June 16,
2017
Van Horn Automotive Group announced
today the appointments of Adam Gaedke and Tim Goeckerman as platform vice
presidents and Mark Watson as vice president of variable operations. The
appointments are effective immediately.
As platform vice presidents, Gaedke and Goeckerman will oversee the
operations and profitability of each assigned dealership, and their
departments, including: sales, financing, service and parts. They will foster
good working relationships with manufacturer and lending institutions, and
monitor programs and policies related to customer satisfaction.
Gaedke will maintain his General Manager duties at the Van Horn
Chevrolet and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat locations in Plymouth, WI. His
responsibilities will extend to two more Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealerships in
Stoughton, WI and Manitowoc, WI and Van Horn Budget Auto in Plymouth, WI.
Goeckerman will maintain his General Manager duties at the Van Horn Hyundai
locations in Fond du Lac, WI and Sheboygan, WI. His responsibilities will
extend to the Van Horn Ford dealership in Oconomowoc, WI.
“Adam and Tim have proven their ability to operate successful
dealerships over the years,” said Dick Strong, President, Van Horn Automotive
Group. “Their business acumen, process improvement and strong leadership skills
will establish best practices for others to learn from.”
As vice president of variable operations, Watson will optimize the
efficiency of sales operations at all dealerships. This will include proper
training, compliance and process execution for all sales and finance personnel.
“Mark has been an excellent finance director with a passion for
training others,” said Teresa Van Horn, Chief Operating Officer, Van Horn
Automotive Group. “His energy and drive for continuous improvement made this
appointment an easy decision.”
Chuck Van Horn, Chief Executive Officer, Van Horn Automotive Group added “I have deep gratitude for each of these young leaders. They served as role models in developing a prosperous culture for both our company and our community. I am honored to have them leading this growing organization.”
Goeckerman joined Van Horn Automotive in 2005 as a business manager for
Van Horn Hyundai in Fond du Lac, WI. Through the years, he held positions of
sales manager, general sales manager and most recently as general manager for
two Hyundai locations in Fond du Lac, WI and Sheboygan, WI. Prior to joining
Van Horn Automotive Group, Goeckerman served as business manager at Bergstrom
Automotive. He received a BS in business administration with finance emphasis
from Marquette University in Wisconsin.
Gaedke joined Van Horn Automotive in 2003 as a salesperson for Van Horn
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat in Plymouth, WI. He ascended through positions of
greater responsibility landing his most recent role as general manager for Van
Horn Chevrolet and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat locations in Plymouth, WI. A
University of Wisconsin-Stout graduate in Technology Education, Gaedke was a
school teacher in the Sheboygan area before coming to Van Horn Automotive
Group. Further education includes the completion of the NCM General Manager
Executive Program.
Watson came to Van Horn Automotive Group in
2002 as a sales and finance manager at Van Horn Chevrolet in Plymouth, WI.
After years of proven success, Watson advanced to his most recent position as
finance director for the Van Horn Automotive Group. He is currently on the
board of directors for the Van Horn Automotive Group and hosts annual WDS
Advancement Academy training for next generation leaders. His prior experience
includes car sales at Fairway Ford in South Carolina and finance manager at
Performance Chevy Buick GMC in South Carolina.
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 10 automotive dealerships, a finance company, a real estate business
and several insurance companies. The group employs over 500 people in
Southeastern Wisconsin.