I have been in the automotive industry for over 45 years. I got my start in 1972, washing cars at a dealership in Appleton, WI. That was also the same year I graduated from Hilbert High School. In 1974, I earned a degree in Accounting from Fox Valley Technical College. Upon graduating, I transitioned into the full-time role of Rental and Leasing Manager at the same dealership in Appleton.
In 1980, I joined Tom Vande Hey as a partner in an independent used car dealership. We grew to have three locations in Little Chute, Menasha, and Appleton. After operating those dealerships for over 10 years, we entered the new car business in 1991 by purchasing the GM and Chrysler franchise in Chilton, WI. In 1998 we opened a new 16,000 square-foot collision center. In 2000, we acquired Central Garage of Potter, WI and added the Jeep, Dodge, and Ram franchises.
I currently reside in Hilbert with my wife Debbie. We have two grown children, Justin and Krista, and two grandchildren. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time in northern Wisconsin and snowmobiling.