Rhinelander GM & Toyota

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Stephanie McKenzie

2012-02-15T16:34:00.000-06:00

Rhinelander GM Accounts Payable

Who We Are Wednesday is back and today we’re introducing you to Rhinelander GM’s Accounts Payable Stephanie McKenzie.

Prior to working in the Rhinelander GM accounting offices, Stephanie worked as a Rhinelander Toyota cashier. In her current role as accounts payable, Stephanie oversees a wide variety of tasks such as evaluating statements, paying invoices, managing office supply inventory and placing orders.

Originally from Rhinelander and a graduate of Rhinelander High School, Stephanie lives with her dog Buddha – a female Staffordshire/American Bulldog mix. When Stephanie was younger she aspired to be a famous actress and the first car she drove was 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys reading, watching basketball and Brewers games, traveling, spending time with her family (her parents and brothers Joshua & Jacob), fishing or playing darts. Her love for traveling and volunteer work prompted her visits to Nicaragua and Ecuador where she worked in orphanages and assisted in building homes for the homeless.

Stephanie’s attention to detail, strong work ethic, enthusiasm and genuine friendliness make her a great asset to a Rhinelander GM & Toyota team. Thanks for all you do, Stephanie!

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Diane Gironimi

2011-12-14T14:22:00.000-06:00

Rhinelander GM Cashier, Rental Clerk and Warranty Administrator

For today’s installment of Who We Are Wednesday, we’re introducing you to Diane Gironimi. Diane has been with Rhinelander GM for over a year as a cashier, rental clerk and warranty administrator. Her role has many facets making each day a little different. Diane processes factory and extended warranty claims, certifies used vehicles, processes rental cars and runs the cashier's office. Lucky for us, Diane has a knack for multitasking and always has a smile on her face!

Originally from Rhinelander and a graduate of Rhinelander High School, Diane attended Nicolet College and currently resides in Rhinelander. When she isn’t working, you can find Diane reading, quilting, walking and working out, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and spending time with friends and family. Diane has a sister named Carol and a brother named Bob. The first car Diane drove was a brown and tan AMC Hornet and when she was younger she wanted to be…married to Paul McCartney!

Thanks for all you do at Rhinelander GM, Diane!

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Bobbie Reed

2011-11-30T17:53:00.000-06:00

Rhinelander GM & Toyota Auto Butler Specialist

Meet Bobbie Reed, our Auto Butler Specialist. As an Auto Butler specialist, Bobbie is an expert on the Auto Butler Paint Protection System. She relays Auto Butler information to the customer and provides them with information on how to best protect their new investment and retain its value.

Originally from Rhinelander and a graduate of Rhinelander High School, Bobbie lived in Minnesota until recently returning to her northern Wisconsin roots. Bobbie has two sons, Chavez Miguel (age 9) and Harley Diego (age 6) and a step son Adam (age 16). Completing the family is a 2 year old Chihuahua named Mitzi. When she was little, Bobbie wanted to be a Veterinarian and the first car she drove was an ’82 Cadillac Cimarron.

In her free time you are likely to find Bobbie riding her Harley, decorating, snowmobiling or going on nature walks, but nothing brings her more joy that spending time with her boys because she says that every day is a new adventure! Bobbie also loves watching the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.

To learn more about Auto Butler, you can read about its journey and watch a video on our blog my clicking here or call Bobbie at (715) 365-8100 for more information.

Bobbie Reed

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Rod Montezon

2011-11-16T11:01:00.000-06:00

Rhinelander GM Sales Consultant

Meet Rod Montezon, a sales consultant at Rhinelander GM. As a sales consultant, it is Rod’s responsibility to assist our guests in selecting the right vehicle for their needs, wants and budget. Rod has over 14 years of experience in the automotive industry and is an asset to Rhinelander GM and our customers.

Originally from Mokena, Illinois, Rod graduated high school in Eagle River and attended Nicolet College. Rod and his wife Donna live in Eagle River and have one daughter, Bethann, and one grandson named Liam.

In his free time, Rod enjoys golfing, hunting and Muskie fishing. He has been involved with the Eagle River Kiwanis and Jaycees as well as the Eagle River Plan Commission. The first car Rod drove was a 1968 Pontiac GTO. Growing up with 4 brothers, when Rod was little, he just wanted to be bigger!

Thanks for all you do at Rhinelander GM, Rod!

Rod Montezon

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Jason Flanagan

2011-11-02T16:09:00.002-05:00

Rhinelander Toyota Sales Manager
For this week’s Who We Are Wednesday profile, we’re introducing you to Jason Flanagan. Jason is our Rhinelander Toyota sales manager. With over 8 years of experience in the automotive industry and working at Rhinelander Auto Center, Jason’s previous roles include finance manager and sales consultant. As the Toyota sales manager, he is responsible for overseeing the Toyota sales operation. He manages the entire sales staff while ensuring goals are met and exceeded for volume, profitability and market share.

Originally from Geneva, Illinois, Jason graduated from high school in Tomahawk where he was home schooled. He went on to study Marketing and Business Management at Nicolet College in Rhinelander. When he was younger, he wanted to be an FBI agent and the first car he drove was a 1987 Chevy Scottsdale truck.

Jason currently resides in Tomahawk with his wife Michelle and their four cats; Tiger, Chewie, Kai and Smokey. In his free time he enjoys weightlifting, hunting and fishing. He is also a member of Beyond Martial Arts and the Rhinelander Bible Church.

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Abbey Petrowski

2011-10-26T15:31:00.001-05:00

Rhinelander Toyota Accounts Receivable & Warranty Administrator Abbey Petrowski

Today we’re introducing you to Rhinelander Toyota’s Accounts Receivable & Warranty Administrator Abbey Petrowski. With over six years in the automotive industry, Abbey has been with Rhinelander Auto Center for four and a half years. Before working in her current role, Abbey held the positions of cashier, rental consultant and front desk receptionist. As an accounts and warranty administrator, Abbey handles a wide variety of tasks including customer charge account monthly statements, contracts in transit, F & I processing, factory and extended warranty receivables, daily deposits and processing internal repair orders and parts tickets.

From Rhinelander and a graduate of Rhinelander High School, Abbey attended classes at Nicolet Area Technical College before having children. Although she wanted to be a teacher when she was younger, she grew to realize that the gruff she receives from her own children would be enough to fulfill that dream J. Abbey has two children, Sophia (age 9) and Logan (age 7). The family also has two dogs; a Black Lab named Jack and a Teddy Bear named Delilah.

In her free time Abbey loves hiking in Sayner and Boulder Junction, traveling, spending time with her family and going to Arenacross races. If you’d like to connect with Abbey you can find her on Facebook and LinkedIn or contact her at Rhinelander Toyota.

Abbey Petrowski

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Jonathan Frazier

2011-10-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

Rhinelander GM Parts Manager Jonathan Frazier

Meet Jonathan Frazier, Rhinelander GM’s Parts Manager. As parts manager, Jonathan is responsible for ordering and selling all parts and accessories. He maintains relationships with wholesale customers while managing current inventory and ensuring it is priced competitively to the market. Jonathan has 10 years of experience in the automotive industry and has held positions of service manager, finance manager, reconditioning manager, lot porter and service advisor. Jonathan has been with Rhinelander GM for over 3 years.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Jonathan graduated from Kingwood High School and went on to attend the University of North Dakota where he majored in Aeronautical Science. After graduation, Jonathan was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps where he earned the title of Lieutenant.

Jonathan and his wife Mandie have been married for 7 years and have two children, Anderson (age 3) and Vivian (age 1.5). Completing their family are 3 cats named George, Rodger and Norman with a Golden Retriever puppy named Chester on the way!

When he was younger, Jonathan wanted to be an astronaut and a test pilot. Today, Jonathan’s passion for flying remains and he enjoys skiing, golfing, running, hanging out with his family and trying to stay warm during the cold Wisconsin winters. The first vehicle Jonathan drove was an ’86 red and white Dodge Ram pickup that lacked air conditioning. No AC paired with the red vinyl bench seats and extreme Texas heat, probably made for one uncomfortable ride at times!

If you’d like to connect with Jonathan, you can find him on Facebook or call him at Rhinelander GM 715-365-8100.

Jonathan Frazier

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Ben Reynolds

2011-10-12T13:17:00.000-05:00

Rhinelander Detail Pros Detail Technician

Meet Ben Reynolds, one of our experienced Detail Technicians at Rhinelander Detail Pros. As a detail technician, Ben is responsible for any and all detailing services including complete interior and exterior details on vehicles, boats, RVs, trailers and motorcycles. Ben ensures that all customer vehicles and sold vehicles awaiting delivery are in pristine condition. Detail Pros is also responsible for detailing Rhinelander GM & Toyota’s newly acquired vehicles to ensure they are clean and ready to show on the lot. Ben is a dependable employee and plays a crucial role at Rhinelander Auto Center.

Originally from Rhinelander and a graduate of Rhinelander High School, Ben attended Nicolet College where he was a part of the Automotive Technician program. When he was younger, Ben wanted to be an off road racer and his first vehicle was a ’95 black Toyota pickup.

In his free time you can find Ben doing one of his many hobbies like hunting, hiking, camping, swimming, canoeing, cooking, off road racing, or four wheeling. Ben also volunteers for Pet Haven Sanctuary in Rhinelander and has one cat of his own named Kitty.

Thanks for your hard work and dedication, Ben!

Ben Reynolds

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Justin Fox

2011-09-28T15:13:00.000-05:00

Rhinelander GM Service Consultant Justin Fox

Meet Justin Fox, our GM Service Consultant. Having been with Rhinelander GM for over two years, Justin has over nine years of experience in the automotive industry. As Service Consultant, Justin oversees the Quick Lube Department while working with customers to schedule appointments and resolve any concerns they may have. Justin’s primary goal is to meet and exceed customer needs and maintain high level of customer satisfaction.

Originally from Rhinelander, Justin graduated high school from Rhinelander High School. He went on to attend Rasmussen College in Green Bay where he studied Criminal Justice. As a child, Justin aspired to work in law enforcement and wanted to be a police officer. The first vehicle Justin drove was a 1987 black Ford Ranger.

Justin and his wife Jennifer recently welcomed their son Colton who is 5 months old. When he isn’t spending time with his family, Justin enjoys hunting and participating in many outdoor activities. True to his Wisconsin roots, Justin is an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

If you’d like to contact Justin, you can call him at Rhinelander GM (715) 365-8100 or find him on Facebook!

Justin Fox

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Keb Krouze

2011-09-21T13:59:00.000-05:00

Rhinelander GM Accessories Manager Keb Krouze

In honor of his Birthday, and because he has a knack for anything and everything accessories, we’re introducing you to Rhinelander GM’s Accessories Manager Keb Krouze.

As an accessories manager, Keb is in charge of selling and ordering aftermarket accessories and overseeing the installation process. Keb works directly with customers to ensure they are completely satisfied with their purchases by answering questions and addressing any concerns. Always the team player, Keb never hesitates to help out in other departments when called upon!

Originally from Rhinelander, Keb graduated high school from Rhinelander High School and completed the automotive program at Nicolet College. Appropriate to his line of work, he wanted to be a race car driver when he was younger. Having been in the automotive industry for over 10 years holding positions in service, parts and sales, Keb has been with Rhinelander GM for 5 years.

Keb and his wife Khaila have been together for ten years and have two children. Their daughter Mya turns six in October and their son Kash is one and a half years old. The family also has a 9 year old black cat named Buddy. In his free time, Keb enjoys spending time with his kids, fishing with his daughter Mya and working on his project cars. Although he has had many cars throughout the years, the first car Keb drove was a black with gold bird ’82 Pontiac Firebird T-Top.

Keb Krouze

Above: Our Receptionist Hanna Lee posing with Keb by his birthday decorations.

Rhinelander Toyota Musky Challenge Results

2011-09-20T14:47:00.000-05:00

Rhinelander Toyota was pleased to sponsor the 30th annual Hodag Musky Challenge the weekend of September 10-11th. We thought we would share a collection of photos from the event as well as the results published today in the Northwoods River News. We hope that all 160 participants enjoyed a weekend of fishing and congratulate all of the teams that placed. We would also like to give a special thank you to the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce who did an outstanding job in preparation of the tournament and throughout the weekend!

Rhinelander Toyota trucks and SUVS on display at the 30th Annual Hodag Musky Challenge tournament headquarters.

From the Northwoods River News:

"During the weekend of Sept. 10-11 more than 160 fisherman gathered in the Rhinelander area for the 2011 Rhinelander Toyota Hodag Musky Challenge hosted bt the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce. Eighty-four two-man teams hit the water hoping to reel in the top prize..."

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Drew Foss

2011-09-14T10:38:00.001-05:00

Rhinelander Toyota Sales Consultant Drew Foss

Meet Drew Foss, a Rhinelander Toyota sales consultant. As a sales consultant, it is Drew’s responsibility to give our guests the best experience as possible during the car buying process. While he may have aspired to be a police detective when he was younger, Drew has been in the automotive industry and with Rhinelander Toyota for over two years.

Originally from Rhinelander, Drew graduated from Rhinelander High School and went on to attend Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wisconsin. The first car Drew drove was a 1990 red Honda Civic.

Drew and his wife Christine live in Rhinelander with their two children; son Alec (age 7) and daughter Emma Jade (age 4). Completing their family are two cats named Stewie and Moo Moo. When he is not working, Drew likes to play pool and spend time with his family. They enjoy going on trips and attending baseball games together.

If you would like to connect with Drew, you can find him on Facebook or contact him at Rhinelander Toyota (715) 365-8100.

Thank You Notes

2011-09-08T15:45:00.001-05:00

We often get thank you notes and feedback in the mail or via email and while we proudly display them in our waiting areas, we thought it would be nice to share a few of the letters with our online readers. These kind notes are a reminder to all of us at Rhinelander GM & Toyota and Rhinelander Detail Pros that our customers and community are our top priorities, and we would not be successful without the support from both. So from all of us at Rhinelander Auto Center, THANK YOU!

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Dear Mr. Aus,

I have been having my car serviced at your dealership for the last 10 years and have always been more than satisfied. I have seen people come and go. In the last few years Josh Jewell has been taking very good care of me and my 1998 Camry – the last of many fine Toyotas. I am 77 ½ and alone; and so am very grateful I can feel secure about my car. I do not have a computer; so do not receive the forms I used to; and so want to tell you everything you do for me, has been, and is excellent! I also want to mention Dan Melby, Tim Miller and Brian Swarick who are also helpful and friendly – also patient with me when I’m not “up on things”

God bless you,

Mary Ann

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Hi Daniel,

I would like to thank you and the service staff at Rhinelander Toyota for helping us out last Friday, September 2. My husband and I were driving from Milwaukee to Eagle River Wisconsin when our tire pressure warning light came on our Toyota Rav 4. We drove to the Rhinelander Toyota dealership and you promptly arranged for a service member to take a look at the tires and he quickly found that there was a nail in the back passenger side tire. Within about 30 minutes the tire was repaired and we were back on the road to Eagle River for our holiday weekend. As if that wasn’t enough you did not charge us for this repair and we ate some delicious warm chocolate chip cookies while we waited! J

Thank you again so much for the prompt professional service and hospitality we really appreciate it!

-Mary

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Scott [Brass],

Just a note to say thanks for your help in the processs of locating and purchasing our new vehicle. We appreciate your time and effort. We are enjoying our 2011 Acadia. It really is a pleasure to drive.

Thanks again.

Sincerely,

The Blombergs

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Brian Mahler

2011-08-31T16:17:00.000-05:00

Meet Brian Mahler, a Rhinelander GM Automotive Technician. As a technician, Brian goes above and beyond fixing cars and ensures that every vehicle is safe and reliable before returning it to the customer. Brian works as diligently and efficiently as possible to make sure the customer leaves on time and happy with every repair. With over five years of experience in the Automotive Industry, Brian has been with Rhinelander GM for three and a half years.

Fitting to his career choice, as a child, he wanted to work as a mechanic. The first vehicle he drove was a 2001 Ford Ranger. Originally from Minocqua, Wisconsin, Brian grew up in Southern California and graduated high school from Fountain Valley High School in Fountain Valley, California. Getting back to his Northern Wisconsin roots, Brian decided to attend Nicolet College where he joined the automotive technician program before graduating and working at Rhinelander GM Auto Center. He currently lives in Minocqua.

In his free time, you’re likely to find Brian spending time outdoors snowmobiling, snowboarding or fishing. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends. Brian has a twin brother named Chris and an older sister Beth.

Brian Mahler, Rhinelander GM automotive technician

General Motors Monday: The Looks of Rhinelander GM

2011-08-29T13:32:00.000-05:00

Since Rhinelander GM became a Best Price dealership in 2003, we have been striving to keep up with the times and provide updated looks for our building. We recently came across some old photos and thought it would be fun to share the progression of our storefront.
Here are the past, present and future looks of the Rhinelander GM!

Rhinelander GM from 2003-2008

Rhinelander GM's current look, since 2008

The future look for Rhinelander GM, coming soon!

The Journey of the Auto Butler

2011-08-25T12:29:00.000-05:00

From the GM service drive to its new home at Detail Pros.

Our beloved Auto Butler machine has been stationed in our GM service drive since we brought it home in 2004, but as of late we felt it was time to relocate it to its rightful post in our new Detail Pros building on the hill. The task at hand was to actually move the massive Auto Butler machine across our lot! With careful consideration we enlisted the help of Brett Schneider of Schneider Electric to complete the task. The images below document this momentous occasion and we’re proud to announce the Auto Butler is happily settled and working at home in the Detail Pros building.

Detail Pros team with the Auto Butler in our GM Service Drive preparing for the big move up the hill!

Assessing the situation prior to the move

Brett Schneider of Schnieder Electric: the man behind the move

Owner/Operator Mike Aus directing traffic

View of the move from the Detail Pros hill

Through the Rhinelander Toyota lot

Owner Mike Aus looks out for traffic on Menominee Drive while General Manager Kyle Plummer
gets in on the action helping the Detail Pros team guide the Auto Butler.

It's home! Final push into the Detail Pros building.

Running the Auto Butler, it works again!

Do you want to know why we're so excited about our Auto Butler machine in general? Because it really works! If you'd like to see for yourself just how it operates, the video below helps illustrate the process. To schedule your own Auto Butler application or to learn more please visit our website or contact Detail Pros at (715) 365-8100.

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Scott Brass

2011-08-24T09:59:00.002-05:00

Rhinelander GM Sales Consultant Scott Brass

Meet Rhinelander GM Sales Consultant Scott Brass. As a sales consultant, Scott is responsible for taking care of our customers during the buying and leasing process. Scott takes pride in his work and strives to ensure his customers are smiling throughout the buying experience; both in the store and as they drive off of our lot in their new vehicle.

Although Scott dreamed of playing baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers when he was younger, he made his way into the automotive industry and has been selling cars with Rhinelander GM for a year and a half. The automotive gene must run in the family, as Scott’s younger brother Todd Brass works as one of our GM technicians. The first car Scott drove was a ‘73 Chevy 2WD pickup.

Originally from Argonne, Wisconsin, Scott graduated from Crandon High School in 2000 and currently lives in Crandon with his family. Scott and his wife Erin have been married for five years and have a two year old daughter named Chloe. When he is not spending time with his family and two Great Danes, Scott enjoys hunting, fishing, playing softball and shooting darts.

If you’re interested in connecting with Scott online, he is on Facebook and welcomes friend requests!


GM Sales Consultant Scott Brass

Detail Pros Summer Cookout

2011-08-12T15:50:00.000-05:00

Although we may not be ready for the cold weather, we are starting to come to terms with the fact that summer is almost over and fall is dangerously close. With fall comes the start of classes and our students who work at Rhinelander Auto Center’s Detail Pros head back to school. Some of our detailers who stay nearby for classes even continue to work part-time during the school year.

Good luck with the upcoming school year to the following Detail Pros students and thanks for a great summer!

Alyssa Lemere just finished school with a degree in Dental Hygiene

Anders Tvedten attending Rhinelander High School

Bryan Baldauf attending Nicolet College for Graphic Design

Dave Bruso attending Rhinelander High School

Doug Lesch attending Nicolet College for computer programming

Josh Marten attending Nicolet College for Criminal Justice

Seirra Byrd studying Early Childhood Education

Stuart Dewell attending Rhinelander High School

Ty Jakubowski attending UW Oshkosh for Criminal Justice

Yesterday our Detail Pros team celebrated a great summer with a cookout before heading back to school.

Detail Pros group shot at the cookout

Molly, Tarsie and Sierra pose for a picture

Sierra, Kyle and Doug run the grill

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Will Lukas

2011-08-10T16:30:00.003-05:00

Rhinelander GM and Toyota Systems/Network Administrator and Webmaster Will Lukas

Meet Will Lukas, Rhinelander GM & Toyota’s Systems/Network Administrator and Webmaster. Will has worked at Rhinelander Auto Center for five months, and came to us with over a year of experience in the automotive industry. Will is responsible for keeping the computer systems running for both of our dealerships which include our GM & Toyota sales, service, parts, detail and quick lube departments. He also manages all aspects of the computer system from hardware to software as well as the telephone system, all while maintaining the dealerships' four websites.

Originally from Eagle River and a graduate of Northland Pines High School, Will has an older brother named Charlie and a younger sister, Sarah. After high school Will attended college at the Universal Tech Institute in Chicago for Automotive Repair and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stout with a degree in Information Technology Management.

The first car Will drove was a 1996 Ford Mustang GT. He is also a member of the Northwoods Pride and Joy Cruisers. When he is not working on cars or computers, Will’s hobbies include autocross races, video games, camping, disc golf, golf, running in water, pogo stick marathons, pumpkin chasing, dog howling, bear smuggling, live acoustic instrumentation, igloos, dividing by zero, solving the choas theory, fitting square pegs in round holes, telekinesi and slaying dragons before most people have breakfast.

Will Lukas

A note from Will Lukas: “Need to wait for your vehicle while it’s being worked on? Bring your computer or tablet into our GM, Toyota, or Detail Pros stores and connect to our free Wi-Fi!”

General Motors Monday: 'Tis the Season for Golfing!

2011-08-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

Rhinelander GM has had a busy summer of sponsoring golf tournaments throughout the Northwoods including hole in one competitions and other great prizes. From the YMCA Golf Scramble, the Laona Quarterback Club Golf Tournament, Crandon Chamber of Commerce Tournament, and tournaments at Northwoods Golf Club and Pinewood Country Club, it has been a busy summer of golfing! We thought we'd share a collection of our snapshots from some of the events.

Laona Quarterback Club Golf Tournament

Northwoods Golf Club

Crandon Chamber of Commerce Outing

YMCA Golf Scramble

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Hanna R. Lee

2011-08-03T14:32:00.000-05:00

Today we’re introducing you to Rhinelander GM & Toyota’s Front Desk Receptionist Hanna Lee. Hanna has been with Rhinelander Auto Center for five years and has worked in the automotive industry for six. Prior to her role as receptionist, Hanna worked as our GM cashier.

Often the first person our guests see when they walk in the doors, Hanna’s friendly smile welcomes everyone who visits. Her daily responsibilities of managing the front desk include answering phones and directing calls, taking messages, assisting with paperwork and pointing guests in the right direction.

Originally from Rhinelander, Hanna graduated from Rhinelander High School in 2008. The first car that Hanna drove was a 1996 maroon Pontiac Grand Am. True to her Northern Wisconsin roots; Hanna enjoys most outdoor activities including boating, waterskiing, snowboarding and hiking.

Rhinelander Auto Center Receptionist Hanna R. Lee

Rhinelander GM & Toyota Donation Drive

2011-08-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

The Rhinelander GM & Toyota Food Drive last week was a huge success! The donation drive benefited the Rhinelander Emergency Food Pantry and the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. As the week went on the truck beds in our GM & Toyota showrooms began filling up with donations. We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to our staff, families and friends for their participation and generous contributions. Collectively, our stores were able to donate 450 pounds of food to assist these two inspirational causes for our community.

For more information on the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry or for ways to help, click the image below:

Summer Storm

2011-08-01T16:51:00.000-05:00

If you’re familiar with Northern Wisconsin, you know that our weather can be unpredictable and extreme! Last Saturday was no exception as a powerful afternoon storm rolled through the Northwoods causing structural damage, fallen branches, uprooted trees and power outages for hours. From their lookout on the hill, our DetailPros crew had a front row seat to the commotion.

Above: one of the trees that fell on our DetailPros lot

Above: This Corolla was saved just moments before the tree fell
where it had been parked. Good job, Tarsie!

Above: Some of our detail technicians work to clean up the debris and take time to pose

We are happy to report that no one at Rhinelander GM & Toyota was injured by the storm, but our GM building wasn't so lucky!

We're lucky we still have a roof on our GM Quick Lube!

Some of the storm damage from the roof

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Andy Roberts

2011-07-27T15:12:00.002-05:00

Rhinelander GM and Toyota Finance Manager Andy Roberts

Today we’re introducing you to Rhinelander GM & Toyota Finance Manager Andy Roberts. As a finance manager, Andy is responsible for arranging financing for our customers and providing the opportunity to purchase products that protect their vehicle. Andy aims to work as efficiently and quickly as possible to ensure an excellent buying experience.

Originally from Rhinelander, Andy graduated from Rhinelander High School and attended Nicolet Technical College. While his childhood aspiration of becoming a Navy SEAL may have changed, Andy has enjoyed four years of working in the automotive industry at Rhinelander Auto Center. The first car that Andy drove was a white 1992 Oldsmobile 98 Regency.

When he’s not working, you’re likely to find Andy fishing, traveling or visiting national parks. He is also an avid sports fan who enjoys watching the Green Bay Packers and attending baseball games.

Andy Roberts, Rhinelander Auto Center finance manager

Toyota Tuesday: 100 Cars for Good

2011-07-26T13:50:00.000-05:00

Have you heard about Toyota's 100 Cars for Good program? For 100 consecutive days, Toyota is giving away one vehicle per day to a deserving nonprofit organization. Last May 500 nonprofit organizations were nominated to take part in the program and each day five nonprofits go head to head competing for the most votes on the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Facebook page.

Today marks day 79 of the program which means you still have 21 days left to vote for the 21 nonprofits that you believe will make the most positive impact with their new Toyota vehicle.

Cast your vote now! Simply visit the Toyota 100 Cars for Good page on Facebook.

General Motors Monday: YMCA Golf Scramble

2011-07-25T16:08:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, Rhinelander GM took part in the 11th annual YMCA of the Northwoods Golf Scramble. The event benefited the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign which provides financial assistance for local children not otherwise able to participate in YMCA programs. A proud sponsor of the event, Rhinelander GM and members of our organization enjoyed a beautiful day on the course at Pinewood Country Club. Team Rhinelander GM consisted of Robbie Aus, service manager, Dan Towne, general sales manager, Kyle Plummer, general manager and Rod Montezon, sales consultant.

The Rhinelander GM Golf Scramble team
From left: Robbie Aus, Dan Towne, Kyle Plummer and Rod Montezon

Rhinelander GM Owner/Operator Mike Aus (second from left) with his team

Playing on opposing teams for the day, Mike Aus shows
some competitive spirit against the Rhinelander GM team

Rhinelander GM also sponsored hole in ones for a brand new Chevy Cruze, a Stay & Play golf vacation in San Antonio, Callaway Razr Hawk driver and set of woods, and a set of Callaway Razr X irons. Nobody took home the big prizes this year, but there is always the 12th annual YMCA Golf Scramble in 2012 to look forward to!

Insiders' Thoughts Thursday: Great Deals

2011-07-21T15:16:00.000-05:00

For today’s inside scoop, Toyota Sales Manager Paul Rodriguez and GM Sales Manager Jason Flanagan have highlighted some of the great savings happening during our We Must Be Nuts event. Want to learn more about a particular vehicle below? Simply click on the images for detailed information and images.

2011 Toyota Camry LE Sedan

Was $20,921 We Must Be Nuts Price $20,221

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV

Was $33,451 We Must Be Nuts Price $30,475

*With dealer installed accessories: 3” Lift Kit, Bumper bar with KC Lights, Roof Bar with KC Lights

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ SUV

Was $51,445 We Must Be Nuts Price $50,545

2011 Buick Enclave SUV

Was $40,326 We Must Be Nuts Price $39,611

2011 GMC Yukon Denali SUV

Was $52,144 We Must Be Nuts Price $51,144

2011 Cadillac SRX Luxury Collection SUV

Was $40,631 now We Must Be Nuts Price $39,472

You still have time to get these prices! The We Must Be Nuts ends July 30^th.

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Tim Miller

2011-07-20T15:51:00.000-05:00

Toyota Service Manager & Customer Relations Manager Tim Miller

For this installment of Who We Are Wednesday, we’re introducing you to Tim Miller, Rhinelander Toyota’s Service Manager/Customer Service Manager.

A native to Rhinelander, Tim graduated high school from Rhinelander High. A self-described car enthusiast, Tim says he has been working in the automotive industry his entire life and wanted to be a race car driver when he was younger. His first vehicle was a ’92 red Dodge Shadow.

After school, Tim was quick to jump into the automotive industry full-time and has been with Rhinelander Auto Center for seven and a half years. Tim has held the positions of Quick Lube technician, GM technician and GM Quick Lube manager. His strong work-ethic and passion for his work made Tim a prime choice to serve as Rhinelander Toyota’s Service Manager and Customer Relations Manager. Tim’s dedication to managing and maintaining high customer satisfaction and excellent service for all of our Rhinelander Toyota customers is evident.

In his free time, Tim enjoys almost all outdoor sports and activities. His hobbies include racing cars and snowmobiles, hunting and fishing. Tim is also a devoted father to his three children; Ian (age 8), Logan (age 6) and Kalyn (age 2).

Tim Miller, Rhinelander Toyota Service Manager/Customer Relations Manager

If you’re interested in connecting with Tim online, you can friend him on Facebook or find him on LinkedIn. For general Toyota Service inquiries Tim can be reached by calling (715) 365-8100.

Toyota Tuesday: 2010 Toyota Excellence Awards

2011-07-19T15:51:00.000-05:00

Rhinelander Toyota and members of our talented team are the proud recipients of several 2010 Toyota Excellence Awards. The following Toyota Excellence Awards received by Rhinelander Toyota recognize our departments and managers that demonstrated outstanding performance in sales, overall operations, professional development and customer satisfaction:

Customer Relations Management Excellence

Parts Management Excellence

Service Management Excellence

Sales Management Excellence

Service Manager, Tim Miller with his
Service Management Excellence Award

Parts Management Excellence Award

given to Parts Manager, Rich Hollands

Toyota Excellence Award

Several Rhinelander Toyota Technicians, Parts Professionals and Service Writers received individual acknowledgement with Team Excellence Awards. This award was granted to our talented and hard-working team members who demonstrated exceptional performance and obtained Expert, Master or Master Diagnostic certifications. We would like to recognize the following employees for their hard work and congratulate them on this achievement:

Parts Consultant, Scott McGee

Service Writer, Josh Jewell

Warranty Administrator, Angela Wolf

Master Technician, Mark Tischendorf

Technician, Nick Hall

Technician, Tom Schultz

Receiving the Toyota Excellence Awards is a great honor and Rhinelander Toyota could not have done it without the support and feedback of our customers. Thank you for your support!

FYI Friday: The Hodag

2011-07-15T14:13:00.000-05:00

FYI Friday is a free for all on the Rhinelander GM & Toyota blog. Anything and everything goes. Today we'd like to discuss the beloved but sometimes feared creature native to Rhinelander: the Hodag.

For our readers not from the Northwoods or foreign to the term Hodag, you may not be aware of this creature's impact on our community. Several businesses, parks, sports teams and even one of the country's largest country music festivals are named after the Hodag. So what IS the Hodag? We will attempt to explain.

The Hodag was discovered in the Northwoods circa 1893 by a lumberjack named Eugene Shepard who claimed to see the monster first-hand. He later captured the Hodag that he proudly unveiled at the first Oneida County Fair in 1986. The Hodag brought in mystified crowds who watched in amazement as the beast moved and snorted in its cage. Shepard continued touring with the mystical creature visiting other county and state fairs in order to tell the story of Rhinelander’s Hodag. The tale grabbed the attention of thousands.

Shepard's Hodag (above) was the main attraction at the first Oneida County Fair

Shepard later said that the Hodag was a fabrication and the monster itself was a carved log covered with ox hide, finished with cattle horns and steel claws. His confession did not deter believers, and to this day Rhinelander continues to celebrate our infamous Hodag. Today you can find Hodags scattered throughout the community on signs, art sculptures and most prominently a large statue sitting on the lawn of the Chamber of Commerce (below).

If you're still confused or just want more information, watch this history segment produced by Wisconsin Public Television.

Watch the full episode. See more In Wisconsin.

You can also read "The Living Legend of Rhinelander's Hodag" by Kurt Kortenhof on the Hodag Press website to get a complete story.

Insider's Thoughts Thursday: Accessories

2011-07-14T15:56:00.001-05:00

For this installment of Insider’s Thoughts Thursday, Rhinelander GM & Toyota’s Accessories Expert, Keb Krouze gives you the inside scoop. We asked Keb to share four of his top picks, best sellers and personal favorites from our Accessories Department.

1. Spray-In Bed Liners
For those looking for extra protection for a work truck, a daily driver needing protection from the elements, or an off-road rig requiring more protection; Keb says Xtreme Liners is the answer. These spray-in bed liners are extremely durable and come with a lifetime warranty.

2. Truxedo Lo Pro Tonneau Cover

Keb’s second choice that will spruce up any truck is the Truxedo Lo Pro Tonneau cover. This soft roll-up cover actually pays for itself with the fuel you'll save and is perfect for those seeking protection of cargo, a sleek exterior or both. The durable and resilient cover is even adjustable to extreme weather conditions, perfect for our changing Wisconsin weather.

Images from Truxedo.com

3. Rims and Tires Combo Packages
One of the most popular accessory choices we see are the rims and tires combo packages. These packages are customized to personal wants and needs, and make an impact to any vehicle’s appearance. Choose from finishes such as bright chrome and glossy black, or increase the size of the wheels to make a ride stand out. Keb offers advice and will guide guests through the selection process.

4. WeatherTech Floor Liners

For his final selection, Keb chose WeatherTech floor liners. The DigitalFit technology accurately fits to interior carpets giving absolute interior protection. The hard coating offers easy clean up and guards against damage caused by external elements. “If you and your vehicle have ever survived a slushy and rainy spring or snowy and icy winter, WeatherTech floor linings are the way to go!”

For more information on these and other accessories, call Keb Krouze at (715) 356-8100 or view GM and Toyota products online at http://www.rhinelanderautocenter.com/accessories.htm

Who We Are Wednesday: Meet Mike Aus

2011-07-13T15:10:00.001-05:00

Owner/Operator Mike Aus

To kick off our Who We Are Wednesday posts, we’re introducing you to Rhinelander Auto Center’s Owner/Operator Mike Aus.

Originally from Valley City, North Dakota, Mike is a dairy farmer turned car dealer. He began his career in the automotive industry in 1985 as a technician in Mandan, North Dakota where he was later promoted to the positions of service manager and general manager. After moving to Southern California in 1998 to revive four under-performing dealerships, Mike became the president of the Rydell Management Company, which owns and operates 65+ dealerships in the United States.

In 2003, Mike decided to fulfill his personal dream of being a retail car dealer and selected Rhinelander, Wisconsin as the perfect place to do so.

Mike is a life-long Packer fan, who enjoys taking in all that the Northwoods has to offer. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, golfing and boating. Most weekends you can find Mike spending time outdoors with his family and two yellow labs, Mulligan and Abbey.

Mike and his wife of 30 years, Jenae, have three children, Mandie, Megan and Michael. Mike became a very proud grandpa when Mandie and her husband Jonathan welcomed their son Anderson in 2008 and daughter Vivian in 2010.

Mike Aus, Rhinelander Auto Center Owner/Operator