|  |  |  |  Kitty Van Bortel
When you meet Kitty Van Bortel—as so many customers of her two dealerships do every day—you know that she’s the powerhouse behind the enormous, consistent success of Van Bortel Subaru and Van Bortel Ford. Kitty owns the top selling Subaru dealership in the nation, as well as one of the most successful Ford dealerships in a multi—state area. Her automotive group is now one of the fastest growing, privately held companies in the greater Rochester, NY area.
With an investment of only $500, Kitty founded her first used car dealership in her front yard in 1985, lining up the cars in front of her small house in Victor, NY. She applied the experience she had gained as sales manager for John Holtz’s Mercedes Benz/BMW dealership to her own enterprise, moving to a three—acre lot in 1990 and quickly gaining momentum until it was time to choose a brand and move to new car sales. It was only natural that she became attracted to Subaru because of the cars’ sturdy construction, excellent design and focus on safety, reliability and comfort. She built a 6,000—square—foot facility in Victor to house Van Bortel Subaru, and opened the doors in 1991.
Kitty approached new car sales with a unique philosophy: She instinctively became the kind—hearted dealer. "I trust people, and I always have," she said in a recent keynote speech to the Greater Rochester Chapter of the National Association of Woman Business Owners. "And when you trust people, people will trust you. That’s why we give our customers a fair price, and all the information they need to make a sound decision, and then we allow them to take the time to make that decision. No tricks, no games."
Customers of Van Bortel Subaru and Van Bortel Ford are offered a no—dicker price for each car, with full disclosure of the vehicle’s base price, the cost of the options chosen by the customer, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, and the price offered by Van Bortel—including a clear statement of the dealership’s profit on the sale. By removing the negotiation process from the purchase, Kitty Van Bortel takes the fear out of buying the car: The customer knows without a doubt that he or she has paid a fair price for the vehicle.
In just one year after opening Van Bortel Subaru, Kitty was inducted into the Subaru Chairman’s Roundtable—a select organization of the top 20 dealers in the nation who display excellence in sales and customer satisfaction. She has remained a member every year since 1992, and today Van Bortel Subaru maintains a 77% or more market share in Subaru sales in the Rochester area, an achievement that dates back to 1997. In 1999, Van Bortel Subaru became the largest Subaru dealership in the nation, receiving Subaru Stellar Performer certification every year since 2001.
With this exemplary record of success, it was only natural for Ford Motor Company to select Kitty to become a Ford dealer in 2001. She opened Van Bortel Ford just a short drive down the road from the Subaru dealership in Victor, NY, and by 2002 the new dealership became Blue Oval Certified, an indication of Van Bortel Ford’s immediate and consistent success. Van Bortel Ford quickly rose to become the highest volume selling Ford dealer in the market—beating 10 other Rochester area Ford dealers. In 2003, Van Bortel Ford received Ford’s annual Top 20 Sales Achievement Award in the Pittsburgh region, which includes dealerships from several states.
Kitty is more than a smart, successful business owner—she is also a well—recognized role model for businesswomen in the greater Rochester area and throughout the nation. Working Woman magazine selected Van Bortel Subaru as a Top 500 Woman—Owned Business for four years running. Kitty has been honored as a Wells College Alumni of the Year, and she received the Alfred University College of Business Galanis Award for Excellence in Family Business in 2003.
Kitty's commitment to the community she calls home is evident in the many non—profit organizations she and her automotive group support. Twice each year, the Van Bortel dealerships conduct Girl Scout Car Care and Maintenance Workshops to teach young women to take care of their own vehicles, and a Car Buying Seminar for pediatric interns at the University of Rochester. The Van Bortel dealerships sponsor Camp Good Days and Special Times, the Susan B. Anthony House, Rochester Women’s Foundation, the local chapter of the National Liver Foundation, AIDS of Rochester, and Quad A for Kids. In 2004, Van Bortel was a major sponsor of the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Ball, and of Camp Good Days and Special Times’ Vehicle Raffle.
What's next for Kitty and the Van Bortel dealerships' In 2004, Kitty purchased 15 acres of land on Route 96 in Victor to build a new Ford dealership, with plans to expand and improve the current facilities. By growing two businesses to region—wide leadership while never compromising her principles—and always giving the customer a fair deal and a satisfying car buying and maintenance experience—Kitty Van Bortel turned a $500 investment into one of the most successful and respected enterprises in the area, emerging as a leader in business, in commitment to the community, and in treating every customer the way she herself would want to be treated, every day.
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|  Ruth Perrin
Assistant to the President
"I work for Kitty because she is the one of the most kind, honest and fair people I have ever met."
As Kitty’s assistant, Ruth is the go—to person when you need to get in touch with Kitty or check her schedule. Ruth spent six years as a Sales Consultant and Manager in the communications industry before turning to the automobile industry. Her automobile industry experience includes time as a salesperson, finance manager and sales manager before taking on the role of Assistant to the President. Customer service is Kitty’s number one priority, so that’s Ruth’s first priority as well—and she means it when she says, "Don’t hesitate to call me when you need me!"
When she’s not serving Van Bortel customers, Ruth enjoys snowmobiling with the family, cross—country skiing, biking and reading.
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| | Technical Service |
|  Guy Kalpin
Service Manager
"I work for Kitty and Howard because I believe in their philosophies, especially in Customer Service. Besides, we have great customers!"
Guy brings with him 32 years of automotive experience, ranging from technician to Service Manager, with 17 of those years in Ford service. "My Dad had me under the hood of a car since I could walk. Who knew I could support a family doing something I love so much."
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|  Jim Stahl
Parts and Service Director
"I had a much better feeling about the people at Van Bortel than I’d had at other dealerships. Looking back, it was an easy decision to make the move."
With more than 14 years’ experience in Ford parts management before joining Van Bortel when the dealership opened in 2001, Jim has an unusually firm grasp of the pieces that make Fords work. A Naples native, he lives in Canandaigua with his wife and son, and flies small airplanes when he is not at Van Bortel. He also enjoys restoring antique automobiles, and owns a 1930 Studebaker and a 1963 Cadillac convertible, among other classics.
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| | Sales Department |
|  Allen Hawkins
New Car Manager
"If you've enjoyed doing business here over the years, it's easier than ever now. This is the best dealer we've ever had in Victor."
With more than 16 years' experience selling Fords-and all of it from this location-it was only natural for Allen to join Van Bortel Ford when the dealership opened in 2001. Allen is a Victor native, and when he's not working, he enjoys many outdoor sports including kayaking, mountain biking and backpacking. Currently Allen is working on completing the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks.
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|  Beth Hasebe
Business Development Manager, Fleet and Government
"Kitty is great to work with. When the Rochester Auto Collection broke up, I interviewed all the new Ford dealerships to decide where my staff and I would go. We chose Kitty over everyone."
With more than 25 years' experience as a Ford salesperson, Beth and her staff sell Ford cars, trucks and vans to corporations and government organizations that require large fleets numbers of vehicles. She joined Van Bortel when the Ford dealership opened in 2001, bringing her entire staff with her to open the fleet market for Van Bortel-and today, fleet sales represent half of Van Bortel Ford's annual sales. Beth is the president of Clean Cities, a non-profit organization that promotes alternative fuel vehicles. When she's not working or serving her community, she enjoys golf and the time she spends in her Bushnell's Basin home with her daughter and husband.
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|  Paul Bowers
Sales Consultant
"Having been in the business for a long time, I heard all the good things about Kitty. Her reputation, the way she does business… I tried to get into this dealership for a long time."
A Van Bortel Ford sales consultant since the dealership opened in 2001, Paul brings nearly two decades of auto sales experience to Van Bortel customers. He’s a Gananda resident with his wife and two children, and when he’s not working, he’s at home and around town with his family.
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|  Steve Miller
Sales Consultant
"I decided to build a career in the Car Business and working for Kitty was an easy decision because she runs extremely customer-friendly dealerships."
Steve grew up in Fairport and now lives in Canandaigua with his wife and young son. When Steve started at Van Bortel Ford in the summer of 2005, he brought with him 5 years restaurant managerial experience while attending SUNY Geneseo College and 1 year of automotive sales experience. Steve enjoys hiking, painting and spending time with his family.
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|  Pat Brown
Sales Consultant
"Kitty's excellent reputation and the opportunity to run a successful used car department are what brought me to Van Bortel Ford."
Pat joined Van Bortel Ford in 2004 after thirteen years with other dealerships in the Rochester area, of those years five were with Ford.
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|  Brandon Wood
Sales Consultant
"Being new to the automobile industry I only wanted to work for a dealer that represents high integrity and superior customer service. The way Kitty operates her dealers was a perfect fit for me. She operates her dealerships with both integrity and superior customer service. Her reputation speaks for itself."
Brandon was born and raised in Penn Yan and graduated from SUNY Oswego with a Bachelors degree in Marketing. Since college Brandon has lived in New Jersey and most recently lived in North Carolina. He and his wife moved back to the area in early 2007 to be closer to family and they now reside in Mendon. Brandon has 4 years of outside business to business sales experience and while in North Carolina started a successful small occupational therapy practice with his wife that still exists today. In his spare time Brandon enjoys reading, working on his home, outdoor activities, and is a fan of auto racing.
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|  Christin Lanzalaco
Sales Consultant
"My dream is to own and operate my own car dealership and working for Kitty gives me a great perspective through another woman's experiences."
Christin started at Van Bortel Subaru as a college intern from Fredonia State University in 2006. She is now a full time Sales Consultant and assists in Used Car Internet marketing at Van Bortel Ford since graduation in May, 2008.
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| | Business / Finance |
|  Lee Daubenspeck
Business Manager
"Kitty's the best owner I've ever worked for, hands down!"
Lee graduated from RIT with a Bachelors of Science degree in Food, Hotel and Restaurant Management. That led him to South Carolina for 2 years to work at the Hyatt Regency as the Banquet Manager. He eventually moved to Rochester to start working for Fox Ford as a Salesperson and has stayed in the Automobile Industry for the last 11 1/2 years. Lee's resume includes experience as a Sales Manager, General Manager and Business Manager. He was hired the day Kitty opened the doors in 2001. On his free time, Lee enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking and spending time with his family.
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| | Technical Service |
|  Steve Mallin
Shop Foreman
"I'm working at Van Bortel Ford because of how well Kitty treats all her employees"
Steve came to Van Bortel Ford in 2001 after servicing Ford vehicles for more than 17 years and in 2005 he was promoted to Shop Foreman. He is a Senior Master Certified Ford Technician with additional Master Technician certification in several areas including electrical systems and gas and diesel engine repair and performance. He enjoys circle track racing with his young daughter.
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|  Tom Anne
Assistant Service Manager
"I decided to work here because of the technical knowledge and integrity of our technicians and staff."
Tom joined Van Bortel Ford in 2003, bringing with him 17 years of experience at Goodyear as a salesperson and store manager. He enjoys golfing, sports and spending time with his family.
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|  Michael Hryhorenko
Service Advisor
"I agree with Kitty’s sales philosophy 100 percent. It’s the way everyone should do business."
Michael joined Van Bortel in 2003 with more than 10 years of automobile industry experience as a sales consultant, service advisor and inventory manager. Originally from Rochester, he now lives in Victor, where he spends his non—working hours taking care of his house and yard.
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|  Bob Rothfuss
Service Advisor
"Even though the commute is longer, it's definitely worth the drive to work here!"
Bob brought 14 years of experience as a Ford Service Advisor to Van Bortel in April, 2004. Prior to that, he participated in the family business in Penfield. Bob enjoys riding his motorcycle in his free time along with keeping up with his two sons.
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|  Craig Purdie
Service Advisor
"I like everyone who works at Van Bortel Ford and the customers are great!"
Craig started in 2004 as a Service Appointment Coordinator and was quickly promoted to Service Advisor. He's got 2 years of Liberal Arts studies from MCC and 1 year of Sales experience.
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|  John Goodness
Service Advisor
"I chose to work for Van Bortel Ford because I have a lot of respect for Kitty and Howard. I love the Service Department work schedule!"
John entered the auotmotive industry in 1985 and has held many positions including service manager and parts and service director. He enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time.
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|  Richard Clarisse
Service Advisor
Richard was recommended in 2007 to work at VB Ford Service deparment by Jim Stahl, the Parts and Service director. He likes working here because of the customer service aspect. Richard has over 30 years of service experience, most of it with Ford service. Prior to that he ran a rental car business.
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| | Accounting / Admin |
|  Mike Tiss
Office Manager / CPA
"Kitty's reputation attracted me to this job. She is a very honest person."
Mike joined Van Bortel Ford when the dealership opened in 2001, with decades of experience working for other Ford dealerships. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Mike handles the accounts payable and works with Van Bortel vendors. He lives in Penfield, although he grew up in Florida-he takes advantage of the many cultural offerings in our area as a patron of the theater, art museums and other attractions.
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|  Fran Butera
Office Manager
"Howard Van Bortel called me once a month for three years to get me to work for Van Bortel Ford. The Van Bortels' reputation as a great business finally convinced me to come here."
Fran came to Van Bortel Ford in 2004, after 18 years with another Ford dealership. Her job responsibilities range from payroll and accounts receivable to human resources and financial statements. The mother of three sons, Fran lives in Greece and enjoys time with her large extended family-including her boy's soccer games, coached by her husband.
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|  Maureen Nunn
Receptionist / Cashier
"I wanted to work for Kitty because of her reputation for customer satisfaction."
Maureen came to Van Bortel Ford in 2004 with 40 years of customer service experience. She enjoys meeting and greeting new people and working as Receptionist and Cashier is a perfect fit for her.
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