Joe and Kay Van Horn moved from Chicago, IL to Plymouth, WI where they purchased the local Chevrolet dealership. Looking to support their growing family of 6 children, both Joe and Kay Van Horn worked diligently to prioritize customers and the community. Joe’s first step was to change business hours that benefited the customer for convenience. Kay’s passion for helping others drove her to get more involved in volunteer work. Her spirit of giving and community involvement is a strong focus for Van Horn Automotive Group to this day.

Teresa, who was only 4 at the time Joe Van Horn dealership was first created, watched with curiosity and envy while each of her older siblings worked at the dealership. All finding their roles and place in the family business and excelling. With a passion for numbers, Teresa progressed through high school and into college where she graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. From there, she finds her role within the family business as a finance manager. While her role in the company had grown, to this day, that remains one of Teresa’s favorite positions.

Joe Van Horn Chevrolet embarked on a significant transition, moving from its location on North Ave to the east side of Plymouth, WI where it resides today! This strategic decision is driven with the intent to pave the way for future developments and opportunities. The move included an expansion from a one-car showroom to a four-car showroom, parts receiving area, a body shop repair center, and additional facilities that were convenient for guests.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Joe and Kay Van Horn’s son, Thomas Van Horn tragically passed away in an unexpected auto accident. Thomas had made an important impact on the family business. Thomas began working at the car dealership in 8th grade and continued to do so throughout high school, just like his siblings. He had a strong interest in the business and decided to pursue further education. He enrolled at St. Norbert College in De Pere and later transferred to Northwood International University in Michigan, which is renowned for its automotive education program. He studied there for two years before completing his degree. After graduating from Northwood International in 1979, where he had been the top student in his class, he returned home and started working as a sales manager for Chevrolet in Plymouth. With his passion and skills, he quickly rose through the ranks and achieved success in his career. He left behind his son, Jeff, as the surviving member of his family.

Chuck, the other son of Joe, took over the family business and opened Van Horn Dodge in downtown Plymouth. Initially, it was located on North Ave, but after an electrical fire in 1994, they moved to Eastern Ave. Interestingly, the original building is now home to the Plymouth Arts Center, showcasing the resilience of this historic location.

Joe's daughter, Joann, along with her husband, Dan Wieland, made a significant acquisition by purchasing an Oldsmobile dealership located on the north side of Sheboygan. Over time, they expanded the dealership to include a Hyundai franchise. Later, Chuck Van Horn purchased ownership of the Oldsmobile-Hyundai dealership. This dealership became the first Van Horn Dealership outside of Plymouth, demonstrating the family's commitment to growth within the automotive industry.

Teresa Van Horn had taken on the position of General Manager at Van Horn Chevrolet, where she would oversee the operations and uphold the family's legacy in the automotive industry. Although Joe Van Horn had retired from active management, he still maintained an office at Van Horn Dodge, serving as a reminder of the family's enduring commitment to the business that had spanned multiple generations.

Joe Van Horn had passed away, leaving the business in the capable hands of his children. The transition takes place just a year after his daughter Teresa assumed the role of president at the Chevrolet Dealership. Her leadership had spanned over two decades, solidifying her dedication to carrying forward the family legacy and ensuring the continued success of the dealership.

Joe's wife, Kay, had passed away, marking a poignant end to the first generation of the Van Horn family business. She is survived by her five children: Sue, Chuck, J.P., Joann, and Teresa.

In a dynamic and forward-looking initiative, Chuck Van Horn and his brother J.P. joined forces to establish and build Van Horn Hyundai of Fond Du Lac. This courageous undertaking signifies the family business's expansion beyond Sheboygan County, ushering in the next chapter of their legacy of Van Horn Automotive. The facility comprised a lounge, a service area, a magnificent showroom, and a spacious lot customized to display and showcase the vehicles.

Chrysler in Plymouth had closed and sold the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram franchise to Van Horn Dodge. This acquisition represents a pivotal moment in Van Horn's expansion strategies, broadening the automotive offerings and strengthening its presence in the industry to offer the full lineup of Chrysler vehicles.

Van Horn had announced an exciting new initiative with the launch of Sheboygan County Budget Auto in Plymouth, Wisconsin. This is a significant milestone for Van Horn as it marks the opening of their first dealership solely focused on the sale of pre-owned vehicles. This unique approach not only demonstrated Van Horn's commitment to diversifying its offerings but also positions the dealership as a leader in providing high-quality, affordable vehicles. By catering to the conscious consumer, this expansion highlights Van Horn's unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of customers in the automotive market.

Van Horn expanded their product lineup by incorporating the Mazda franchise into the already established Van Horn Hyundai of Sheboygan. This was a notable diversification for them.

Chuck and his brother J.P. initiated the establishment of Dane County Auto in Stoughton, WI, a dealership focused on the sales of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. This strategic acquisition not only introduced Van Horn to the Madison area but also extended its presence deeper into western Wisconsin.

Van Horn officially became an automotive group, consolidating all dealerships under a single company. Dick Strong, with over two decades of experience, is appointed as the president of the auto group. Teresa and Chuck take on the roles of co-CEOs.

Van Horn Milwaukee makes its debut as a used car dealership, targeting a broad customer base. Following remarkable success within the Latino community, the dealership undergoes a transformation and is renamed Van Horn Latino of Milwaukee. Originally established on the North side of Milwaukee, the dealership is relocated to the South side, complemented by a complete remodel.

Van Horn Automotive Group had successfully acquired First Chrysler in Manitowoc, which had broadened its portfolio to include Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles at this location. This strategic expansion not only extends Van Horn's presence into northern Wisconsin but also positions it closer to the Green Bay and Appleton markets. The acquisition involves integrating an additional body shop into the automotive group's operations.

Van Horn Automotive Group celebrates a remarkable 50-year milestone in business. At the same time, the company embarked on a new and transformative chapter by adopting an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making it the only employee-owned auto group in Wisconsin. This strategic decision highlights the company's commitment to its dedicated workforce.

In October of 2016, the Van Horn Automotive Group strengthened its presence by acquiring a Ford dealership in Oconomowoc. This move towards the southern direction, just beyond the Milwaukee market, not only represents a strategic decision but also offers greater opportunities to connect with a larger population.

Van Horn acquired Ernie Von Schledorn, and the addition of Van Horn Ford of Lomira has proved to be a valuable asset for the automotive group. This expansion had widened the Ford portfolio and extended the group's reach further west in Wisconsin. This strategic move had positioned the group closer to the Fox Valley and Milwaukee markets. The dealership is located along the heavily traveled Highway 41, making it an excellent location for the business.

Van Horn Ford of Newhall, Iowa is now part of the family of dealerships, marking the first Van Horn location beyond the borders of Wisconsin. This move involves the consolidation of two competing franchises under one roof, offering customers more convenient access. By entering the Iowa market just west of Cedar Rapids, Van Horn expands its presence into a new state.

The Van Horn Automotive Group acquired Stevens Point Nissan from Home Run Auto Group in July 2018. This addition marked their first Nissan dealership and 13th dealership overall. They planned to expand the inventory and service center while retaining and increasing staff. This acquisition adds Nissan to its portfolio of manufacturers, which already includes Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Hyundai, and Mazda.

Van Horn Automotive Group had recently completed the remodeling of its Dane County Auto location in Stoughton, WI. The dealership had been officially rebranded as Van Horn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to comply with FCA dealership requirements. The dealership had maintained its size while improving customer space. Over 600 square feet have been added to the showroom and the customer lounge had been revamped with modern amenities. The project also includes interior and exterior renovations, energy-efficient lighting, and a quick-service airline. The construction and renovations were expected to be completed by mid-August, with the grand opening celebration scheduled for September 5, 2018, led by Keller, Inc.

Van Horn Automotive Group extended its reach in September 2018 by acquiring Russ Darrow Nissan and Volkswagen dealerships in Sheboygan, WI. This acquisition added a second Nissan and the first Volkswagen dealership to the group, increasing the total dealerships to sixteen across Wisconsin and Iowa. Chuck Van Horn, co-CEO, expressed enthusiasm about offering more sales and service options to the customers of Sheboygan County. The group's COO, Dick Strong, emphasized their long history in the area and their commitment to meeting the changing expectations of customers in the automotive industry.

Van Horn Automotive Group purchased Zimmerman Alfa Romeo-FIAT of the Quad Cities in Davenport, Iowa, in October 2018. This acquisition was their first Alfa Romeo dealership and increased their total number of dealerships to 17 in Wisconsin and Iowa. The group plans to expand the property, offering more inventory and enhancing the service center. Chuck Van Horn, the co-CEO, is excited about the Alfa Romeo brand. Davenport is now the second location of Van Horn in Iowa, following the recent opening of Van Horn Ford Chevrolet of Newhall.

On October 7, 2019, James P. Van Horn, a beloved owner of Van Horn Automotive Group, passed away. J.P., who was the son of founder Joe Van Horn, joined the family business in 1997 after having a successful career as a commodities broker. He was known for his thoughtfulness in the business world and his friendly personality in his personal life. Unfortunately, his career was cut short by Alzheimer's disease in 2013, but he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. J.P. is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his two sons, Everett and Joe, and his siblings. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Van Horn family from all Van Horn employee-owners.

Van Horn Automotive Group was awarded the 2019 Company of the Year by the Wisconsin Chapter of The ESOP Association in March 2019. The award acknowledges the company’s strong commitment to employee ownership, exemplified through various initiatives and a dedicated approach to fostering a culture of ownership among employees. Among 185 employee-owned companies in Wisconsin, Van Horn Automotive Group stood out as the winner, highlighting their efforts in creating a forward-thinking and employee-owned environment. This recognition also qualifies them for consideration as the National ESOP Company of the Year.

In April 2019, members of the Van Horn Automotive Group attended the annual Top Workplaces Awards Presentation hosted by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in Milwaukee. The group ranked 21st among midsized companies in Wisconsin. This recognition reflects their commitment to creating a positive work environment and signifies progress in their efforts to ensure employee satisfaction. The Top Workplace Award holds significant importance for Van Horn, highlighting their dedication to fostering a workplace where employees enjoy coming to work and contributing to the growth of their dealerships.

In May 2019, Van Horn Automotive Group and Quasius Construction started building a new Hyundai dealership and service facility in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The new facility is expected to replace the existing north-side location and is now located on Racetrack Road next to Nissan and Volkswagen. The facility will cover an area of 16,106 square feet and is designed to provide customers with an exceptional experience. It will have a modern service area with two drive-through lanes, eleven service bays, a customer lounge, and a showroom.

Jeff Niesen had been appointed as the new President of Van Horn Automotive Group, while Dick Strong will now serve as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Jeff Niesen is the son of Thomas Van Horn and the grandson of Joe Van Horn, which further reinforces the family's legacy within the organization.

November 13, 2020, Van Horn Automotive Group expanded its presence by acquiring Brantmeier Ford KIA of Sheboygan, which is their fourth Ford dealership. This acquisition had increased their total number of locations to seventeen across Wisconsin and Iowa. Chuck Van Horn, the co-CEO, had expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Ford and KIA to the area, offering twelve factory brands for shopping and servicing in Sheboygan County. The group's commitment to the community and providing job opportunities continues.

Van Horn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT, located in Plymouth, had recently undergone a major expansion and remodel to enhance its services, service capacities, and customer experience. The dealership had added 7,800 square feet of space, which had been thoughtfully designed for better traffic flow, increased capacity for service and appointments, and more space to display its inventory. The renovation project began in August 2021 and was completed successfully, providing a more comfortable and modern facility for customers to visit.

Van Horn Automotive Group had launched ProCamp, which marks its entry into the campervan market. In addition to this, Van Horn Rental had been introduced, offering rental options for personal, business, and recreational purposes

The company's unwavering dedication to supporting youth programs had been recognized by Big Brothers Big Sisters Shoreline, WI, who named Van Horn Automotive Group as their Corporate Partner of the Year.

Moreover, the company had established a High Gear apprentice program, which provides students with a unique opportunity to earn their degrees and certifications while gaining valuable hands-on experience as an auto technician.

The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) had undergone a transition, resulting in employees holding a majority ownership stake of 77% in the company.

The expansion of the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Plymouth had been completed. This expansion increases the capacity for service appointments.

Amanda Kroener had assumed the role of CFO. She is the first female to hold this position within the company.

The launch of Cloudlot at ShopCloudLot.com introduces a 100% online car-buying experience for pre-owned vehicles. This new service offers customers a convenient and seamless shopping process.

Van Horn Automotive Group acquired David Hobbs Honda of Glendale, marking their first Honda dealership and expanding their network to sixteen locations across Wisconsin and Iowa. Immediate changes are planned to enhance the dealership's capacity. To celebrate, Van Horn will donate $100 to the Horizon Home Care & Hospice Meals on Wheels program for every vehicle sold at Van Horn Honda of Glendale from March 8 through April 8, 2023, demonstrating their commitment to community support.

Van Horn Automotive Group ended its franchise agreement with Mazda Motor Corporation on September 30, 2023. The dealership now operates as a retailer and service center for pre-owned vehicles under the name Van Horn Motors of Sheboygan. The location will continue to operate as a used car dealership and full-service repair facility. All current staff members will remain employed.