of holding over 400 vehicles. A 32,000 square-foot, building includes an open-concept showroom and service center, complete with 10 service lifts. Roy Edwards will operate as the General Manager, bringing over 15 years of automotive business experience; most recently functioning as one of the top-performing general sales managers at the Van Horn Truck Center in Plymouth, WI. “This store has great visibility,” said Roy, “And the location allows us the serve the Highway 41 corridor from the Fox Valley south to Milwaukee.”

Growing a larger inventory and further developing the service center, Van Horn aims to double the staff from 20 to 40 employees. “We believe in investing in all the communities that we serve,” said Dick Strong, President of Van Horn Automotive Group. “People are our single greatest asset and we will support the people that live and work in Lomira and the surrounding area.”

Coming from the small town of Plymouth, WI, Van Horn Automotive Group CEO Chuck Van Horn appreciates the role and responsibility each business has in the community. “Our team all has a common vision,” says Chuck. “We strive to create a great experience for our customers. When the customer is happy, we are happy.”

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