Careers at Volkswagen of Inver Grove

“Our vision is to be so effective that we are able to be helpful to others.” This vision is the foundation of our growth and success. If you feel you too have a passion for excellence and development, we want to talk with you.

Building a Legacy

For decades, we have provided a no-hassle atmosphere for car buying. We have found that our customers truly appreciate such an up-front, straightforward approach.

Beyond that, though, is a commitment to building a corporate legacy based on a strong and enduring framework of values…to be a place where careers are made.

What do you think?
Are we what you’re looking for? And are you what WE’RE looking for? We hope so. Quality people have made us what we are, and quality people will preserve—and expand—the legacy we have created.

Our History

On a mission to do things differently than other automotive dealers, we at Volkswagen of Inver Grove we 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.”

Our General Manger

Brent Wade, Volkswagen of Inver Grove, General Manager, has been in the automotive industry for over three decades. As a young child, Brent worked helping people purchase vehicles before there was online shopping. It was by genuine rapport and reputation that grew his personal business. During the years he has seen numerous changes. Earning the position as General Manager he takes the utmost pride in helping serve the guests and communities.

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

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

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

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

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

Volkswagen of Inver Grove is a one of a kind experiences where individuals can learn the ins and outs of the auto industry and work their way up to becoming a general manager / dealer.

Russ Utesch

Shop Foreman, Joined the Team 2002

“I find passion in working at Volkswagen of Inver Grove because of the people and team. Everyone works and grows together. After attending University in Denver, Colorado and working at a different dealership for about 15 years; I knew I wanted to move back to the Midwest to be closer to my family.

In 2002, this location was a Saturn dealership at the time, I was hired as a mainline service technician. From there I grew into a lead technician and a now a Shop Foreman for about 10+ years.

Over the past decade, I have been proud to be a part of change and grow with fellow technicians. When it comes to training the team, it is supportive our how approach is a mix between hands-on, mentoring, and online. Overall, if you are looking for an option to grow your career path apply or stop by and come talk with me. Our opportunities and atmosphere are unmatched.”

Jay Luna

Reconditioning Technician, Joined the Team in 2014

“My career path has been a journey and couldn’t be more appreciative of the leadership team for where I am today. You see, I started as a lube bay technician while I went to school. After experiencing unfortunate life choices, I was terminated. Fast forwarding about 4 years, I was hired back in 2018.

Being able to be hired back awesome because I was back in the Volkswagen of Inver Grove family and they believed in me. My friends tend to scoff about their work environments, hours, and overall ba¬¬¬¬d managers; here everyone is helpful and want you to succeed. I am really thankful for Volkswagen of Inver Grove and the leadership team for helping me get back on track and providing me a career to grow.”

Michael Fearing

Service Consultant, Joined the Team in 2005

“I joined the team through a high school internship program. I was mentored by a lead technician. Yes, the bus dropped me off each day.

From the mentorship program I went built my skills set from express lube technician, to express lube service writer, and then to a service advisor. Going through these stages, I was continuously mentored and encouraged to take additional training provided.

There was a few months where I found myself working for a different company and missed the people and VW product line and was welcomed back to the family. To the new hires looking to start or continue their career, these people care about your well being and you should give them a call or just stop in to learn more about the career opportunities.”

Andrew Hoffman, Sales Consultant

Joined the Team in 2018

“I never thought I would be in the car business because of the general stereotype, “quick turn hustlers” I thought my career was in the retail outdoor sports industry, where I have been working for the past 5 years. I was initially browsing opportunities and was referred by a family friend to pursue to apply. I took some time to think about it.

The Manager didn’t really give me an interview, just a general conversation on how they do they business, how they make it impossible for someone to buy the wrong vehicle with their exchange/return policy. The discussion lead to more of a mentor program vs. the boss and employee dynamic. After being introduced to the other sales managers, I genuinely wanted to work here.

Also, earning a salary-based pay plan, it doesn’t put a burned on my family as a typical ‘sales pay plan rollercoaster’ did. Overall, this industry and organization is great because you are in charge of your own business. We have the support and control to succeed. I feel like when I put effort in I get rewarded."

Michele Capsalis

Finance Admin, Joined the Team in 2014

“I have always been in some type of retail, mainly in the liquor industry and then worked as a stay-at-home mom for several years. I initially applied at Volkswagen of Inver Grove because I was a loyal customer because of the friendly atmosphere. Everyone is genuinely so nice and happy to be here.

I was looking at trading my vehicle and they gave me the time even though I told them I was here to look and not buy. After talking with the sales consultant about the his job and how he likes it here, I applied and was hired! I helped people purchase vehicles for about 2 years. During that time the managers saw my techniques grow and offered me a new step as the Finance Administrator.

They really value family first and very accommodating and supportive. Working at Volkswagen of Inver Grove is truly nonbiased; everyone comes from somewhere different. Our vision is consistent: 'To be so effective that we are able to be helpful to others.'”