Last updated on: Thu, Sep 9, 2010

Meet Mike Grimm–Service Manager

May 12th, 2010

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Name, ages of your family members, along with any details about your family you want to share

My wife Amber was raised in Fairbury, IL.  We were married in July 2003, reside in Goodfield, IL, and now have 4 wonderful children.  Jayden is almost 5 and cannot wait to start kindergarten in the fall.  He is a very consciences and detail oriented person that hates to be wrong.  Andrew is 3 and is our “wild child”.  He is always coming up with some hilarious saying or comment.  He also has a tendency to act without thinking of consequences.  Because of this, he has made more than a few trips to the hospital/doctor.  Our twin girls, Macy and Mariah, are 14 months old.  Needless to say they have added so much joy, and so much stress all at the same time.  Macy is very dramatic and emotional, and Mariah is calm, cool, and steady.  Even though we have our share of stress with a growing family, we try to enjoy every moment.

How many years at Lighthouse Automotive:  12

What do you like most about your job/workplace

The fact that every day brings new challenges and experiences.  Needless to say, the car business (especially service) is not boring!  Also, being able to work with a fantastic group of people that are team oriented and work extremely hard.  I also love the interaction and relationships I have made with our great customers.

Hobbies/things you enjoy during your free time

I don’t have much free time at this stage of life (see first question), but when I do, I love reading, computers, running, and board games.  I also enjoy spending time with family, friends, and Church activities.

Favorite food:  Pizza by far.  I have a top 10 list that changes at times, but the top 3 never do (Tobins #1, Davis Brothers #2, Mickies #3).

Favorite Movie:  Gettysburg, Ben Hur, The Great Escape, Cars.

Favorite Book:  “The Bible”, “The Killer Angels”, Anything by Clive Cussler or Jeff Shaara

Favorite Quote/piece of advice:  I have many, but one that comes to mind is from my uncle Jaye Rinkenberger.  “At any point in life, you are never as bad as you think you are, and you are never as good as you think you are“.  This quote always reminds me of the Biblical principal that we always have great worth in God’s eyes even if times are bad, but on the other hand, reminds us not to be puffed up with pride when times are good.

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Lighthouse Service Team circa year 2000

May 6th, 2010

We came across a picture of our service team from 10 years ago. Wow things have changed. We now have 2 times this many service employees, and only 3 current employees are in this picture from 2000 (Mike Grimm far left, Culley Vanlaecken, 3rd from left, Paul Runyon, back row center).  Enjoy!

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Altering vehicle computer calibrations

April 21st, 2010

Read the Below GM article regarding vehicle computer software updates.  In the aftermarket, there are all kinds of “miracle” computer updates available to increase fuel mileage and power.  Many of these damage engine components.  Because of this, GM will no longer pay for engine replacements if they find aftermarket “non GM” computer calibrations.

General Motors is identifying an increasing number of engine, transmission and catalytic converter part failures that are the result of non-GM (aftermarket) engine and transmission control calibrations being used.

When alteration to the GM-released engine or transmission control calibrations occurs, it subjects powertrain and driveline components (engine , transmission, transfer case, driveshaft and rear axle) to stresses that were not tested by General Motors. It is because of these unknown stresses, and the potential to alter reliability, durability and emissions performance, that GM has adopted a policy that prevents any

UNAUTHORIZED dealer warranty claim submissions to any remaining warranty coverage, to the powertrain and driveline components whenever the presence of a non-GM (aftermarket) calibration is confirmed - even if the non-GM control module calibration is subsequently removed.

Warranty coverage is based on the equipment and calibrations that were released on the vehicle at time of sale, or subsequently updated by GM. That’s because GM testing and validation matches the calibration to a host of criteria that is essential to assure reliability, durability and emissions performance over the life of the warranty coverage and beyond. Stresses resulting from calibrations different from those tested and released by GM can damage or weaken components, leading to poor performance and or shortened life.

Additionally, non-GM (aftermarket) issued engine control modifications often do not meet the same emissions performance standards as GM issued calibrations. Depending on state statutes, individuals who install engine control module calibrations that put the vehicle outside the parameters of emissions certification standards may be subject to fines and/or penalties.

This bulletin outlines a procedure to identify the presence of non-GM (aftermarket) calibrations. GM recommends performing this check whenever a hard part failure is seen on internal engine or transmission components, or before an engine assembly or transmission assembly is being replaced under warranty. It is also recommended that the engine calibration verification procedure be performed whenever diagnostics indicate that catalytic converter replacement is indicated.

The PQC has a process to confirm the ECM/PCM calibration is GM issued. The PQC will require a picture of the engine calibration verification screen, as outlined in this bulletin, before authorizing any V8 gas powered engine replacement.

If a non-GM calibration is found and verification has taken place through GM, the remaining powertrain and driveline warranty will be blocked and notated in GMVIS and the dealership will be notified.

 

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Buick makes cover of Motor Trend Magazine

April 7th, 2010

Click the links below to view 2 articles from the latest Motor Trend Magazine.  The new 2011 Buick Regal made the feature article for the first time in 28 years!  We hope to be recieving our first Regal in the next couple months.  More info coming!

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1004_

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$29.99 Oil Change and Tire Rotation Special

April 1st, 2010

Come in today through June 1st and get a Lube, Oil and Filter change, 27 point vehicle inspection, and tire rotation for $29.99 (with $10.00 mail in rebate).

See us at Lighthouse Automotive for all your automotive service needs, large or small.  We look forward to seeing you.

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Lighthouse Automotive Code of Ethics

March 26th, 2010

 

As a member of the National Automobile Dealers Association this dealership subscribes to the following principles and standards. Implicit in this code is the requirement that NADA members comply fully with all federal, state and local laws governing their business.

 

We pledge to:

 

·        Operate this business in accord with the highest standards of ethical conduct.

·        Treat each customer in a fair, open and honest manner, and fully comply with all laws that prohibit discrimination.

·        Meet the transportation needs of our customers in a knowledgeable and professional manner.

·        Represent our products clearly and factually, standing fully behind our warranties, direct and implied, and in all other ways justifying the customer’s respect and confidence.

·        Advertise our products in a positive, factual and informative manner.

·        Detail charges to assist our customers in understanding repair work and provide written estimates of any service work to be performed, upon request, or as required by law.

·        Resolve customer concerns promptly and courteously

·        Put our promises in writing and stand behind them.

Jeff Grimm—Owner

Bart Rinkenberger–General Manager

Ben Kaiser–CFO

Mike Grimm–Service Manager

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Meet Mark Schneider–Parts Consultant

March 17th, 2010

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Name/Ages of your family members along with any details you want to share:

Mark–35

Andrea–29

Ethan–8

Foxy (dog)–11

How many years at Lighthouse Automotive:  2

What you like most about your job/workplace:  Family Atmosphere

Hobbies/Things you enjoy during your free time:  Guitar.  Been playing since I was 13 years old.  Also enjoy working on cars/motorcycles.

Favorite Food:  Pizza

Favorite Movie:  Forrest Gump

Favorite Book:  Don’t remember the last one I read………

Favorite quote/piece of advice:  “I don’t trust this kid any further than I can throw him”.

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$50.00 Tire Rebate!!

March 8th, 2010

tiresBuy any 4 tires from Lighthouse Automotive and recieve a free $50.00 mail in rebate.  This offer is good through May 15th.

Lighthouse has a huge selection of all brand name tires including: Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, Uniroyal, and BF Goodrich.  We also offer a free lifetime tire rotation with the purchase of 4 tires.  We guarantee the lowest tire price!

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2nd Lighthouse Group also makes Fairfax plant newsletter

March 3rd, 2010

Exerpt from Fairfax assembly newsletter after 2nd group.

Lighthouse Automotive Dealer Makes another trip to Fairfax

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On Thursday, February 18, another group of 31 employees and family members from Lighthouse Automotive Buick/GMC braved the cold weather to visit Fairfax Assembly. Lighthouse is located in Morton, Ill., about 375 miles from Kansas City. This eager group wanted to see firsthand how the cars they are so proud to sell are made. While at Fairfax the Lighthouse group was given a tour of the plant by George Ruiz, Don Schweer, and Dave Robertson and listened to a GM/UAW presentation about the history of Fairfax Assembly and the future of GM. John Melton, UAW 31 Chairman, and Plant Manager Rex Blackwell spoke to the group and answered many questions
about our facility, our products and our people. To say the least the group was very impressed with our facility.

“Thanks to all of you for your hospitality and the great tour,” said Jeff Grimm, Lighthouse Automotive owner. “We were proud to be selling the new LaCrosse before we came, but that was reinforced big time after meeting all of you.”

The following are comments from our visitors:

“Wow this place and the people are amazing”

“I never imagined a ‘factory’ to be like this. It is poetry in motion watching these cars being built by the thousands of employees, everyone was no nice and so busy.”

“This is the most quiet and soundly built car I have ever worked on. No customer complaints. Keep up the great work!”

“No wind noise. No squeaks. No rattles. No comebacks.”

“We love the LaCrosse and our customers are very impressed with the quality of the vehicle, it is second to none!”

Special thanks to the DVT team for making the visit extra special for our guests. The team at Fairfax should feel very good, once again, about the accolades that Lighthouse gave to Fairfax.

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Lighthouse Automotive makes Fairfax, KS weekly newsletter

March 3rd, 2010

Excerpt from Fairfax KS plant weekly Newsletter 

Visitors Impressed with Plant and Team

img_0422On Tuesday, 31 employees and family members from Lighthouse Automotive Buick/GMC visited Fairfax Assembly. Lighthouse is located in Morton, Illinois, about 375 miles from Kansas City. On February 19, Lighthouse will bring another group of employees to Fairfax for another visit.

This eager group wanted to see firsthand how the cars they are so proud to sell are made. While at Fairfax the Lighthouse group was given a tour of the plant by George Ruiz and listened to a GM/UAW presentation about the history of Fairfax Assembly and the future of GM. John Melton, UAW 31 Chairman, and Plant Manager Rex Blackwell spoke to the group and answered many questions about our facility, our products and our people.

Lighthouse Automotive braved the cold weather to visit Fairfax.

“Thanks to all of you for your hospitality and the great tour,” said Jeff Grimm, owner of Lighthouse Automotive. “We were thankful and proud to be selling the new LaCrosse before we
came, but that was reinforced big time after meeting all of you.”

One participant mentioned that the plant was so clean, much
cleaner than was anticipated. Following are some additional
comments regarding the visit:

“We are your biggest fan. We want you to succeed and we are behind you supporting you 100%.”

“We love the LaCrosse and our customers are very impressed with the quality of the vehicle, it is second to none!”
“We are doing everything we can to win customers for GM one by one.”

“We are proud to sell this vehicle.”
“Thanks SO MUCH for the hospitality and kindness that your plant showed. It was very informative and helpful for us to sell and defend ‘our’ product, the LaCrosse.”

The team at Fairfax should feel very good about the accolades that Lighthouse gave to Fairfax. In return, we should all know and feel good that our Dealers are out selling our products, talking positive about our products. They are engaged in selling one customer at a time while taking care of new and existing customers with the utmost professionalism and concerns. From Fairfax Assembly to Lighthouse Automotive Buick/GMC thanks for the great visit and we look forward to seeing your next group on February 19.

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