Kowalis Family of Dealerships Careers

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Our Team

Join Our Team

At Kowalis Auto Group we’re always looking for great talent. Whether it’s salespeople, mechanics, or people that are just good with numbers, we’re always on the lookout for the best and brightest to come aboard to help us out. Just take a moment to fill out our employment application and you could be on your way to a great new career path.

Our Locations

LEXUS OF ORLAND:
8300 W. 159TH STREET ORLAND PARK, IL 60462

708 614 8700

ORLAND TOYOTA:
8505 W. 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487

708 429 3900

LEXUS OF MERRILLVILLE:
3957 WEST, US-30, MERRILLVILLE, IN 46410

219 769 4545

Our History 

Family owned and operated since 1972!

Founder, Gene Kowalis (1929-2009), began his career in the auto industry as a Cadillac Salesman in Chicago. In 1972, he opened a Mazda dealership in Midlothian, until he had the opportunity to purchase a Toyota franchise.

Orland Toyota was opened in 1976, moving from Midlothian facility to its present Tinley Park location in 1984. The introduction of a new luxury vehicle offered another opportunity, and Lexus of Orland opened its doors in 1989 and was the Midwest's first Lexus Dealership. The success of the Lexus franchise flourished, and in October 2006, Lexus of Orland relocated from its original location in Tinley Park to its current 80,000 square-foot facility in Orland Park, recognized as the largest Lexus Dealership in the Midwest. 

In keeping with the family business, Chris Kowalis is the GM at Lexus of Orland and Cody Kowalis is our Marketing Manager for all three dealerships.

Business Awards and Recognitions

Orland Toyota has been a recurrent recipient of the Toyota Touch President's Award for customer satisfaction, and was the first Dealership in Illinois to receive this award for 8 consecutive years. In 2007, Orland Toyota was recognized Best Import Car Dealer by the Southtown. Lexus of Orland and Lexus of Merrillville have been awarded Lexus' highest honor, the Elite of Lexus, only given to dealers who display exemplary sales, service, and overall Owner Support. 

Awards per Dealership

Benefits

Employee Name

Employee Success Stories

 

  • Keith O’Meara started in 1975 as a technician and today he is our Fixed Ops Director
  • We have employees here over 20 years some over 30 years
    • Bob Vittorio –Used Car Manager-Lexus of Orland
    • Jeff Jones-Technician- Lexus of Orland
    • Pete Takacs(started as salesperson) –GM –Lexus of Merrillville
    • Hector Torres(started as salesperson)-GM – Orland Toyota
    • Tim Wentz-Maintenance-All three stores
    • Shannon O’Brien-Technician-Orland Toyota
    • Jim Lichtenberger-Dispatch-Lexus of Orland
    • Joe Wilson-Technician-Lexus of Orland
    • Andy Sierak-Technician-Lexus of Orland 
  • Employees that started in entry level position and moved up
    • Willie Haddad started as a sales person –now Used Car Manager at Lexus of Merrillville
    • Themi Hatzis started as valet and now is Diagnostics specialist at Lexus of Merrillville
    • Todd Sobczak started at Lexus of Merrillville when it open in 2005 as an ASM and today he is the Service Manager
    • Kevin Martin started as sales now currently GSM at Lexus of Orland


Employee Success Stories

Lorrie Novorita
BDC Manager / Guest Relations

Partners with Our Community

Community

The Kowalis family is actively involved and shares a commitment to St. Colleta's of Illinois, a non-profit organization that provides support and funding for children and adults with developmental disabilities in the areas of residential care, educational programs, medical care, and vocational services. 

The family's combined efforts have raised many thousands of dollars, sponsored high-profile events, made huge strides in gaining corporate support by encouraging other businesses to participate, including Toyota and Lexus corporate sponsorships. Jeff has served as Chairperson and Board member. There's truly a deep commitment in making a difference in the lives of those struggling with disabilities. 

The Kowalis family also supports local fundraising events, including a breast cancer Think Pink Event at the Dealership during the months of May and October. Being active within their community and assisting local charities is an integral part of their life and work. Many staff and managers of Kowalis Motors generously participate and assist in many of these events and fundraising efforts

Our Business Model: Dedication to Family and Sense of Community

The Kowalis family exemplifies a dedication to family, service, and community. 

Jeff and Kurt Kowalis have been active in various aspects of daily business operations since 1980, and worked alongside their father, Gene, until his passing in 2009. Both are longtime residents of the Orland Tinley community, raising their families and remaining active members in the local community and various organizations. Some of which include the following:

The Dealership employs over 200 employees and generates revenue for both Orland and Tinley Park. Autism and POTS are other causes that remain ongoing to the family and Dealership. 

Lexus of Orland, Orland Toyota - What We Want You to Know 

As hands-on Owners and members of this community, you can assure we are committed to providing each and every customer the best product, experience, and service. 

Our professional and qualified staff, including our team of customer service representatives, certified technicians, and sales consultants, promise to deliver you the best service possible, including timely maintenance and accurate diagnosis and repairs. We are very proud of our Dealership family. 

Our State-of-the-art facilities are well appointed with exceptional visual designs and customer conveniences, including a café and beverage center, comfortable seating areas and lounges, fish tanks, internet services, car wash/detail services, and a retail boutique that includes Lexus/Toyota merchandise as well as trendy fashion apparel, jewelry, and accessories at a reasonable price point for our customers and guests. We do more than just take care of your automotive needs. 

In order to better serve their customers, the Kowalis family assures State-of-the-art facilities and equipment. They expanded and fully renovated the Toyota facility several years ago.

A new construction project to expand Lexus' Showroom and front entry is currently slated for Spring 2019 at the Lexus of Orland facility. 

Company by the Numbers

Take a look at how we stack up!

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108
Lexus of Orland Employees
34
Lexus of Merrillville Employees
73
Orland Toyota Employees
32
Years in Business as Automotive Dealership

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