Meet Our Staff

  • Gene Heller

    Gene Heller

    Founder

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    Gene Heller

    Gene Heller

    Founder

    1929-2019

    After graduating from El Paso High School in 1947, Gene worked side by side with his father until he joined the service, and in January 1952, Gene was deployed to Korea where he worked as a halftrack mechanic in the U.S. Army.

    When his young family returned to El Paso, Gene took over the day-to-day operations of Heller’s Garage (the old Sweeney’s Garage) from his father, Bud. A couple years later, in February of 1956, Gene borrowed $10,000 from a Secor farmer to purchase the Foltz Motor Company and opened his new Ford garage in downtown El Paso (near the theatre).

    In the years to come, Gene, his sons, and now grandsons have turned that small garage into one of the largest Ford dealers in the state of Illinois. The Heller Stores now employ nearly 200 people. Well into his eighties, Gene was still here to open the “garage” every morning at 6:30. Gene’s guidance and desire to treat all of his customers as if they were family has enabled his business to thrive for over 60 years.

  • Dan Heller

    Dan Heller

    President

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    Dan Heller

    Dan Heller

    President

    Dan’s genuine love for both people and cars has set the tone at The Heller Stores for the past 40 plus years. Dan’s passion for his employees and customers earned him the honor of Time Magazine’s Illinois Automobile Dealer of the Year in 2009. Dan and his amazing wife Karen have two boys, and if there is anything Dan is better at than cars, it’s being a father. Although Dan has passed the responsibility of day-to-day operations to his boys, he remains active as the Co-Chairman of the Illinois FDAF and serves his fellow Ford dealers as their representative on the National Dealer Council. An avid collector of vintage Ford’s, Dan always has time to talk cars with friends and visitors.

  • Neil Heller

    Neil Heller

    Dealer

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    Neil Heller

    Neil Heller

    Dealer

    Neil started working at Heller Ford in his early teens (maybe earlier, just don’t tell) – he’s done just about every job here and doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. While he’s done a bit of everything, Neil is happy to report that we’ve found replacements for him (that are better) at all those different jobs! This hands-on experience has proven incredibly valuable as the years have passed and roles have changed.

    Neil holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management – Entrepreneurship from the University of Illinois. His entrepreneurial spirit and leadership has guided the growth of Heller Ford – into one of the largest Ford Dealers in Illinois. In 2018, Neil was appointed by Governor Bruce Rauner to the board of the Illinois Finance Authority – where he serves on the Direct and Alternative Financing Committee.

    Neil and his wife Jen (pleasefloss.com – shameless plug – but if you’re looking for a new dentist, she’s amazing!) have two boys, Henry and Ollie. They call Bloomington, IL home. If Neil isn’t at work, you’ll probably find him riding his bicycle or out on a golf course – he isn’t very fast or very good, but he’s working on it…

  • Mary Wilkey

    Mary Wilkey

    Comptroller / Head of Human Resources

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    Mary Wilkey

    Mary Wilkey

    Comptroller / Head of Human Resources

    Mary Wilkey is the lady behind all the numbers at Heller Ford. She’s been here for over 20 years and runs a tight ship behind the scenes. In her spare time, she focuses on faith and family. She has five kids of her own and nine grandchildren. As a grandmother, it’s her duty to spoil them, and she’s pretty good at it!

  • Mallory Wilkey

    Mallory Wilkey

    Office Manager

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    Mallory Wilkey

    Mallory Wilkey

    Office Manager

  • Brandon Menke

    Brandon Menke

    Marketing Director

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    Brandon Menke

    Brandon Menke

    Marketing Director

    Brandon handles all the marketing and advertising for the Heller Stores. He enjoys finding new ways to bring customers to our stores. When not at work, Brandon can be found coaching the Illinois Fusion soccer club in Bloomington or spending time with his wife and two girls.

  • Chris Cunningham

    Chris Cunningham

    Information Technology Director

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    Chris Cunningham

    Chris Cunningham

    Information Technology Director

    Chris started at Heller Ford over 20 years ago in the sales department. His aptitude for all things digital became apparent when he built the dealership’s first website. As the business began to rely more and more on computers, Chris seamlessly transitioned into his current role maintaining all things that go beep. When not thinking in 1s and 0s, Chris is probably training for his next race (Triathlons, Half Marathons, etc).

  • Greg Head

    Greg Head

    Sales Manager

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    Greg Head

    Greg Head

    Sales Manager

    Greg has held nearly every position at Heller Ford. In high school, he worked on the lot, parking cars. He has worked his way up from there – spending time in the service department, parts department, detail, Quick Lane, and sales. Greg enjoys exceeding the expectations of Heller Ford’s loyal customers. In his spare time, he watches his daughter play travel softball and cheers for the ISU Redbirds. It should also be noted that Greg is a perennial middle-of-the-road finisher in the Heller Stores fantasy football league. Greg would like to mention that he loves Thin Mints, in case anyone reading this needs a gift idea.

  • Jim Baietto

    Jim Baietto

    Sales Manager

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    Jim Baietto

    Jim Baietto

    Sales Manager

    Jim started his career in the car business in his hometown of Streator when he was in high school. After holding various positions from detailing, parts assistant, and service writer; the business was in his blood and he moved to selling cars. Jim enjoys selling in a “small town” atmosphere where your word is your bond and in the end, your reputation is all that matters. As his wife Mary says, Jim enjoys “punching numbers” and helping customers and sales people find the right vehicle and fit it into their budget. When not at work he enjoys spending time with Mary and their three daughters, getting the Harley out, and watching sports in the man cave.

  • Mike Gannon

    Mike Gannon

    Sales Manager

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    Mike Gannon

    Mike Gannon

    Sales Manager

  • Ron Kizer

    Ron Kizer

    Sales Manager

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    Ron Kizer

    Ron Kizer

    Sales Manager

    Ron Kizer has been with Heller Ford for over 17 years and has over three decades of industry experience. “Kiz,” as we know him, is a proven problem solver who enjoys working for a family-oriented business. In all his years here, he never missed any of his daughter’s golf matches or basketball games. There are many ways to describe Ron Kizer, but if you know him, you know that he can’t possibly be summed up in a single paragraph. For those of you who have yet to meet him, here’s a small sample of what you can expect: family man, hunter, All-State basketball player, dairy queen aficionado, outdoorsman, golf champion, shark wrangler, venison chef extraordinaire. The list goes on and on, but you’ll have to talk to Kiz to find out more.

  • Dan Wickman

    Dan Wickman

    Used Car Manager

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    Dan Wickman

    Dan Wickman

    Used Car Manager

    Danny Wickman has been with Heller Ford for 17 years. A big part of his job is helping the sales staff value customer trades at top dollar, and he’s very good at it. Dan is proud to be a Vietnam veteran. When he’s not spending time with his five grandchildren or his pit bull, he likes to fish and work on remodeling his house.

  • Cory Bellot

    Cory Bellot

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    Cory Bellot

    Cory Bellot

    Cory is an easygoing member of our sales team who truly enjoys guiding customers through the buying process. When he’s not at work and has already tackled his “honey-do list”, you can find him out on the water on his 19’ Stingray boat with friends and family.

  • John Brown

    John Brown

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    John Brown

    John Brown

    John Brown is an exceptional addition to Heller Ford because he is very family oriented, which the Heller Stores are built upon. He joined the Heller team for the opportunity to thrive and help others find the car of their dreams. In the summer when he is not serving his customers, he is spending time with his wife and three children either cooking out or in the pool! He is a fan of Chicago sports including the Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls, and Bears! One day he wishes he could get his first car back, which was a 1964 Chevelle Malibu!

  • Raef Friedericks

    Raef Friedericks

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    Raef Friedericks

    Raef Friedericks

    Raef is new to the car business. In the past, he has been a History Teacher and Business to Business Salesman. When thinking about selling cars he remembered the great experience he had buying a car at Heller Ford. He wants every customer to have a great experience buying a car from him. Raef is a dedicated family man that loves going on adventures with his wife and 2 daughters. He also loves to play golf. Raef is an avid sports fan and loves to watch movies. He will work very hard for his customers and is dedicated to helping find the right vehicle for them.

  • Sam Grebner

    Sam Grebner

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    Sam Grebner

    Sam Grebner

  • Monte Gregory

    Monte Gregory

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    Monte Gregory

    Monte Gregory

  • Mike Head

    Mike Head

    Sales Consultant

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    Mike Head

    Mike Head

    Sales Consultant

  • Noah Kilmer

    Noah Kilmer

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    Noah Kilmer

    Noah Kilmer

    Noah moved to Bloomington in 2001 from the St. Louis area. He came from a mechanical background as a machinist. Finally landing in the automotive business where after working at three separate dealerships, he finally found a home at Heller Ford in El Paso. On his own time, Noah loves spending time in the great outdoors; hunting deer & bass fishing. He also loves to do remodeling projects around the house and spending time with his family.

    For all your automotive shopping needs, Noah is here to listen to your needs and help you find that perfect vehicle!

  • Jason Lyczak

    Jason Lyczak

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    Jason Lyczak

    Jason Lyczak

  • Onie Maisonneuve

    Onie Maisonneuve

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    Onie Maisonneuve

    Onie Maisonneuve

  • Mike Masterson

    Mike Masterson

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    Mike Masterson

    Mike Masterson

  • Pete Oldham

    Pete Oldham

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    Pete Oldham

    Pete Oldham

    Pete is a well-rounded car salesman who has experience working on cars as well as selling them. He’s easy to talk to and is confident that he can find the right vehicle for you. He loves motorsports and high performance vehicles of all kinds. When he’s not working, he’s spending the day at the lake with friends or hanging out with his pit bull, Flex.

  • Tobey Poulos

    Tobey Poulos

    Sales Consultant

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    Tobey Poulos

    Tobey Poulos

    Sales Consultant

  • Brandon Rixstine

    Brandon Rixstine

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    Brandon Rixstine

    Brandon Rixstine

    I was born and raised in Bloomington/Normal and graduated from Normal Community HS, before attending Heartland Community College. I joined the car business, because of my passion for the automotive industry. As soon as I started working at Heller Ford, I could tell this is where I was meant to be! I worked as a server prior to working at Heller) and I enjoyed meeting new and different people every day, but it pales in comparison to working here where I get to interact with my customers on a daily basis on such an important, yet exciting purchase. I always strive to build a relationship with my guests that goes beyond just selling a car, truck or SUV.

    Outside of work, I enjoy spending time riding my bike and grilling with friends and family.

    If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, give me an opportunity to show you how easy and fun car buying can truly be!

  • Seth Steidinger

    Seth Steidinger

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    Seth Steidinger

    Seth Steidinger

    After working at a Turkey Farm, Campground, and a vehicle making factory, I was able to make the move from building cars to selling them. It was a very smooth transition, and knowing exactly how cars are built has been an incredibly valuable tool that I can use to help my customers find a vehicle that fits their needs.

    During the last few years that I have been selling cars, I have found that the best part of my job is meeting new people, and helping them improve their driving experience.

    Outside of work I have many hobbies such as 3D printing, building computers, playing with my dog Luna, and completing projects with my two brothers.

    If you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, come see me. You won’t be disappointed!

  • Ian Still

    Ian Still

    Sales Consultant

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    Ian Still

    Ian Still

    Sales Consultant

  • Jimmie Taylor

    Jimmie Taylor

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    Jimmie Taylor

    Jimmie Taylor

    Jimmie Dean Taylor (yes, that’s his real name) is a retired Air Force mechanic known for his knowledge of Ford trucks. He likes to have fun with his customers and maintain a low-pressure environment. He has five children and is a huge Notre Dame football fan. During the season, you can probably spot him on the sidelines of his kids’ sporting events. Even if you don’t see him, you’ll definitely hear him.

  • Rich Tom

    Rich Tom

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    Rich Tom

    Rich Tom

    As his customers will tell you, Rich makes the car buying process easy and fun and always follows up after the sale. He loves working for a family business like Heller Ford that rewards hard work. Though he was born in Chicago, Rich is an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoys spending his spare time fishing and hunting, as well as with his wife and family. According to Rich, Jamaica is nice, but he’d rather be in a tree stand or a duck blind.

  • Jody Traylor

    Jody Traylor

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    Jody Traylor

    Jody Traylor

    Jody has spent over two decades in sales at Heller Ford and brings that experience to every customer interaction. Great with follow-up, he has many repeat customers and believes that customer referrals are the best compliment he can receive. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time at the lake with his family and racing his pristine Pontiacs in the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drags!

  • Tim Tyler

    Tim Tyler

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    Tim Tyler

    Tim Tyler

  • Dan "DJ" Wickman Jr.

    Dan "DJ" Wickman Jr.

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    Dan

    Dan "DJ" Wickman Jr.

    DJ grew up in central Illinois and has worked at both Heller locations. He enjoys meeting new people every day and prides himself on his honesty and fairness. In his spare time, he enjoys reading (he’s a bit of a history buff), video games, and vintage collectibles. If you need a ride to the next Comic Con, there’s a good chance you can hop in with DJ.

  • Tyler Wright

    Tyler Wright

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    Tyler Wright

    Tyler Wright

  • Ben Yutzy

    Ben Yutzy

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    Ben Yutzy

    Ben Yutzy

  • Mike Sweeting

    Mike Sweeting

    Courtesy Delivery

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    Mike Sweeting

    Mike Sweeting

    Courtesy Delivery

    Mike enjoys working for a family oriented company like Heller Ford because they take care of everyone who comes through the doors – both employees and customers alike. Mike loves that he gets to meet so many people as part of his job. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and his dachshund. Mike maintains a perfectly manicured lawn and is always ready to start a new landscaping project!

  • Kris Born

    Kris Born

    Director of Finance

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    Kris Born

    Kris Born

    Director of Finance

    Kris graduated from ISU and started his professional life in central Illinois. With 13 years of industry experience and a knack for making things easy on customers, Kris is happy to help customers get the vehicles they need. On a nice day, it’s tough for him to choose between the golf course and his Harley, but if you ask him, neither hobby compares to spending time with his daughter.

  • Cody Boarman

    Cody Boarman

    Finance Manager

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    Cody Boarman

    Cody Boarman

    Finance Manager

  • Adam Blue

    Adam Blue

    Finance Manager

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    Adam Blue

    Adam Blue

    Finance Manager

  • Patrick Jordan

    Patrick Jordan

    Fixed Ops Director

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    Patrick Jordan

    Patrick Jordan

    Fixed Ops Director

    Pat started out in the car business when he was still in high school, washing cars, running parts and plowing snow. When he left the Air Force in 1986 Pat started working as a service advisor at a Ford dealership and has been in the Parts, Service, and Body Shop end of the business ever since. Pat has worked for the #1 Ford dealership in the country as well as the largest dealer group in the country. Pat joined us from sunny North Carolina to become part of the Heller Ford family and to use his years of expertise to oversee all of our Fixed Operations at our dealership!

    Pat and his wife Teri spend time with their blended family, 5 kids and 5 grand-daughters and their German Short Haired Pointer mix and German Shepherd rescue dogs. They enjoy cruising the Caribbean whenever they get a chance and hanging out at local eateries. They can be found Sunday afternoons during football season rooting for the Bills and the Browns.

  • Alan Stout

    Alan Stout

    Service Manager

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    Alan Stout

    Alan Stout

    Service Manager

  • Allison Carr

    Allison Carr

    Service Advisor

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    Allison Carr

    Allison Carr

    Service Advisor

    Allison has been with Heller Ford for a few years now, starting as our Service Coordinator organizing vehicle pick-ups, drop-offs and loaners. She is now one of our best Service Advisors working hard for our customers to ensure timely and satisfactory work is completed by our technicians on your behalf. She is a fun-loving, humorous person who truly cares about her customers during a time of need.

    When not at Heller Ford, you can find Allison spending time with her two children and her husband Luke. She is a “townie” of El Paso and loves the people of this community.

    Whenever the time comes, see Allison for all of your service needs!

  • Mike Gerdes

    Mike Gerdes

    Service Advisor

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    Mike Gerdes

    Mike Gerdes

    Service Advisor

  • Cody Newkirk

    Cody Newkirk

    Quick Lane Manager

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    Cody Newkirk

    Cody Newkirk

    Quick Lane Manager

  • Mary Sigler

    Mary Sigler

    Quick Lane Advisor

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    Mary Sigler

    Mary Sigler

    Quick Lane Advisor

  • Mitch Mohr

    Mitch Mohr

    Shop Foreman

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    Mitch Mohr

    Mitch Mohr

    Shop Foreman

  • Kyle Woodward

    Kyle Woodward

    Body Shop/Detail Manager

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    Kyle Woodward

    Kyle Woodward

    Body Shop/Detail Manager

    Kyle has been at Heller Ford for three years, and he’s here to make sure your car looks like new. Reconditioning vehicles is what he and his detail crew do best, and his customers will tell you that their car never looks as good as when Kyle details it. When he’s not spending time with his new granddaughter, you can probably find him enjoying the great outdoors or cruising on his Road King.

  • Greg Heiken

    Greg Heiken

    Parts Manager

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    Greg Heiken

    Greg Heiken

    Parts Manager

    Greg Heiken has over 27 years of experience in the automotive industry, with more than 7 of that at Heller Ford. He enjoys the Heller attitude of treating customers like people instead of numbers. When he isn’t behind the parts counter, you can probably find him hunting, watching his son play sports, or in his garage with his 2010 Camaro RS/SS or his 1983 Thunderbird Pro Street. Greg is too humble to mention it, but you should know that he is the unofficial El Paso Corn Festival ski ball champion.

  • Cory Ponce

    Cory Ponce

    Parts Advisor

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    Cory Ponce

    Cory Ponce

    Parts Advisor

  • Jesse Stewart

    Jesse Stewart

    Parts Advisor

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    Jesse Stewart

    Jesse Stewart

    Parts Advisor