kalispell locations

Careers at Rydell Kalispell

“We have nothing of higher value than our people”

kalispell dealership

Building a Legacy

Kalispell Motor Company has been doing business in the Flathead Valley for 12 years. Kalispell Toyota was the first dealership that was acquired by owner, Gerrid Gandrud in 2007. Since buying Kalispell Toyota he has expanded his ownership to include Kalispell Ford and Kalispell Volkswagen. With 3 brands and one common culture, the dealerships have continued to sell and service more vehicles than any other brand in Kalispell. Ford, Toyota, and VW are part of a larger automotive group known as the Rydell Group. The Rydell Group is recognized as being the largest dealer group in the U.S. Each dealership operates under a common philosophy but not common ownership. Every Rydell dealership is independently owned while operating under the same business philosophy.

Community Partnership

Community Partnership

We take the role of being a good employer, a good neighbor, and an engaged and active member of the community to heart. We proudly support the following organizations:

  • Big Brother Big Sisters
  • Flathead Food Bank
  • Buffalo Hill Golf Course
  • Casa for Kids
  • Coats for Kids
  • Boys and Girls Club
  • Samaritan House
  • A Ray of Hope
  • Abby Shelter
  • Heart Locker
  • Kalispell Public Schools
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Our History

In 2007, Gerrid Gandrud brought the Rydell Group philosophies to the Flathead Valley with the Purchase of Glacier Toyota. Mr. Gandrud transformed that dealership into Kalispell Toyota and immediately implemented the fully transparent sales process for customers and a commitment to helping each employee reach their fullest potential. Gerrid’s story started at a Chevrolet store in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Starting in the wash bay when he was 16, then shuttle driver, lot boy to finally becoming a car salesman. In 2000, Gerrid accepted a position as a Sales Manager at Ressler Chevrolet, Cadillac and Toyota- 3 Stores, 1 building. Gerrid continued his career in Bozeman, Montana as a Sales Manager for the next 3 years. Mike Aus, who started as a mechanic at a Rydell store and eventually purchased a 5-brand General Motors and Toyota dealership in a town called Rhinelander Wisconsin, called Gerrid in 2003 and offered him a position as a Sales Manager. Gerrid got promoted to General Manager after a year and a half! He continued his career as the General Manager for the next two and a half years. In 2007, the opportunity to purchase Glacier Toyota presented itself. Gerrid decided to pursue his dream of owning his own dealership, with the help of the Rydell Group. Gerrid and his wife Candace moved to Kalispell in 2007. In 2009, Gerrid and Candace had their first daughter, Isabella. Three years later they welcomed their son Layton. Both of the Gandruds children attend school in the Kalispell area. Gerrid is proud to be a family man and enjoys spending time with his family on the lake. In 2014 he continued to grow his ownership with the purchase of Whitefish Ford and Volkswagen. Two years later he purchased Kalispell Ford and combined the two Ford stores into the new facility which now sits on Highway 93 South. During that same time period Whitefish Volkswagen moved to the new location and became Kalispell Volkswagen. With the purchase of the Whitefish stores, and Toyota, Gerrid created his own automotive group.

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Our Growth

Stories like Gerrid’s are possible because of the partnership with the Rydell Group. With the philosophy of the Rydell Group to be a main street group, not a wall street group, Rydell provides the opportunity for people who grew up within the Rydell network to purchase dealerships and become 100% owned and operated by individuals, not corporations.

Every one of the 75 current locations are owned and operated by someone who has "grown up" within the organization while learning the operating philosophy. Rydell dealers have started in a Rydell store at almost every position including detailers, reconditioning department managers, service technicians, parts department managers, finance & insurance department managers, sales consultants, used car managers, and sales managers.

The Rydell Group is the only dealer group in the country to consistently provide the opportunity for its employees to own their own dealership 100%. Kalispell Toyota has been awarded Toyota Corporations highest honor, The President’s Award, for the last nine consecutive years (2009 - 2018). The President’s Award is presented to only the top dealerships who have achievements above and beyond in customer satisfaction in every department. Kalispell Toyota, Kalispell Ford, and Kalispell VW are looking to continue this level of performance by adding to our team of talented professionals throughout the organization.

What you can expect from a career at this organization is an engaged and successful work environment, great income, on the job training, no requirements of previous experience, and potential for advancement based on your own drive, skills, and abilities levels.

Rydell's Vision & Mission

Rydell's 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

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 and Integrity

Honesty and Integrity

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

Individual Responsibility and Accountability

Individual Responsibility and 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

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

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

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

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

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

We will help you get up to speed once you join our team!

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance and 401K Plan offered

Vacation, Sick, Holiday Pay & Employee Discounts on products and services

Our people come first - Great opportunities to make your mark & effect change

Testimonials

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Tyson Eckhardt

Sales Manager - Volkswagen

I enjoy working for Kalispell Volkswagen because of the philosophy and attitude behind what we do on a daily basis. It might seem simple, but the value of taking care of people, both customers and employees, and not taking advantage of anyone, even if you can, speaks volumes to me. On a personal level I enjoy the challenges and opportunities that are provided on a day to day basis, and the level of support and help available. Being a part of something that is growing and striving to continuously improve is inspiring and brings the best out of me as an individual.

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Sam Kilduff

Product Specialist - Ford

I like working at Kalispell Ford because of the great people that I get to work with every day. From customers to fellow employees, we have a great culture that is enjoyable to be a part of. There were times in previous jobs that I dreaded going to work, and now I look forward to what opportunities will come to me each day.

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Kelly Olivier

Finance Director - Toyota

I have been with Kalispell Toyota for 14 years. The best part of working at Kalispell Toyota is the culture we have. This is the only job I have had in my career that really feels more like a family than just co-workers. We have fun and that's what work can be, It doesn't have to be all serious all the time. It definitely is a great place to make a career. I started with Toyota back in 2008 and now we have a Ford and VW store as well. It's been great to see how many people have grown and developed in this organization and I look forward to many more years ahead.

Christina James

Finance Administrator - Ford

I love working for the Kalispell Auto Group, the company truly believes in promoting from within and helping you advance. You can tell management cares about your career and helping you succeed. I started in our BDC and am now working in finance. It's wonderful to work for a company that puts such a focus on giving back to the community and nurturing an amazing culture within the dealerships. I look forward to coming into work every morning, it's fast paced and I get to do something new all the time.

Jenny French

Business Manager

Jennifer French started working at Kalispell Toyota in 2008. She started as a Quick Lube Service Advisor. Jenny stayed in that position for a year before transitioning into a Main Shop Advisor. For the next 5 years Jenny continued her career as a highly successful Service Advisor before being promoted to the Assistant Service Manager. At that time she was supporting the Service Advisors and the Service Manager. Assisting in the day to day operations, mentoring the Service Advisors, and helping the Service Manager grow the fixed operations business. Jenny continued working for Kalispell and transitioned into the Whitefish Ford and Volkswagen store for a year and a half. At the completion of the new Kalispell Ford store, Jenny assisted in opening the new store. Training, greeting, and helping get the service department off the ground were just a few things Jenny helped with during this transition period. In 2018, after 10 short years with Kalispell, Jenny moved back to the Toyota store as the Business Manager. In this role she helps sign car deals, is the liaison between the bank and the dealership, and assists customers with warranty and finance. When asked about working for Gerrid within his organization Jenny said, “From the first day that I started working for Gerrid I have always felt like he has had my best interests at heart. During my time at Kalispell I have enjoyed coming to work, knowing that I had an opportunity for growth and development within this company.” -Jenny French

Mark Oehrtman

General Manager

Mark Oehrtman started working for Montana Auto Center in 2004 as a Sales Consultant. After 2 years at the Auto Center he transferred to Glacier Toyota and continued to sell cars. One year later, Glacier Toyota was purchased by Gerrid Gandrud and transitioned into Kalispell Toyota. Mark continued to sell cars for 3 months until being promoted to New Car Inventory Manager. He held this position for 2 years, eventually moving into the role of Sales Manager. In 2015, just 9 years after starting with Glacier Toyota, Gerrid promoted Mark to General Manager. Mark continues to manage the Toyota store with great success. He is a president’s award-winning dealership and continues to promote employee engagement and satisfaction within his organization.

When asked about his time working for Kalispell Toyota Mark said "I enjoy working here, taking great care of our guests and our employees, knowing that our organization won’t stop until everyone is satisfied. I enjoy the fact that we truly live by our vision - we have nothing of higher value than our people."

Sheila Butterfield

Controller

Sheila Butterfield started working at Glacier Toyota in 2005 as a cashier. After working as a cashier, she was promoted to account payables, then titles, and eventually working car deals. Sheila worked her way through multiple positions in the business office. When Gerrid purchased Whitefish Ford and VW Sheila was offered the position of controller. As a controller Sheila manages the day to day finances of the Volkswagen and Ford dealership. From starting as a cashier to currently being responsible for the finances of two dealerships Sheila is a perfect example of the opportunities Rydell Group can offer local employees. When asked about working for Gerrid and Kalispell Ford Sheila said ‘I’ve never felt more loyal to a company than I do to Gerrid. He has created a great atmosphere for me to come to work every day.

Travis Warner

General Manager

Travis Warner started working at Glacier Toyota in 2007 as a mechanic. He worked as a mechanic for a year before being promoted to Service Advisor. After six short months of being a Service Advisor Travis got promoted again to be the Service Manager. Travis maintain his position as the Service Manager for 4 years. At that point Travis moved over to the sales side of the dealership. He was the Sales Manager at Kalispell Toyota for about three years. At that time Gerrid purchased the Whitefish Ford Volkswagen, Travis moved to that location as the General Manager, after 8 years with Kalispell Toyota. He continued his career as the General Manager during the time that Gerrid transitioned Whitefish Ford Volkswagen into their new locations in Kalispell. He has remained the General Manager of Kalispell Ford since 2017.

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