Our Team

Here are a few of our courteous and professional team members.   You may contact them directly by clicking HERE and we will make sure he/she gets your message.  Thank you for visiting our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

 
Marisa Mae Mills - Group General Manager Marisa Mae Mills - Group General Manager

 
Since 1922, when my grandfather started the first of our companies, our family has stood for honesty, integrity, trust, doing what's right, courtesy, and customer service, with mutual long-term relationships for both customers and employees. These qualities have carried over into everything my grandfather has done, and my father, uncle, and now my two brothers, two cousins, and I do with all of our businesses. We intend to continue all of our efforts and business endeavors now and in the future, in the same manner to ensure that we are exceeding our customer’s expectations!
 
It has been my dream ever since I was a little girl to work with my father on an everyday basis in conjunction with all of our businesses. I have been working with our companies since I was 15 years old. I attended Hamline University from 1993-1995 and Northwood University from 1995-1997, upon which time I graduated.

Through my passion of physical and emotional holistic healthcare and development, I have become a Certified Hendricks Conscious Living and Loving Coach. Please find my profile on the link listed below. http://www.hendrickscoaches.com/north-america/united-states/midwest-united-states/
  
I am truly blessed to be surrounded by some of the most amazing, talented, and dedicated individuals in the world that are on my team at the Mills Automotive Group! I am grateful for each of their individual and team contributions, hard work, personal responsibility, and continued growth that I am part of witnessing on a daily basis! I truly love my team!
  
On my journey thus far, my personal and professional growth and development have been immensely impacted by these individuals and/or companies in various ways. And, from the bottom of my heart, I am grateful!
 

Dave Anderson
www.learntolead.com

Gay & Katie Hendricks
www.hendricks.com

Warren King
www.warrenking.com

Cindy Jamieson
www.bodymindheart.com

Susan Slack
www.susanslack.com

John Hull, EQUIP Leadership Inc.
www.iequip.org

Northwood University
www.northwood.edu/fl

Renfrew Center
www.renfrewcenter.com

Kari Stengrim
(218) 851-0695
kkjostengrim@gmail.com
yoga/pilates instructor and barre classes

 

 

 

Patrick Weideman - Director of Administration Patrick Weideman - Director of Administration

Patrick started with the Mills Companies in 1983 as a computer programmer in the Mills Fleet Farm Distribution Center in Appleton, WI. He spent 12 years with the retail division and assisted with such projects as the implementation of an automated inventory and replenishment system and the acceptance of credit cards at the Fleet Farm stores.  With the expansion of the Automotive Group in 1996, Patrick and his family moved to Brainerd to assist with the addition of Mills GM, Brainerd, Mills Ford Jeep of Willmar, and Mills Auto Center, Willmar.  Patrick’s role with the Automotive Group has grown to include both IT and Human Resources.  He is very proud of his two grown sons, Chase and Mitchel.  Patrick is an avid bicyclist and enjoys touring the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Michael Deemer - Parts and Service Director Michael Deemer - Parts and Service Director

Michael started his automotive career in 1992 washing cars at Ron Marhofer Ford Lincoln Mercury in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, a suburb of Akron, and near his home town of Barberton.  At the Marhofer dealership, Michael worked his way up in service and eventually into fixed operations management. He came to Mills in 2012 after 11 years as a corporate trainer and fixed operations director at Autonation and Mullinax Ford in North Canton, Ohio. Michael and his wife, Melina, have four children, and the family enjoys boating, camping, biking and all sports.

Kathleen Baumann - Business Office Manager Kathleen Baumann - Business Office Manager

Originally from Avon and the youngest of eight children in her family, Kathleen is a graduate of Holdingford High School and the College of St. Benedict with degrees in accounting and business finance/management. Her career started with Larson Allen CPA as director of administration in the retirement plan division, then on to UPI as distributions manager. She has more than nine years experience in automotive.  Kathleen and her husband, Paul, have two sons. The family lives in Pequot Lakes. She enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, cooking, singing at weddings, playing the guitar and family time.

Bonnie Franke - Marketing Manager Bonnie Franke - Marketing Manager

A North Dakota transplant, Bonnie joined Mills in 2008 after 30 years in radio advertising sales. She has a business management degree from the University of North Dakota and Valley City State University. She enjoys yard work, golf, boating and spending time with her grandchildren. Bonnie and her husband, Norm, live in Brainerd.

Bret Mattheisen - IT Manager Bret Mattheisen - IT Manager

Bret joined Mills in 2011 after working 13 years as a systems engineer at Syvantis Technologies. He and his wife, Lacie, have three children. The family lives in Pillager, where Bret has been a member of Pillager Area Fire and Rescue since 2002, and a city council member since 2000. A graduate of Benson High School, Bret attended St. John’s University, and graduated from St. Cloud Technical College with a degree in network administration. He enjoys hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and home remodeling. 


Sales

Brian Kopek - General Manager Brian Kopek - General Manager

 
Born in the Motor City, Detroit, Brian grew up in and has lived the car business. His dad was a claims manager for AAA, and, as Brian says, “he knew every car on the road.” Brian’s first job at 19 was with Holley Automotive, where he was an engineering technician. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in auto engineering technology. Before joining Mills in November 2009, his career included eight years with Ford Motor Company in Michigan as a field representative for parts and service; service and sales at the Ford regional office in Minneapolis for seven years; sales for five years at Rochester Ford-Toyota, and five years of sales for Saturn in St. Paul. He and his wife, Hollie, enjoy biking and all outdoor activities with their children, Nikolas and Lily.


Paul Larson - Sales Manager Paul Larson - Sales Manager
 
Before joining Mills GM, Paul had been manager of the Mills Automotive Group Customer Care Center since 2008. He was also previously with Gateway Computers and MCI WorldCom.  Born in Rapid City, SD, Paul graduated from Lawton-Bronson High School in Lawton, IA, and attended Western Iowa Technical College in neighboring Sioux City. His family includes wife, Kerri, their three children, Kristi, Brooke and Brenden, plus one granddaughter, Haylee. When he’s not helping customers with their cars at Mills GM, Paul enjoys collecting farm toys, old pick-ups, camping and watching or playing football with Brenden.

Ray Giles - Business Manager Ray Giles - Business Manager

 
Ray began his career in the car business in 1988. He joined Mills GM in June, 1997. Ray is a lifelong Brainerd area resident and enjoys NASCAR and tinkering in his garage in his spare time.





Linda Locke - Business Manager Linda Locke - Business Manager

After working at local-area dealerships since 1997, Linda joined Mills in 2013. She is originally from Buffalo, a graduate of Hutchinson High School, and currently lives in Park Rapids with her husband, Ray. Outside of work Linda enjoys boating, golf and time with their son and grandchildren. Linda attended Yucca Valley Community College in Coachella, CA.

Mark Krivich - Sales & Leasing Mark Krivich - Sales & Leasing

 
Mark has over 23 years of retail sales experience and has been with Mills GM for over  9 years. He and his wife Connie live in Nisswa with their two children Brooke and Brody. Mark and Connie met while both were attending college at Bemidji State University. Mark enjoys spending time with his family in the lakes area.


Rick Schroer - Sales & Leasing Rick Schroer - Sales & Leasing

 
Mills GM welcomes Rick "Big Country" Schroer back to the Team! Rick's favorite things about working for Mills GM is the Team atmosphere and working with all of the great customers. Rick and his wife, Susan, live in Brainerd with their two daughters, Kirsten and Alexis. In his spare time Rick enjoys reading, music and relaxing with his family.


Jim Noehring - Sales & Leasing Jim Noehring - Sales & Leasing

 
Jim has been in the auto industry since 1995.  He is a graduate of Brainerd Senior High and grew up in the Brainerd Lakes area.  His hobbies include golf, hunting and 4 wheeling.

 


Jamey David - Sales & Leasing Jamey David - Sales & Leasing

 
Jamey was born and raised in the Brainerd lakes area, and started his career in the automotive business in 1998. Mills GM has been his home for many years, and he is very grateful for the many wonderful relationships he has made over the years. Jamey still lives in the Brainerd area with his wife Heidi, and their son Rylan. Jamey is an avid walleye fisherman, bow hunter, and enjoys spending time with his family.


 


Mike Sandstrom - Sales & Leasing Mike Sandstrom - Sales & Leasing

Mike joined Mills in 2013 and has worked in automotive since 1978. He was previously inventory manager and used car buyer at Saturn of St. Paul, body shop manager at Princeton Auto Center, and auto body painter at Brookdale Ford. Originally from Zimmerman and currently living in Aitkin, Mike is a 1976 graduate of Armstrong High School, Robbinsdale, and the auto body repair program at North Hennepin Vocational-Technical College. He and his wife, Linda, have four children and three grandchildren. Outside of work Mike enjoys the lakes and has been drag racing cars for many years, and currently races a 1969 Ford Mustang and a 1998 Mustang.

Matthew Trujillo - Sales Assistant Matthew Trujillo - Sales Assistant

While new to automotive, Matthew has always loved being around cars because his father is a car fanatic. He joined Mills in 2012 after working two years as an investment/insurance sales representative. Matthew was born and raised in Denver and his family moved to Park Rapids in 1999. He is a graduate of Nevis High School, and still lives in Park Rapids.  Matthew received securities and insurance licenses from Kaplan University in St. Paul, and was a business management student at Bemidji State University. He was also an award-winning moto-cross racer for six years, having traveled the racing circuit in numerous states with his father and brother. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys family time, watching Denver Broncos games, fishing, travel, playing cards, board games, and volunteering to help people with mental disabilities.


Service

Brent Mackcow - Service Manager Brent Mackcow - Service Manager

 
Brent leads the service team after having worked as a sales and leasing consultant at Mills GM. He was previously general manager at Best Buy in Baxter for nine years. Besides Baxter, his 18-years with the company included positions at stores in Blaine, Edina, Apple Valley and St. Cloud.    He was a psychology student for three years at Viterbo College, LaCrosse, WI, and started working part-time for Best Buy during college.

Brent and his wife, Julie, are both natives of Blaine and graduated from Blaine High School. They have three sons, Cody, Cole and Landon. The family lives in Baxter and is very active in football, hockey and baseball. They also enjoy boating and spending time with friends.


Marilyn DeRosier - Service Dispatcher Marilyn DeRosier - Service Dispatcher

 
Marilyn has been with Mills since 2001. She has 3 children, Becky, Mike and Fletcher. They are (as she describes) "as wonderful as their mother". Since 2001 Marilyn has been a service advisor, warranty administrator, cashier, dispatcher and self-described mental health psychologist. Marilyn’s favorite part of the job is truly the people she works with and the customers she serves. When not at work, Marilyn enjoys Sunday afternoon picnics, relaxing with the family on the river, and fishing for anything that bites!


Mike Swanson - Service Advisor Mike Swanson - Service Advisor

 
Mike Swanson has been in the automotive industry since 1994. He started with Mills in July of 1997 and has worked in the service department since beginning this career. Mike is married to Hollie. They have three daughters, Olivia, Alexis and Ava. In his spare time, Mike likes to hunt, fish and spend quality time with his family.


 


Jerrad Sheflo - Service Advisor Jerrad Sheflo - Service Advisor

 
Jerrad has been working in the automotive industry since 1997 and came to Mills in 2009. Jerrad is married to a wonderful woman Randi and they have three children, Goeffrey, Kaden and Emma. In his spare time he likes to hunt, fish and join his children in all their sporting and extra-curricular activities.


Mike Voeltz - Service Advisor Mike Voeltz - Service Advisor

After working more than seven years at Best Buy, Michael joined the service team at Mills GM in 2012. He lives in Baxter. Originally from Staples, Michael is a graduate of Bertha-Hewitt High School and the College of St. Scholastica with a degree in business management. He plays baseball with the Staples Lumberbats and summer softball with the Brainerd area recreation league. Working with cars has always been his hobby, and he enjoys football, basketball, golf, fishing, tubing and skiing.


Parts

Mike Sibbert - Parts Supervisor Mike Sibbert - Parts Supervisor

 
A self-described 'hometown boy', Mike was born in Brainerd and started with Mills in 1990. His interest in cars dates back to watching his dad in the garage while growing up and attending Brainerd High School. Initially he started in detailing, later working as a service technician for a few years, and service writer for over a decade before making the switch to parts. He and his wife Kim enjoy minature golf, card games, travelling, spending time with children Nicholette & Jazmin, and their 7lb shitzue/miniture poodle Vinny, who dons goggles to tag along for motorcycle rides. Mike chuckles "It's really a sight to see, people take pictures of us all the time".


Travis Benesh - Parts Travis Benesh - Parts

Travis is a graduate of Detroit Lakes High School and attended the parts sales and merchandising program at Wadena Technical College. He has worked more than 19 years in automotive. Travis, who lives in Baxter, enjoys car shows and music concerts.

Davin Raisanen - Parts Davin Raisanen - Parts

Davin has worked more than 20 years in automotive. A graduate of Brainerd High School and Alexandria Technical College, Davin is married and lives in Baxter.


Customer Care

Dawn Rasmussen - Customer Care Center Manager Dawn Rasmussen - Customer Care Center Manager

Dawn has worked in automotive since 2005, and has more than 16 years in customer service. Before joining Mills she was in customer service/insurance, handling credit cards, policies, retention and sales. Dawn is originally from Virginia Beach, VA. She and husband, Ed, live in Brainerd with their sons, Aubrey and Shannon.

Judy Bakeberg - Customer Care Center Judy Bakeberg - Customer Care Center

Judy joined Mills in 2009. She is originally from Washington State and moved to Minnesota in 1999. Judy is a graduate of Pillager High School and Central Lakes College. Judy and her husband, Brian, along with two sons, Michael and Parker, live in Brainerd. When not at work she thrives on spending time with her family and friends.

Jane Branshaw - Customer Care Center Jane Branshaw - Customer Care Center

Jane has worked in customer service more than 30 years, and joined the automotive field in November 2008. She is originally from White Bear Lake and has a degree in data entry and bookkeeping. Jane and her husband, Steve, have two adult daughters. She enjoys fishing, boating, tennis, bike riding, racing and rides on the Harley.

Kyle Hall - Customer Care Center Kyle Hall - Customer Care Center

Kyle joined Mills in November 2008 and is the voice on most vehicle videos on www.millsauto.com. A graduate of Brainerd High School, Kyle and his wife have three children. He is active in the Boy Scouts and enjoys racing of any kind, the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Wild.

Sue Johnson - Customer Care Center Sue Johnson - Customer Care Center

Sue joined Mills in 2004 and previously worked in customer service at Honeywell in Golden Valley. She has two children. Sue moved to Breezy Point in 2001, where her family had vacationed for many years.

Krystel Sam - Customer Care Center Krystel Sam - Customer Care Center

Krystel joined Mills in May 2010. She grew up in McGregor and moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area soon after graduating from McGregor High School. Krystel also worked in customer service nine years before joining Mills. She and her husband, Arlyn, have three children. Krystel enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and spending time with her family.

Dan Behymer - Customer Care Center Dan Behymer - Customer Care Center

A resident of Breezy Point, Dan joined Mills in 2012 as a sales consultant at Mills GM, and then moved to the Customer Care Center in 2013. He previously worked in engineering at American Precision Avionics, Duluth; Nortech Systems, Merrifield, and Seagate Technology, Bloomington, and Longmont, Colo. Dan is an active car hobbyist and has a 1957 Nash Rambler. He’s had several nationally recognized show cars. Dan and his wife have five adult children. He is originally from South Minneapolis, where he also graduated from high school. Dan is also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin —Stout in Menomonie with a degree in industrial technology and education. He is active at Timberwood Church, Nisswa.

Amanda Moralez – Customer Care Center Amanda Moralez – Customer Care Center

A native of Hayward, Wis., Amanda is new to automotive and joined Mills in 2013. She was previously a human resources representative and trainer with a company serving people with special needs, an administrative assistant with Brainerd Lakes Chamber, and a warehouse operations specialist at RalphLauren.com, which included personal shopping for customers. Amanda is a graduate of Hayward High School, and she studied mass communications and English at St. Cloud State University. She is a certified CPR/ first aid trainer, and volunteers at the annual Ride for Wishes Bike Rally. Amanda and her husband, Steve, live in Brainerd with their two dogs and two cats. They enjoy camping, hiking and sitting around a camp fire with friends.

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