Remarkable Moments Winter 2024 Baxter Auto Internal Newsletter
Remarkable Moments
WINTER 2024 EDITION
CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL 2024 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN
Oct. 21-25, Baxter Auto Group united across all stores for our annual United Way campaign – a week filled with creativity, teamwork and commitment to making a difference. Thanks to our employees’ enthusiasm and generosity, we raised over $22,000 to support the vital work of United Way!
A big round of applause goes to our campaign coordinators, whose energy and creativity brought unique and engaging fundraising ideas to life.
By supporting United Way, we’re investing in a brighter future for the
“I quickly saw not only the impact United Way has on our city but also the positive effects of our fundraiser on my fellow Baxter employees. We look forward to building on this experience with an even bigger and better campaign next year.”
— Tehia Wells lead business development center representative and campaign coordinator at Baxter Ford West Dodge
communities we call home. Thank you to everyone who participated, organized and donated – you truly exemplify what it means to Be Caring.
number of years Baxter has partnered with the United Way number of nonprofits United Way supports number of local programs that United Way supports 10+ 130+ 80
$22,000
The team at Toyota of Colorado Springs enjoys Miggy’s Meltdown food truck as part of their United Way fundraising activities.
YOUR MARK SNAPSHOTS
Lexus of Colorado Springs hosted an unforgettable grand opening in August, welcoming our dedicated team (pictured above), honored representatives from Lexus and Toyota USA and incredible support from our Colorado Springs community partners.
Smart Motors Toyota enjoyed a fun Family Day in September at Spare Time Entertainment, where they indulged in bowling, laser tag, arcade games, yard games and more! Bonus: they got to celebrate a Packers win against the Titans, too.
Pictured above are Tony Thorstad, eCommerce merchandising producer; Justin Jackson, general sales manager and Mike Urso, general manager.
Baxter’s going wild! A greener tomorrow is taking root at the Baxter La Vista campus, promising a burst of color, wildlife and ecological benefits. This project aims to replace our traditional landscaping with a beautiful and sustainable native prairie.
We hosted a group-wide hiring event in October, inviting prospective applicants to visit our facilities, meet our team and explore the exciting career opportunities at Baxter. One hundred and sixty-seven people stopped in to see us! Pictured above are Molly Ptacek, recruiting coordinator and Lawrence Weatherall, general manager at Baxter Toyota of Lincoln.
We’re making a powerful impact in our schools, proudly supporting education and community growth! Here’s Jordan Lemus, recruiting coordinator, connecting with future talent at Pittsburg State University in Kansas.
authentic
REDEFINING REMARKABLE: THE “WE DON’T SELL CARS” CAMPAIGN
Over the last few years, you have been hard at work transforming the way we sell cars — so much so that “We don’t sell cars anymore.” This idea has become so deeply ingrained in how we operate that it’s now the driving message behind our newest marketing campaign.
This October, we developed messaging that brings to life the remarkable car-buying experience you’ve created. The goal is to help guests understand how shopping with Baxter is truly different, with the promise of no handoffs, no hassles and no hidden fees.
But what truly makes this campaign remarkable? You. As Baxter employees, you are the heart of this transformation.
Your dedication and commitment ensure every guest feels supported, valued, and confident at every step of their journey.
At Baxter, we don’t sell cars. We help people buy them. And because of you, we make the experience remarkable. Thank you for bringing this vision to life every day!
From here on out, guests will know: At Baxter, we won’t sell you a car. We’ll help you buy one.
Click here to learn more about We Don’t Sell Cars!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
SUBARU OF OLATHE TECHNICIAN NAMED BEST IN THE NATION
Special congratulations to Naomi Kramer, an outstanding service technician at Subaru of Olathe, who has been honored as the Subaru University/ Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Technician of the Year! This prestigious national award celebrates Naomi’s exceptional technical skills, commitment to continuous learning and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.
Naomi has successfully passed all eight ASE automobile tests and completed four levels of Subaru’s advanced training. Beyond her technical expertise, she serves as a mentor and leader, inspiring other women in the automotive industry. Recently, she had the honor of sharing her knowledge at the Subaru University ASE Technician Conference.
“Every day, she [Naomi] embodies our ‘Make it Matter’ mindset by seizing every opportunity to grow.”
— Kevin Kight general manager at Subaru of Olathe
Naomi Kramer, service technician at Subaru of Olathe, was named Subaru University/ ASE Technician of the Year.
“We are extremely grateful to have Naomi as a member of our team,” shared Kevin Kight, general manager at Subaru of Olathe. “She joined us as an apprentice and quickly immersed herself in certifications, demonstrating her dedication to excellence. Naomi brings joy to our team, always putting her guests, teammates and our store first.”
Congratulations, Naomi – we’re so proud to have you as part of the Baxter family!
YOUR MARK SNAPSHOTS
Look who we spotted at Baxter Ford West Dodge’s Halloween celebration: Napoleon Dynamite, Gru, Clark Kent and a whole cast of unforgettable characters!
Nebraska teammates celebrated Family Day with an afternoon at The RiverFront and The Luminarium, complete with food trucks, yard games, music and more. Pictured above on the right is Caitlin Balanay, sales manager at Subaru La Vista, playing a fun game of giant Jenga.
Stay curious
Our teams in Kansas City enjoyed a fun-filled Family Day at Worlds of Fun in October! From thrilling rides to delicious treats, everyone had a blast celebrating together. Pictured above from left to right are Legends Toyota teammates Dylan Sanderson, sales director; Emily Quinto, sales manager (with son Jeremiah); Julie Johnson, sales director; and Jordan Bichelmeyer, general manager (with son Daxton and daughter Jolene).
Make it matter
Volkswagen La Vista has undergone an incredible transformation, featuring brandnew furniture, an upgraded service drive and state-of-the-art equipment. This fresh, modern look is crafted to elevate the guest experience and reflect our commitment to quality in every detail.
A cause for celebration! Pictured above on the right is Adam Keup, sales manager at Lexus of Omaha, alongside a guest (left) who is very happy about his new ride.
YOUR MARK SNAPSHOTS
In celebration of Subaru Loves Pets month in October, our Subaru stores embraced the spirit of giving with open arms and wagging tails. From heartwarming adoption events to sharing more about our meaningful partnerships with local animal nonprofits, the teams dedicated themselves to supporting our furry friends and making a difference in our community.
Pictured above is Janae Kmeicik, sales manager, Baxter Subaru Omaha, greeting one of the adoptable dogs from the Nebraska Humane Society.
Every month at Audi Shawnee Mission, the team brings a little joy with Friday Fun Carts! Pictured above are Alexis Aguilar, parts driver; Callin Harris, service advisor and Teresa Holt, assistant service manager, taking their pick of sweet treats in September.
Lexus of Lincoln was honored to host the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lincoln/ Lancaster County for their annual casino night! Guests enjoyed games, delicious eats and raising funds to support and empower Lincoln’s youth. Pictured above, top row, from left to right: Stryker Schenkelberg, product specialist; Kelly Allsman, spouse; Jay Allsman, sales director; Luke Chandler, sales manager; Troy Kassmeier, sales director and Derek Venner, sales manager. Middle row, from left to right: Madison Charlson, sales manager; Isaiah Kottich, sales manager; Shelby Kottich, spouse and Gordon Miller, sales manager. Bottom row, second from the right: Ethan Foxall, sales manager and Lisa Miller, spouse.
The service team at Baxter Ford Papillion enjoyed a night at the ballpark for Service Technician Appreciation Night. Pictured above are Steven Green, service technician; Rob Jones, service shop foreman and Sid Smith, facilities technician.
Honda of Olathe, in collaboration with the other stores in Kansas City, hosted the Olathe Advanced Technical Center job fair in the store in October. Pictured above on the right is Jordan Darby, service manager at Honda of Olathe alongside our Honda of America representative, Kyle Butler.
caring
YOUR MARK SNAPSHOTS
Subaru La Vista held their annual Boxers @ Baxter event in September, where they displayed Subaru Motorsports USA’s rally car and welcomed Rallycross Champion Scott Speed, pictured above on the far right next to Mike Lovejoy, love encore specialist, who emceed the event.
Honda of Olathe hosted a sugar-filled trunk or treat at Stony Point Elementary School for more than 200 students and family members. Pictured above in the magician cape is Jacinto Chavez, product specialist, laughing with Evan Donahoe, service advisor.
Baxter Volkswagen Omaha hosted a summer show and tell with the Omaha VW Club, showcasing fun and unique Volkswagens from across the years. Pictured above is Marco the Polo, a 1996 VW Harlekin Polo.
Make it matter
The team at Baxter Toyota of La Vista (pictured above) recently received their award for being recognized as a 2023 Toyota USA President’s Award recipient, which celebrates stores that go above and beyond at each customer touchpoint.
Audi Omaha employees Jack Rogers, internet sales, and Jose Lemus, assistant service manager, ventured across the Atlantic Ocean to Germany in October for the launch of the all-new Audi Q6 e-tron! Pictured above is Jack at the launch event.
