DEALER MEMBERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS SAVE THE DATE! NADA SHOW FEB. 1-4,2024 Automobile Dealers Association MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
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©2023 MTADA Membership Directory | The newsLINK Group, LLC. All rights reserved. The directory is published once each year by The newsLINK Group, LLC. for Montana Auto Dealer Association and is the official directory for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Montana Auto Dealer Association, its board of directors, or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. While the Montana Auto Dealer Association encourages a first print policy, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at 855.747.4003. CONTENTS 12 18 22 6 MTADA Executive Vice President’s Message Together, We Are a Powerful Voice in Montana By Bruce Knudsen, Executive Vice President 7 NADA Director’s Message Fueling Our Association’s Continued Growth By Don Kaltschmidt, NADA Director 8 MTADA Office Staff, Executive Committee 9 Board of Directors and Insurance Trust 10 Office of the Governor State of Montana 12 Legislative Update A Brief History of MTADA Efforts To Strengthen Montana’s Dealer Code 15 Save the Date! 2024 MTADA Annual Family Convention 16 Montana Overdrive 18 James Johnson 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee 21 Key Legislative Contacts 21 Save the Date! 2024 NADA Show 22 Driving Our Industry Forward by Contributing to MONCAR 24 2023 Dealer Members 30 2023 Truck, Boat, and RV Dealer Members 31 MTADA’s Employee Benefits Programs Keep Getting Better 32 2023 MTADA Associate Members 34 2023 MTADA Endorsed Partners 38 Driving Montana’s Economy 4 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
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MTADA’S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE TOGETHER, WE ARE A POWERFUL VOICE IN MONTANA Bruce Knudsen Executive Vice President On behalf of the Montana Automobile Dealers Association, it is my pleasure to provide you with the first-ever Montana Auto Dealer Membership Directory. We hope you find it convenient and useful throughout the upcoming year. Inside is valuable information, including the dealership and associate member listings, staff listings, MTADA Board and Committee assignments and government contacts. Please review your specific listing and let us know if you have any updates to your dealership information. The past year has once again proven that car dealers and the automotive industry are resilient and resourceful. As the effects of the pandemic have slowly begun to subside, we are still faced with the demands of an ever-changing market, high inflation and new government regulations. Despite these challenges, automotive sales continue to grow and are expected to rise throughout this year and into the next. From an association perspective, our dealers are stronger than ever. This year marks 109 years since MTADA was organized. For those of you who have faithfully served as the backbone of our association with your continued support over the years, my thanks go out to each of you. Your efforts are appreciated, noticed and have kept our organization strong. I welcome those of you who are new members or have just begun to understand the importance of MTADA to engage and get involved. I invite and encourage you to participate in the many MTADA activities. This is your association, and its continued success depends on the leadership and guidance of the membership. I would like to thank the many dealers who have contributed to MONCAR and participate in the legislative process through their grassroots lobbying efforts. I encourage all dealers to participate in these efforts, as it keeps MTADA strong and enables us to be an effective advocate on behalf of dealers throughout Montana. As always, we are here to support your business in a multitude of ways. Aside from advocating on your behalf, we are here to provide you with educational opportunities, the best in automotive products and services offered by our Endorsed Partner’s, networking events, help with promotional products through our new Montana Overdrive program and much more. We encourage you to take advantage of all the resources available to you. Together, we are a powerful voice in Montana. And together, we can successfully weather all challenges that lay ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Thanks for all you do, Bruce Knudsen (406) 461-7680 Executive Vice President, MTADA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 6 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
Reflecting on the past year, the unwavering resilience and resourcefulness demonstrated by car dealers and the broader automotive industry have once again shone brightly. As the lingering effects of the pandemic gradually recede, we find ourselves confronted with the demands of an ever-changing market, elevated inflation rates, and the introduction of new government regulations. Despite the formidable challenges that continue to emerge, the remarkable growth of automotive sales persists and is poised to ascend even further in the upcoming months. In terms of our association, it brings me immense pride to highlight that our dealers have never been stronger. This year, we celebrate the 109th anniversary of MTADA’s establishment. To those among you who have steadfastly upheld the foundation of our association through your unwavering support over the years, I extend my sincere gratitude. Your steadfast efforts have not gone unnoticed; they have indeed been instrumental in fortifying the bedrock of our organization’s enduring strength. To our new members and those who are beginning to recognize the profound significance of MTADA, I extend a heartfelt invitation to immerse yourselves and actively engage. Participate in the myriad activities orchestrated by MTADA, as it is your involvement that shall ultimately fuel our association’s continued growth. It is important to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of dealers who have contributed to MONCAR and have actively participated in the legislative process through grassroots lobbying endeavors. I strongly encourage all dealers to become active participants in these initiatives; your involvement bolsters MTADA’s influence FUELING OUR ASSOCIATION’S CONTINUED GROWTH NADA DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE and empowers us to be a potent advocate on behalf of dealers throughout Montana. MTADA’s successes since I have been the State Director include bills expanding the rights of dealers, including but not limited to: 1. Retail rates for warranty work 2. The OEM’s contractual right of first refusal was declared unenforceable in Montana 3. Further revising the add-point provisions, limiting the frequency of add-point attempts, requiring additional information on the new dealer to be included in the notice and allowing a dealer who successfully objects to recover his costs and attorney fees 4. Update to Data Privacy Law 5. Limitation on OEM’s Ability to Limit Dealer’s Choice of Vendors 6. Limitation on OEM’s ability to involve itself in the retail sale of motor vehicles — the “Agency Model” In terms of NADA Service, I am grateful to have served as your director since 2016 and have been appointed to legislative and regulatory committees that help us all be in touch with what is happening Nationally that affects Montana dealers. I serve on the powerful Finance Committee that regulates how every penny is allocated nationally on behalf of Dealers, giving Montana a voice. Beyond our commitment to advocating on your behalf, our association stands poised to support your business in multifaceted ways. Alongside our advocacy efforts, we offer a diverse range of services, including educational opportunities, access to cutting-edge automotive products and services through our Endorsed Partners, engaging networking events and assistance with promotional endeavors. We wholeheartedly encourage you to harness these resources to the fullest extent. Together, we form an unequivocally powerful voice in Montana, capable of surmounting any challenges that lie on the horizon. Please remember that I am always here to address any inquiries, concerns, or suggestions you may have. Your insights are invaluable to our continuous journey toward excellence. As we forge ahead, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the dedication you display and the contributions you make to the automotive industry and our vibrant community. Thank you for your unwavering commitment. With gratitude, Don Kaltschmidt NADA Director, MTADA Don Kaltschmidt NADA Director, MTADA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> WWW.MTADA.COM 7
MTADA OFFICE STAFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Bruce Knudsen Executive Vice President bknudsen@mtada.com Cell: (406) 461-7680 Office: (406) 442-1233 Bruce Knudsen is the Executive Vice President, Government Relations for the Montana Auto Dealers Association (MTADA). He earned a BA in Japanese Language and Literature from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Regis University. Bruce has led MTADA since 2014 and has years of experience in managing large groups and organizations, as well as a deep knowledge of health insurance and employee benefits. Bruce has lived in Montana for 15 years. He has four children and three grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys golf, cooking, attending concerts and traveling, especially to the beaches of Baja, Mexico. Jillian Nash Communications Manager jnash@mtada.com Cell: (253) 561-2889 Office: (406) 442-1233 Jillian Nash graduated from Carroll College in 2019. She started her career with the Montana Auto Dealers Association as an intern from 2018-2020. She left for two years and then returned to the association as the Communications Manager a week before the annual convention in 2022. Jillian has two dogs, a lab/wirehair pointer and a corgi. One of them loves bird hunting and the other loves chasing a laser pointer. Jillian loves hunting, shopping, wake surfing and spending time at her dad’s house in the middle of nowhere Georgia. Most importantly, she is getting married in September 2023! Debbie Jean Office Manager/Insurance Coordinator/ Bookkeeper bkkpr@mtada.com Cell: (406) 461-6333 Office: (406) 442-1233 Debbie Jean was born and raised in Helena, Montana, and has resided there her entire life. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her beautiful grandchildren, hang out with her husband and family at their cabin and ride snowmobiles and side by sides. She has been the Office Manager at Montana Auto Dealers Association for 11 years and manages the self-funded Health Insurance Trust for the member auto dealers’ staff. Debbie’s prior work experience for the last 30 years has been in agency insurance work and self-funded insurance Trusts. She takes pride in her organizational and customer service skills by being able to put herself in the customer’s position — if a dealer or HR staff calls or emails her, she knows they want an answer now, not tomorrow or the next day or week so she tries to respond ASAP. Erick Anderson Placer Motors Chairman Wade Rehbein Rehbein Ford President Eric Henricksen Don Aadsen Ford President-Elect Don Kaltschmidt Don “K” Whitefish NADA Director Peder Billion Billion Auto Group Vice President 8 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
Eric Henricksen Don Aadsen Ford District 1 Wade Rehbein Rehbein Ford District 2 Erick Anderson Placer Motors District 3 Jackson Bell Bell Motor Co. District 4 Aaron Jones Courtesy Ford District 5 Peder Billion Billion Auto Group District 6 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Don Kaltschmidt Don “K” Whitefish Rob DeMarois DeMarois Buick GMC Eric Henricksen Don Aadsen Ford James Johnson High Plains Motors, Inc. District 7 Jason Davis Archie Cochrane Ford District 8 Shane Morinville Lithia Ford of Missoula Group Dealership Director Josh Soares GMC Billings Next Gen Don Kaltschmidt Don “K” Whitefish NADA Director INSURANCE TRUST Bill Underriner Underriner Motors Chairman James Johnson High Plains Motors, Inc. Executive Member Erick Anderson Placer Motors Executive Member Craig Tilleman Tilleman Motor Co. WWW.MTADA.COM 9
July 28, 2023 Dear Montana Automobile Dealers Association members, For over 100 years, the Montana Automobile Dealers Association (MTADA) has partnered with dealers across the Treasure State to drive the automobile industry forward. Thank you for your commitment to upholding the highest standards of honesty and integrity to improve the car buying experience for Montanans as MTADA members. Over the past two years, we’ve made great progress to grow our economy, create greater opportunity for Montanans, and protect our way of life. Together, we’ve created more jobs in two years than in any other two-year period in state history. We delivered the largest tax cut in state history, cut taxes for Montanans at every income level, and reformed our tax code to help small business owners and hardworking Montanans keep more of what they earn. As a result, we have more Montanans working today than ever before in our state’s history. As we look ahead, I’m filled with enthusiasm for Montana’s future. Together, we’re tapping into Montana’s outstanding potential, but there’s still much to do. We’ll continue to work every day to ensure an environment where more Montanans prosper and our auto dealers and Main Street businesses thrive, invest in our communities, and create more good-paying Montana jobs. Just as important, we’ll continue protecting our Montana way of life. Thank you for your partnership to make Montana an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Sincerely, Greg Gianforte Governor
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE R. J. “Jim” Sewell, Jr. MTADA General Counsel • 2005. MTADA offered no legislation regarding the Montana Dealer Law during the 2005 session. The session concluded with a favorable resolution of most of the bills of general interest to the business community that MTADA took an interest in. • 2007. MTADA offered legislation to permit franchised dealers to display and sell new cars at off-site, outof-county events where the subject county has no franchised dealers but is part of a given dealer’s “area of responsibility.” In 2007, Montana had 22 counties with no franchised dealer. MVD and the OEM’s supported the proposal which was enacted. Other legislation offered and enacted in 2007 included: ‣ 61-4-123(3)(b) was revised to permit vehicle storage on property owned, leased, or rented by a dealer but not contiguous to the dealer’s established place of business. ‣ MVD bill was enacted regulating automobile brokers with support from MTADA. It allows a joint commercial endeavor (Costco) display, limited to 90 days in any calendar year. • 2009. MTADA succeeded in its efforts to significantly amend 61-4-202. Changes adopted include: ‣ Requiring that warranty and incentive payments be paid in 30 days of receipt of the claim from the dealer and prohibiting an OEM from denying warranty claims based solely on a dealer’s incidental failure to comply with a specific claim processing requirement that does not put into question the legitimacy of the claim and prohibiting an OEM from adding fees or surcharges or raising prices in Montana to make up for the requirement that warranty parts and services be reimbursed at retail rates. ‣ Prohibits an OEM from considering a dealers performance relating to the sale of new motor vehicles or ability to satisfy any minimum sales or A BRIEF HISTORY OF MTADA EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN MONTANA’S DEALER CODE market share quota in determining eligibility to purchase program, certified or other used vehicles; to determine the volume, type or model of program, certified or other used motor vehicles the dealer is eligible to purchase; the price or prices of any program, certified, or other used motor vehicles that the dealer is eligible to purchase; or the availability or amount of any discount, credit, rebate or sales incentive that the new motor vehicle dealer is eligible to receive for the purchase of any program, certified, or other used motor vehicles. ‣ Prohibiting an OEM from penalizing a dealer for a vehicle sold that ended up in a foreign country and adding a rebuttable presumption that the dealer did not know or could not have reasonably known that the vehicle would be shipped to a foreign country if the motor vehicle is titled in one of the 50 States. ‣ Requires compensation to a dealer when an OEM drops a line-make. • 2011. MTADA offered no legislation regarding the Montana Dealer Law during the 2011 Session but, in conjunction with other business associations, took positions in opposition to anti-business bills. • 2013. MTADA’s efforts resulted in adoption of the following legislation during the 2013 Session: ‣ Permitting Demo Plates to be used on service loaners. (This language has now been replaced by the Loaner Plate authority passed during the 2019 Session.) ‣ 61-3-201(2)(c) was amended to allow a non-resident with a place of abode in Montana to register a vehicle here. ‣ 30-11-705 was amended to require an OEM to repurchase special equipment and signs from a terminating dealer. ‣ 61-4-207 was amended to provide that the desire of an OEM for reduced presence in the state is not good cause for termination of a dealer. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 12 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
‣ 61-4-208 was amended to prohibit an OEM from requiring goods or services be purchased from its preferred vendor where the goods or services of like kind, quality and design are available from a vendor of the dealer’s choice. • 2015. MTADA offered no legislation during the 2015 session. MTADA did cooperate with the MDV on a few revisions particularly revising the requirement that dealers have actual possession of titles on used units before sale. Copies are permitted. • 2017. MTADA saw the following legislation adopted during the 2017 Session: ‣ The OEM’s contractual right of first refusal was declared unenforceable in Montana. ‣ The statutory language describing what constitutes “good cause” for termination of a dealer in 61-4207 was amended to require that the analysis of the subject dealer’s sales consider those metrics that are essential, reasonable, not discriminatory and that take into account the dealer’s local market variations beyond adjusting for the local popularity of general vehicle types. ‣ Adding language to the luxury tax provisions to exclude motor vehicles and the sale, lease, rental, loan or providing of any item, product or service by a “franchisee” (a dealer) as that term is defined in 61-4-201(7). • 2019. The 2019 Session was a big success for MTADA and Montana dealers. Several “real life” issues Montana dealers experienced over the prior few years were dealt with. Each change arose from circumstances where one OEM or another or a third-party vendor aligned with an OEM exerted their economic power and employed their heavy-handed tactics to take unfair advantage of several Montana dealers. These modifications address: ‣ Recognition that dealers collect information from their customers and store that information in electronic data management systems and the manner in which third parties can access and use the information is controlled by the dealer who owns the data. ‣ Clarifying the OEM’s obligation to a dealer whose franchise agreement is cancelled by requiring that signs and special tools must be repurchased and adding a timeline for payment with financial penalties for non-payment. ‣ Adding retirement of the dealer to the circumstances where an OEM is required to honor the designation of a family member as successor dealer for the franchise. ‣ Revising the method to be used in setting the warranty reimbursement rate. The new provisions completely replace the prior language of the Code regarding warranty reimbursement. ‣ Further revising the add point provisions, limiting the frequency of add point attempts, requiring additional information on the new dealer be included in the notice and allowing a dealer who successfully objects to recover his costs and attorney fees. • 2021 Session. MTADA’s Legislative program for the 2021 Session included updates to the 2019 warranty laws allowing use of the dealer’s retail labor time guide, provides for the issuance of loaner plates, provides for mediation and administrative hearings before the MVD for dealer/OEM disputes and authorizes MTADA to act as the Plaintiff in general interest litigation against an OEM. ‣ Resolution of OEM / dealer disputes was changed by creation of a mandatory mediation process as the first step to resolution of any kind of dispute between an OEM and a dealer. If unsuccessful, the next step is the filing of a petition with DMV following the same procedures used for dealer termination proceedings. The decision of the hearing officer is still subject to appeal to state District Court and the Montana Supreme Court. • 2023 Session. MTADA’s successful legislative program for the 2023 Session sponsored by Sen. Barry Usher concluded with a celebratory signing by Governor Gianforte on May 4, 2023. Senate Bill 411, as passed and signed by the Governor addresses the following issues: ‣ Update to Data Privacy Law. MTADA was successful in seeing a data privacy and protection statute enacted into law in the 2019 Session as 30-11-717, 718 and 719. The existing law was similar to AZ, but not identical. The AZ law was upheld by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. SB 411 revised the Montana statutes to mirror the provisions of the approved AZ law. ‣ Update Definition of “Motor Vehicle”. The definition of Motor Vehicle was revised to include motorboats. Personal watercraft (i.e.: jet skis) were already included in the definition and it appeared omitting motorboats may have been an oversight. The effect of this amendment is to give motorboat dealers the same statutory protections afforded to jet ski dealers. ‣ Written Franchise Agreement Required. 61-4202(3) does not specifically state that the motor vehicle OEM and dealer will enter into a written franchise agreement although industry practice requires it and other provisions of the code seem to assume that the franchise agreement be in writing. SB 411 updates the code to make it clear that a written franchise agreement is required by adding subsection (e) to 61-4-202(3). ‣ Limitation on OEM’s Ability to Limit Dealer’s Choice of Vendors. Many OEMs are embarking on a course of conduct to inject themselves into the retail relationship between the dealer and his customer by requiring the dealer to use an OEM’s handpicked data management firm — always more expensive — and excluding the dealer’s historic free choice to pick the provider that offers the required services and the best price. 61-4-208(1)(a)(v) already prohibits such conduct by OEMs in the acquisition of goods or services generally. SB 411 amends the code section to make it clear that the prohibition also includes interfering with the motor vehicle dealer’s choice of data management system or digital retail platform and prohibits the OEM from withholding any benefit including monetary incentives and vehicle allocation. WWW.MTADA.COM 13
‣ Limitation on OEM’s ability to involve itself in the retail sale of motor vehicles-the “Agency Model”. As noted above, many OEMs embarked on a recent course of conduct to inject themselves into the retail relationship between the dealer and his customer. This initiative is generally referred to as the “Agency Model.” The Agency Model moves sales of new automobiles from several dealerships around the state, to a single seller — the OEM. The Agency Model proposed by the OEMs is an attempt by the OEMs to: ⁃ Eliminate inventory on the dealer’s sales lots for customers to shop. ⁃ Eliminate the financing options customers have at a local dealership and/or bank and force customers to accept factory financing. ⁃ Eliminate negotiation on trade-in vehicles. ⁃ Eliminate competition between dealers on aftersales benefits like oil changes, repairs, and other related services. ‣ The idea that the agency model will be good for dealers or consumers is a myth. If permitted by law, the agency model would likely be the beginning of the end of new car dealerships. Following the lead of the Commonwealth of Virginia SB 411 makes revisions to 61-4-208 of the Montana Code that deal with motor vehicle dealers and manufactures to keep the OEMs out of the retail business and prohibit coercion or retaliation by the OEMs against dealers who don’t go along. Here is a summary of the enacted changes to 61-4-208: ⁃ Prohibits threat to or denial of incentive payments to compel dealer to go along. ⁃ Requires the OEM to take into account its ability to supply adequate vehicles to the dealer when setting the dealer’s minimum sales requirements. ⁃ Prohibits amendment of the franchise agreement under threat to withhold incentive payments. ⁃ Prohibits the OEM from selling vehicles via a website. ⁃ Prohibits the OEM from retaining ownership of or consigning vehicles until delivery to the consumer. ⁃ Prohibits the OEM from negotiating the terms of sale with a retail customer. ⁃ Prohibits the OEM from unilaterally changing the franchise agreement, including a dealer’s area of responsibility, requiring notice of a proposed amendment, giving the affected dealers the right to request mediation and protest the proposed action and setting standards for review on objection by a dealer. ⁃ The amendments apply to all presently existing or subsequent systems of distribution of motor vehicles, including all existing franchise agreements except to the extent that such application would impair valid contractual agreements in violation of the State or Federal Constitution. 14 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
2024 MTADA Annual Family Convention August 15-18, 2024 Helena, MT SAVE THE DATE!
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JAMES JOHNSON 2023 TIME DEALER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE TIME and Ally Financial have honored James Johnson as MTADA’s nominee for the 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year. Presently, he is the dealer for High Plains Motors in Wolf Point and Glasgow Auto Sales in Glasgow, Montana. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors, and recipients are among the nation’s most successful auto dealers. James recently discussed his life, career, the auto industry and his family. After graduating from high school – where he was voted “Most Likely to Be a Car Dealer” by his senior class – he attended Montana State UniversityNorthern, where he received degrees in Autobody and Automotive Technology. He also has his real estate and broker’s licenses. He dreamed of someday owning a body shop and perhaps a used car dealership. Although he did not grow up in a dealership environment, he had three uncles and two cousins who worked in the used car business. “My family was full of business people,” he explained. “Both of my grandfathers were businessmen, and my parents had their own businesses.” And he aspired to also – one day – own his own business. While he attended college, he worked in the body shop for Rathert-Fox Ford on weekends and during the summer months. It was here that he really gained an appreciation for the dealership setting. However, he still wanted to further his education, and he interned at State Farm Insurance during the summer of his junior year. As part of obtaining an “A” grade in Auto Shop Management class, he interviewed with the corporate headquarters of General Motors in Detroit, MI. He was offered a job but decided it didn’t exactly fit into his career path. He envisioned a career that would allow him to stay in and around Montana, so he continued to work for State Farm, though now as a paid employee. That particular 13-year career garnered him promotions and the opportunity to live in three different states while keeping him relatively close to Montana. James’s career has been impacted by some amazing individuals. In the fall of 2002, he moved back to Wolf Point, where he worked beside his father, Gary, in the State Farm agency. “My Dad was a great businessman. I always joked with my friends that he was the mayor because he knew everyone in northeastern Montana.” Now that he was back in Wolf Point, James was asked to sit on the board of the Missouri River Development Corporation. His work centered on bringing new businesses to the area and helped preserve the established businesses. When he worked with this particular group, he became friendly with Mr. Marvin Presser. “Marvin and I would have great conversations about Wolf Point, Fort Peck Lake and the car business,” James said. “As we visited, I realized I might be able to obtain that dream I’d had years before to be in the car business.” And one day, they struck a deal. On July 2, 2007, his 35th birthday, James made a leap of faith – leaving the known to begin a new adventure. He partnered with Marvin and his son, Jeff, and joined High Plains Motors. “Marvin taught me everything he knew about the business,” James said. “And in the fall of 2011, I was named Dealer by General Motors.” Marvin passed away in 2015, and James declared, “He left us with a great business and many life lessons to live and teach others.” James’s leap of faith continued. At the end of 2019, he’d heard that the Newton Brothers from Glasgow, MT, wanted to sell their dealership. Using the business acumen obtained from his father and Marvin, James approached the brothers about the sale, and in March 2020, Jeff Presser, Paul Wemmer and James made an offer. “We took over operations,” James said, “and I was named Dealer in May 2021.” 18 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
His senior class had it correct: “Most Likely to Be a Car Dealer,” indeed. James sees some dominant trends in the next five to 10 years in the auto industry. “Everyone is talking about the electrification of the auto industry. We are definitely going to see that segment grow, but I think we will also see some additional alternative power sources.” He believes the problems of “range anxiety” need to be addressed before any alternative power becomes mainstream. Regarding life lessons, the industry and all he has learned and seen, James shared three ideals he learned that he could pass along to someone he may mentor. “My personal mantra,” he acknowledged, “is to work hard, study hard and have fun.” He tries hard to pass these thoughts on to his children, his friends and the people he works with in his business and the community. Looking back over the last year, James reflected on one accomplishment of which he was especially proud. In May 2021, he and his business partners Paul Wemmer and Jeff Presser purchased the Chevy, Buick and GMC dealership in Glasgow, MT. “When we bought it,” James said, “it had a zero new or used car inventory. Paul is the GM of that store, and he has made it into a thriving car dealership in a time when getting inventory has been really hard.” James asserts that the community is “super happy” to have the dealership in their area, and he is proud to keep those buying dollars in northeast Montana. Being honored with the TIME Dealer of the Year nomination means a lot to James. “This award has been given to a lot of great Montana Auto Dealers before me,” he smiled, “and that means I need to keep living to the high standards set by guys like Joe Billion, Don K and Craig Tilleman.” Part of the nomination pertains to giving back to the community and any civic or charitable organizations to which he may contribute. James works with the Wolf Point Lions Club, the Wolf Point Chamber and has served as Council President at First Lutheran Church. He also has fulfilled various leadership roles with MTADA. “My parents live a life of service, and they taught me that,” James emphatically stated. “All I can do is try to pass that along to my kids.” James is an active member of MTADA and knows how important and beneficial membership can be. He explained his take on the two most beneficial attributes: “One, the association is a sounding board for the automotive profession and its peers. And two, it offers the industry a platform to protect and promote itself locally, statewide and nationally.” As a car dealer, James described his all-time favorite vehicle. “Early this spring,” he said, “I got my hands on a 2022 C8 Corvette. Boy, I’ll say, after owning and driving that car, it is my all-time favorite car to drive. I have always wanted a ‘63 split-window Vette because of the styling, but I’m sure the ‘63 just does not drive like the C8.” He paused, then said, “Most of the time, you’ll see me driving a K3500 Silverado with a Duramax (diesel engine).” James and his wife Michelle have two children – a daughter, Kaylee and a son, Aaron – and two Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs, Camo and Chevy. Family is everything to James. “The best days are when I sit down in the evening and reflect on the things that were accomplished, knowing we moved forward with the business and my family,” he said. WWW.MTADA.COM 19
“I seem to have ‘aha’ moments every week,” he continued, “but the things that have defined me are being able to successfully run this business and still have time with and for my family. Work/life balance is often hard for people in the automotive business. I get evenings and weekends with my wife and kids, and that is important to me.” James married Michelle in the fall of 2004. She wanted to spend more time with the children, and after stepping away from a lucrative job at the Wolf Point Federal Credit Union that she’d managed for 10 years, she purchased a local shopping paper – Free Trader – in 2015. “Her paper is still one of the best places to sell a vehicle, even in today’s digital world,” James stated proudly. “When we purchased the dealership in Glasgow, she came to work with me as the comptroller, and it has been great to have her involved in the business.” About his children, James said, “Kaylee is a Junior at Wolf Point High School. She was recently inducted into the National Honor Society, where I had the pleasure of giving the keynote address. She is active in all three sports seasons, but tennis is her real passion. Aaron is a seventh grader in Wolf Point. He’s a busy kid who has a lawn business in the summer that helps pay for his love for hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles.” As a family, his favorite way to spend any free time is when he and Michelle can watch the kids in sports; he calls it “very fun.” His hobbies include hunting and fishing as a family, and they “really enjoy watching and hunting behind our two dogs in the fall. Our favorite times and cherished moments often happen at or on Fort Peck Lake.” In conclusion, he said, “As an Auto Dealer, I just want to sell products that are dependable and make people smile.” 20 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
NADA SHOW 2024 SAVE THE DATE! February 1-4, 2024 Las Vegas, NV KEY LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS https://leg.mt.gov/ Montana State Legislators https://www.senate.gov/states/ MT/intro.htm U.S. Senate — Montana https://www.house.gov/ representatives#state-montana U.S. Congress — Montana WWW.MTADA.COM 21
DRIVING OUR INDUSTRY FORWARD BY CONTRIBUTING TO MONCAR Supporting MONCAR, Montana Automobile Dealer’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is crucial in supporting the automotive industry and ensuring Montana’s voice is heard in public policy. As we’ve seen over the past few years, there are constant threats to our franchise system and our business. Whether it’s industry changes, manufacturer demands or economic influences, we face many challenges. In order to confront these together with a unified voice, we need your support and participation. Building and maintaining relationships with the legislators that represent you in each of your districts is how we are able to protect pro-business and pro-dealer rights. It is how we are able to ensure that our elected officials understand the needs and issues that we face in the dealership community. This is why we ask that you consider donating to our MONCAR fund today. WE are the car dealers, and WE need to have a strong voice To find out more and donate, please contact Bruce Knudsen at bknudsen@mtada.com or (406) 442-1233. THANK YOU to the following individuals that contributed to MONCAR as of Aug. 1, 2023! • Blake Clark • Blake Underriner • Brandon Bretz • Bruce Knudsen • Cooper Thomas • Craig Tilleman • Dan Clowes • Don Kaltschmidt • Erick Anderson • Ernie Lee • Garry Brayko • Gary Schoepp • Gordon Henricksen • Jackson Bell • James Johnson • James Taylor, Sr. • Jason Davis • Jeffrey Presser • Jim Taylor • Joe Billion • Kelly Van Hoek • Kevin Kaltschmidt • Kris Houtonen • Lindsay Toepke • Mark Taylor • Michael Fox • Randy Point • Rob Zignego • Robert DeMarois • Stephen Germain • Steve Zabawa • Susan Anderson • Wade Rehbein • Wayne Nentwig • William Underriner 22 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
WORKPLACE SAFETY: You’re naked without it. safemt.com What’s essential to making the most of opportunities in Montana? Workers who stay safe on the job and keep progress progressing. Without workplace safety, workers are exposed to injuries of all kinds. In fact, they might as well be … naked. Montana State Fund is Montana’s first choice for workers’ comp insurance and the source for workplace safety expertise. Lower your exposure today. magauctions.com MAG Now Listing Rep Brandon Boulay (center) with Denny Menholt University Honda’s GSM Leigha Bobbitt and team You Can Pretend to Care, But You Can’t Pretend to Be There. We’re There. Enough Said. WWW.MTADA.COM 23
Action Auto 220 E. Main Sidney, MT 59270 (406) 433-2312 www.actionautochryslerdodgejeep.com American Ford 100 Ford Ave. Glendive, MT 59330 (406) 345-3673 www.americanford.us Archie Cochrane Motors 2133 King Ave. W. Billings, MT 59102 (406) 656-1100 www.archieford.com Audi Bozeman 31908 Frontage Rd. Bozeman,MT 59715 (406) 551-4403 www.audibozeman.com Beartooth Ford 44 N. 5th St. Columbus, MT 59019 (406) 322-5346 www.beartoothford.net Beaverhead Motors 675 N. Montana St. Dillon, MT 59725 (406) 960-4008 www.beaverheadmotors.com Bell Motor Company 121 E. Main St. Cut Bank, MT 59427 (406) 873-5515 www.bellmotorco.com Bell-McCall Company 300 W. Main St. Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-2011 www.bellmccall.com Billion Auto Group 270 Automotive Ave. Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 556-9076 www.billiondodgechryslerjeep.com Bison Motor Company 500 10th Ave. S. Great Falls, MT 59405 (406) 727-2552 www.bisonford.com Bob Smith Ford 416 N. Center Ave. Hardin, MT 59034 (406) 665-1211 www.bobsmithhardinford.com Bob Smith Lincoln 2244 Central Ave. Billings, MT 59102 (406) 656-0000 www.bobsmithlincoln.com GM of Butte 3900 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 (406) 494-3031 www.gmofbutte.com Butte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 3883 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 (406) 219-8215 www.buttedodge.com Butte Subaru 3801 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 (406) 494-7076 www.buttesubaru.com Butte Toyota 5103 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 (406) 782-9181 www.buttetoyota.com Campbell Kia of Missoula 5243 Trumpeter Ct. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 625-3221 www.campbellkia.com City Motor Company 3900 Tenth Ave. S. Great Falls, MT 59405 (406) 761-4900 www.citymotor.com 2023 DEALER MEMBERS 24 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
Clark Hyundai 2955 US 93 S. Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 755-5274 www.clarkhyundai.com Clark Nissan 2915 US 93 S. Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 308-5530 www.clarknissankalispell.com Corwin Honda 2545 Hwy. 92 N. Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 755-7414 www.corwinhondakalispell.com Corwin Motors of Kalispell 2565 US 93 Kalispell, MT 59902 (406) 755-5555 www.corwinmotorskalispell.com Courtesy Ford 514 S. Main St. Conrad, MT 59425 (406) 278-5533 www.courtesyfordconrad.com Dee Motor Company 1200 E. Commercial Ave. Anaconda, MT 59711 (406) 563-5225 www.deemotors.com Deluxe Motors, Inc. 711 Fort St. Miles City, MT 59301 (406) 234-2980 www.deluxemotorsinc.com DeMarois Buick GMC MercedesBenz 3115 W. Broadway St. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 721-4000 www.demarois.com Denny Menholt Chevrolet 3000 King Ave. W. Billings, MT 59102 (406) 545-4546 www.dennymenholt.com Denny Menholt Ford 50 Ford Ln. Butte, MT 59701 (406) 494-6333 www.dennymenholtford.net Denny Menholt Honda 8450 Huffine Ln. Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 587-0761 www.dennymenholthonda.com Denny Menholt Nissan 3710 Zoo Dr. Billlings, MT 59106 (406) 655-1111 www.billingsnissan.com Denny Menholt University Honda 3600 S. Reserve St. Missoula, MT 59801 (406) 721-4900 www.dennymenholtuniversityhonda.com Don Aadsen Ford 64194 US 93 Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-4420 www.donaadsenford.com Don “K” Chevrolet 6219 US 93 S. Whitefish, MT 59937 (406) 862-2571 www.donkchevy.com Don “K” Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 6220 US 93 S. Whitefish, MT 59937 (406) 862-2571 www.donkchryslerdodgejeepram.com Don “K” Subaru 6239 US 93 S. Whitefish, MT 59937 (406) 862-2571 www.donksubaru.com Eagle Country Ford 215 E. Main St. Sidney, Mt 59270 (406) 433-1810 www.eaglecountryfordsales.com Fox Ford 101 Anaconda St. Wolf Point, MT 59201 (406) 653-1350 www.foxfordwolfpoint.com Gallatin Subaru 31910 Frontage Rd. Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 586-1771 www.gallatinsubaru.com WWW.MTADA.COM 25
Gem City Motors 701 S. Central Ave. Sidney, MT 59270 (406) 433-3120 www.gemcitymotors.com Glasgow Auto Sales 54137 US 2 Glasgow, MT 59230 (406) 228-9325 www.glasgowautosales.com GMC of Billings 840 S. Shiloh Rd. Billings, MT 59102 (406) 651-5000 www.gmcofbillings.com Hardin Chevrolet 307 Park Rd. Hardin, MT 59034 (406) 665-1611 www.hardinauto.com Great Falls Subaru 800 Central Ave. Great Falls, MT 59401 (406) 205-2161 www.greatfallssubaru.com Havre Ford 1991 US 2 Havre, MT 59501 (406) 265-2246 www.havreford.net Heberle Ford 1825 Front St. Forsyth, MT 59327 (406) 346-2221 www.heberleford.com Helena Motors 3365 US 12 Helena, MT 59601 (406) 442-6310 www.helenahonda.com Hi-Line Ford, Inc. 54319 US Hwy. 2 E. Glasgow, MT 59230 (406) 228-2141 www.hilineford.net High Plains Motors 331 Front St. Wolf Point, MT 59201 (406) 653-1310 www.highplainsmotors.com HKT Big Sky Motors 2515 W. Towne St. Glendive, MT 59330 (406) 377-3350 www.drivehkt.com Honda of Great Falls 4900 10th Ave. W. Great Falls, MT 59405 (406) 564-1133 www.greatfallshonda.com Jamieson Motors, Inc. 115 Hwy. 2 W. Chinook, MT 59523 (406) 357-2470 www.jamiesonmotors.net JC Billion Nissan 380 S. Auto Plaza Dr. Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 556-9076 www.jcbillionnissan.com Jim Taylor Motors 2520 St. Charles St. Ft Benton, MT 59442 (406) 622-5491 www.jimtaylormotors.net 26 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
Kalispell Ford 2000 Rose Crossing Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 755-3673 www.kalispellford.com Kalispell Toyota 2845 US Hwy. 93 S. Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 755-7760 www.kalispelltoyota.com Kalispell Volkswagen 1177 E. Idaho St. Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 752-8989 www.kalispellvolkswagen.com Kendall Ford 2900 N. 19th Ave. Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 587-1221 www.kendallford-bozeman.net Kenny Simpson Nissan 3135 Prospect Ave. Helena, MT 59601 (406) 442-2886 www.kennysimpsonnissan.com Kenworth Sales Missoula 8295 Hwy. 10 W. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 721-1760 www.kenworthsalesco.com Kia of Billings 4040 King Ave. W. Billings, MT 59106 (866) 979-1682 www.kiaofbillings.com Laurel Chevrolet 202 S.E. 4th St. Laurel, MT 59044 (406) 672-5690 www.laurelchevy.com Laurel Ford 500 S.E. 4th St. Laurel, MT 59044 (406) 238-4000 www.laurelford.com Leskovar Honda 3766 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 (406) 494-6604 www.leskovarhonda.com Lithia Chevrolet Buick GMC of Helena 1501 Cedar St. Helena, MT 59601 (406) 558-2346 www.chevrolethelena.com Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Helena 3401 US 12 E. Helena, MT 59601 (406) 558-2338 www.lithiachryslerhelena.com Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Billings 2229 King Ave. W. Billings, MT 59102 (406) 206-3601 www.lithiadodgebillings.com Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Great Falls 4025 10th Ave. S. Great Falls, MT 59405 (406) 205-3430 www.lithiachryslergreatfalls.com Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Missoula 5001 Grizzly Ct. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 552-0341 www.lithiachryslermissoula.com Lithia Ford of Missoula 3943 Brooks St. Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 552-0884 www.lithiafordmissoula.net Lithia Toyota of Billings 1532 Grand Ave. Billings, MT 59102 (406) 545-0381 www.lithiatoyotabillings.com WWW.MTADA.COM 27
Lithia Toyota of Missoula 4001 Brooks St. Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 552-4959 www.lithiatoyotamissoula.com Mercedes-Benz of Billings 3045 King Ave. W. Billings, MT 59102 (406) 294-7000 www.mbbillings.com Mildenberger Motors, Inc. 1717 N. 1st St. Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-4100 www.mildenbergermotors.com Mills Motor Co., Inc. 305 Central Ave. Fairfield, MT 59436 (406) 467-2511 www.millsmotor.net Missoula Chevrolet 3663 N. Reserve St. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 721-2438 www.missoulachevrolet.com Missoula Hyundai 2715 Brooks St. Missoula, MT 59801 (406) 549-5178 www.missoulahyundai.com Missoula Nissan 2715 Brooks St. Missoula, MT 59801 (406) 549-5178 www.missoulanissan.com Missoula Volkswagen 3665 N. Reserve St. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 541-6889 www.missoulavw.com Northern Ford 120 W. Main Cut Bank, MT 59427 (406) 873-5541 www.northernford.net Northern Prairie Auto Sales 100 Hwy. 2 E. Wolf Point, MT 59201 (406) 653-1160 www.northernprairieauto.com Notbohm Motors 710 Meadows Ave. Miles City, MT 59301 (406) 944-0011 www.notbohmmotors.com Placer Subaru 1515 Euclid Ave. Helena, MT 59601 (406) 442-2603 www.placermotors.com Rehbein Ford 7467 MT-200 Plains, MT 59859 (406) 826-3381 www.rehbeinford.com Ressler Motors 8474 Huffine Ln. Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 587-5501 www.resslermotors.com Rimrock Subaru 324 S. 24th St. W. Billings, MT 59102 (866) 979-1644 www.rimrocksubaru.com Ronan Chevrolet 62683 US 93 Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-5811 www.ronangm.com Ronan Dodge Chrysler Jeep 62683 US 93 Ronan, MT 59864 (406) 676-5811 www.ronancdjr.net Snowy Mountain Motors 80739 US 87 Lewistown, MT 59457 (406) 538-4014 www.snowymountainmotors.com 28 MTADA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023
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