Careers at Okoboji Motor Company

“We have nothing of higher value than our people”

Building a Legacy

On a mission to do things differently than other automotive dealers, we at Okoboji Motor Company focus our efforts on providing unmatched quality automotive products and service and implemented the ‘Best Price Philosophy’. We strive to provide a more relaxed, honest, and enjoyable car buying experience. We aim to exceed our customers’ and employees’ expectations, maintaining their loyalty for a lifetime. We recognize the greatest resource we have is our employees and we never take that for granted. We strive to fill open positions within our ranks first, creating career paths for many of our employees regardless of where they start in our company.

We are very proud of our culture which largely comes from being a part of the Rydell Auto Group. The Rydell Auto Group was founded in 1954 and has grown into a group of 85 stores in 17 states! Our Founder, Leonard Rydell, had many strongly held business and personal philosophies that served him well. These philosophies, known as “Leonardism’s”, help guide us through our daily business and personal decisions. Some of our favorite “Leonardism’s” are…

“Never take advantage of a customer, even if you can.”
“Put yourself in a position to take care of as many people as possible.”
“Seek excellence, and the rest will follow.”

Community Partnership

Local Organizations
We are dedicated to providing funding and in-kind donations to worthwhile organizations within our communities.

Community Cruise-In
The annual Cruise-In event. Being able to show our community the classic cars while riding around the lakes.

Polar Plunge
Proud sponsor of the annual Winter Games Polar Plunge. Proceeds raised go to the Arnolds Park & Okoboji Fire and Rescue.

Adopt-A-Dog
Okoboji Motor Company is happy to help raise awareness and host different community events to help give back and show our appreciation to our community.

Our History

The original dealership was purchased by the Rydell Company in September of 2004, it is located in Spirit Lake, Iowa. It was named Okoboji Motor company due to the fact that it is in tourist area known as Okoboji in the Iowa Great Lakes Region. Upon purchase most employees stayed and continued to grow with the company. Several employees had to be added due to the growth of the business. The dealership was remodeled in 2006. The Rydell Company is owner of multiple stores from the Midwest to California to Arizona. Provides growth opportunities for current employees as well as new employees. The Rydell company is largest dealership group that operates under the same values. Either company owned or individually owned. One of the tying values is “one low price, plain and simple, always.” Rydell stores are best priced stores prices are marked for everyone to see even our competition.

On a mission to do things differently from any other dealers, we focus our efforts on providing unmatched quality automotive products and service. We implemented the ‘Best Price Philosophy’, which means no haggle and no hassle, in order to provide a more relaxed, honest, and enjoyable car buying experience. It is our mission to exceed our customers’ and employees’ expectations, maintaining their loyalty for a lifetime. We recognize the greatest resource we have is our employees and we never take that for granted. We strive to fill open positions within our ranks first, creating career paths for many of our employees regardless of where they start in our company. We are very proud of our culture which largely comes from being a part of the Rydell Auto Group. The Rydell Auto Group was founded in 1954 and has grown into one of the largest privately held dealership groups in the United States. Our Founder, Leonard Rydell, had many strongly held business and personal philosophies that served him well and help guide us through our daily business and personal decisions.

Our Vision & Mission

Rydell’s Vision

To be so effective that we are able to be helpful to others.

Rydell’s Mission

Industry Leader: Our goal is to be an industry leader in providing unmatched quality automotive products and services.

Meeting Needs: We will constantly strive to meet the changing needs of our customers. Our aim is to provide an atmosphere that encourages employee teamwork, integrity and excellence.

Constant Growth: Together we will set and continually improve sales, service and operational standards to ensure long-term market leadership and profitability.

Exceed Expectations: It is our mission to exceed our customers’ and employees’ expectations and maintain their loyalty for a lifetime.

Rydell’s Philosophy

The Rydell philosophy is based on five key areas that we believe are critical to business success:

Customer Enthusiasm
Employee Satisfaction
Financial Performance
Market Effectiveness
Ongoing Improvement

Our philosophy holds that each area is of equal importance and we continually strive to reach a level of excellence in each area. However, in any planning or decision making process, or in any situation of seeming conflict or contradiction among the five critical areas, Customer Enthusiasm will always carry the most weight.

Rydell Values

Honesty & Integrity

We believe that all decisions are to be made with integrity. Leadership is setting good examples for others to follow, and expecting as much from yourself as from others.

Individual Responsibility & Accountability

We believe that we are responsible to satisfy the needs of our customers for all our products and services. Individual accountability for our own performance and for the quality of our products will demonstrate to our customers that we are enthusiastic about them and really care.

Unconditional Dedication to Excellence

We believe that there is no place for mediocrity and halfhearted efforts. We accept personal responsibility for overcoming obstacles and being the very best. We actively choose to excel in every aspect of our personal and professional lives.

Cooperation & Communication

Close mutual support of one another is a fundamental tenet of ours. We value open communication and encourage new ideas, realizing that teamwork produces a better employee work environment and enthusiastic customers and suppliers.

Our People

We have nothing of greater value than our people. We respect the uniqueness of every individual and believe that such an attitude will build a team of confident, creative members possessing a high degree of initiative, self-respect and self-discipline.

Ongoing Improvement

We believe in not accepting the status quo, in constant improvement, and in the value of ongoing education in any form. We believe in providing opportunity for personal, professional and organizational growth within our Company.

Being Good Community Citizens

We give willingly to and are actively involved in the support of our communities, because they provide us our success.

How We Care For Our Team

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance

Vacation, Sick, & Holiday Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts on Products and Services

Employee Appreciation Events

Testimonials

April Johnson

Senior Sales Consultant/Training Supervisor

Our Vision says it all “TO BE SO EFFECTIVE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO BE HELPFUL TO OTHERS.” I have worn many different hats here at Okoboji Motor Company. When I started 7 years ago, I was the Business Development Consultant for about 5 months. Our management team realized my strengths would be better suited in front of our customers rather than over the phone. In 2016 I was moved on the floor and became a Sales Consultant. Since then, I have done everything from Finance Manager, ran Clay County Motor’s for over a year, Used Car Manager, New Car Manager and now to Senior Sales Consultant & Training Supervisor. I have had the opportunity to train all the new Sales Consultants that have come in over the last three years, as well as being a part of Adulting 101 Day put on by Okoboji High School. We help teach all seniors how to properly purchase a car along with some helpful insights. This job has allowed me to grow personally and professionally in so many ways. Every day is different, and I get the opportunity to meet new people that become friends for life. My passion is truly helping people; whether I am helping you find your next vehicle, helping you understand all the features of your vehicle, or helping sales consultants grow and watching them move up within the company. I cannot wait to see the growth I experience next.

Pat Early

Senior Sales Consultant

I've worked at OMC just over thirteen years. I came here from a furniture factory where my job was pretty much the same every day, very repetitive. My job here is anything but that! Every day is different! I love the brands of vehicles we sell here, each one of them high quality. I have owned a vehicle from each brand we sell and they have all been excellent. I love the way we do business at our dealership, as well as the company's vision statement. It is rewarding to see the passion that is displayed in carrying out those missions. Management is always striving to make every part of the dealership better, whether it be in Service, Sales, Parts or Body Shop or our People.I am very proud to be a part of this dealership! People in the community have approached me outside of the workplace and thanked me for things the dealership has done to support events in our community. I am the most proud of our dealership for the way they have rallied the community to help take care and support one of our very own employees with a benefit fundraiser coming up. I could not be prouder of a place to hang my hat where I "work,” if you can call it that!

Matt Fernelius

Assistant Parts Manager

My career here at OMC started by accident/luck. I was working for a local auto parts distributor and one day I delivered an engine to OMC's parts department. Apparently, I impressed the parts manager enough for him to offer me a job. I wasn't looking for a job at the time but he convinced me what a great place OMC is to work for and I took a leap of faith. I'm so glad that I did! I've been here for 17 years now and still love my job! LOL! I really like the challenge that each day brings. The automotive industry is always changing and there is so much to learn in this field. The pace can sometimes be intense and it requires your A-game to be successful but that's the part that I love about it! The constant growth and support to get to the next level is one of our founding principles here at OMC. If you bring the hard work and desire to succeed, OMC can take you where you want to go!

Lisa Hengeveld

Controller

I started as the Title Clerk with Okoboji Motor Company in August of 2013. After having that role for a couple of years I was promoted to Office Manager. While in the role of Office Manager, I was offered a great opportunity. I was asked to train to replace our Controller for when he was going to retire. I took some classes online and worked closely with our Controller at that time. In 2018, I took over the role of Controller at Okoboji Motor Company. I strive every day to reach out motto; “To be so effective, that we are able to be helpful to others.

Suzanne Kern

Sales Consultant

As another month turns over on the calendar, I reflect on how thankful I am to have the opportunity to work at Okoboji Motor Company. After spending time at home raising my now teenage son, becoming a part of OMC was like putting on an old pair of slippers - the perfect fit. I knew during my first interview that this would be my home away from home if they hired me - and they did! The environment at OMC is warm, relaxed, and inviting. The people and culture is top-notch. We work as a team and everyone helps each other. OMC goes out of their way to make their employees feel appreciated and encourages feedback with monthly one-on-ones with managers. OMC provides a fun, open door, a dynamic work environment with a flexible schedule for family/work balance.

There isn't another place I would like to work than being a part of the Okoboji Motor Company team. In addition to how they treat their employees, they care about the customers with true genuineness and stand behind the Rydal values and our company vision ~ "To be so effective that we are able to be helpful to others". It's a good feeling to be a part of success and they make it easy to do daily!