Employee Spotlight: Kelly Streifel

After nearly 35 years in the automotive industry, Journeyperson Kelly Streifel of Walser Buick GMC Bloomington has seen and done a lot. Streifel got his start at Peterson Pontiac in 1986. Streifel recalls when Walser purchased the dealership around 2001. It was an era of fast growth for Walser with new acquisitions and builds. A new building on the current Toyota property on American Boulevard would eventually merge Peterson Pontiac GMC and Walser Buick into one Buick Pontiac GMC location.

It’s hard to name something technology has not touched in the last three decades; Streifel said that’s been the single biggest change over his career.

“Changes in the technology in the vehicles, computer-integration, and vehicle fuel systems have come a long way from where it was when I started. The technology we use every day for a time clock, service information, and General Motors diagnostic tools has also changed from the days of paper service manuals and very basic diagnostic tools,” he said.

Streifel also said the duties in his day look much different now than even five years ago. Walser Buick GMC Bloomington is hosting a pilot program in its service department called myTech (also known as Personal Service Technician). The program brings technicians to the forefront, communicating directly with service customers from start to finish.

“Spending time on the phone or a computer making appointments, calling customers, writing up repair orders, looking up service information, performing service programming procedures, taking videos, texting customers, booking repair orders, and cashing customers out when they pick up their vehicle. When I started in the business, a technician worked on vehicles and did not do any of these other things so there has been a lot of changes.”

With his easygoing personality, it’s not surprising that sharing his skills with others is a passion point.

“My favorite part of the job is working with the new and young technicians and being able to teach and train them and watch them grow into great technicians. I have joked for years that every day I am training my replacement,” Streifel said.

It’s not all work and no play. Streifel said it’s free time with his family that keeps him motivated and working for the weekend.

“I love spending time with my son. We enjoy shooting handguns and long-range rifle shooting, bow hunting, and fishing together. I work hard all week and all year long so on weekends or when I take a vacation I can do those things.”

Ready to find your next opportunity?
With 27 retail locations, Walser Automotive Group represents 18 domestic and luxury manufacturer brands in the markets of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Wichita, Kansas; and Countryside, IL. Career opportunities are available in sales, service, corporate, and more.

Visit WalserCareers.com to view our latest openings.