Runde Auto Chat

Laura Rannals from Area Residential Care dropped in the other day to drop off the Runde's Community Supoprt Truck. Area Residential Care is a non-profit agency that serves people with mental or other devolopmental disabilities. They have grown to serve about 300 adults with disabilites and about 300 staff members in Dubuque (the headqurters), Dyersville, and Manchester. They will soon be moving to the old Econofoods building off of JFK.

The Community Support Truck was used to help move items and goods to and from A.Y. McDonald Park in Dubuque where they held the 2010 Corporate & Community Games. Laura Explains that the Corporate & Community games is the annual fundraiser for Area Residential Care. The event takes place on the second Wednesday of every June. Teams of eight to ten people sign up to play silly games to support Area Residential Care. There were ten games total this year and you may be asking; "what entails a silly game?" How about shooting rubber chickens through a water ballon launcher to score points? As long as you are over 18 you can join a team. This year they had 40 teams and the winning team went home with some goodies.

Money from the event goes towards different needs within Area Residential Care and the support of all of the participants, sponsors and spectators really help the cause. This is the third year that Residential Care has borrowed the Runde's Community Support Truck for help with the event. Laura stresses, "The truck was a HUGE help. It would not have gone as smoothly without it. It gives you that peace of mind that everything is loaded and ready to go for the event when you have other things to worry about."

To learn more about Area Residentail Care visit their website: www.arearesidentialcare.org/ and help support these great non-profit agency's that do everything in their power to help the community.

Richard W Fanning Came to us from Janesville to purchase a brand new Silverado. He was having a great time chatting with the Runde's Staff even though his vehicle was already ready to go. I managed to sit down with Richard and he was ecstatic to share his experiences with the world. Read on to see why Richard was so satisfied.

What led you to Runde's?
Originally I found my way here by word of mouth from friends that suggested this place to me. I was here last year buying a truck. It is one of the most pleasurable dealerships I've ever been at and that's going on 64 years of car and truck buying. I have been suggesting Runde's since I've been here. My friends come here now and my daughter will be coming here to buy as well. I highly recommend Runde's to everyone. Part of the great experience was getting a good deal but even more important is the courtesy here at the dealership - just everything - I can't say enough. Tom is a super salesperson, no pressure tactics, very helpful... you know, I rant everybody about it, I really do.

Great, I'm glad you have had good experiences with us! If you were to rank your experiences on a scale of 1-10 what would you give it?
(without hesitation) 10 - From my experiences I'd give it a 10, I really would.

And your salesperson, Tom Sladky - What did you think about him?
A+. 10. Super. He's a great salesperson, I recommend him as well as Runde's.

What vehicle did you end up buying this time around?
I got a 2010 Silverado. Just an upgrade.

Where are you from?
I live just a few miles East of Janesville, Wisconsin. About 100 miles from Runde's.

Do you always go to Runde's for your vehicle needs?
You know, I have Chevy dealers as close as 3 miles from my house. In experiences with the other dealers, there's just no comparison to Runde's. The bottom line is that no one can compare, I don't think anyone ever will.

What do you use the trucks for?
Well I used to have a 90-acre farm, now it's down to like 10 acre's. Now I use the truck mostly for transportation. I've got a quarter of a mile driveway and in the winter I have problems with the snow so I can't be without a four-wheel drive.

Are you still farming?
I'm retired now, I retired in '95 after working at GM for 30 years.

You worked for GM?
Yep, I did pretty much everything there was to do there.

What do you like to do around the Janesville area?
I like to do pretty much everything - I like to fish, bowl, motorcycle, snowmobiling - pretty much anything you can think about.

Do you have any pets?
I got a German Shepard police dog and a big Doberman. The Shepard stays outside and the Doberman is a house-dog.

Has the Shepard ever caught anyone trying to trespass or anything like that?
I don't have much of a problem with that. Once they see the dog I'm sure they reconsider.

Any kids?
I have two daughters - one's married and one's currently single.

What is your favorite sports team?
Greenbay. That's the only team there is.

Do you have any favorite movies?
I'm a big movie buff... we have a movie store near us and I've seen almost all of the movies there. I can't really pick a favorite because there are too many good ones.

How about the last movie you seen in theaters?
I don't go as often as I used to, but the last one I've seen in theaters is Avatar, it was pretty good.

If you were to win the lottery, what would you do with the money?
I would make sure that I was taken care of and the majority of my family. Anything after that I'd have to see where I'm at as far as the numbers go. I'd donate a lot of it to charity, maybe travel a bit.

Where would you travel to first?
My number one spot to go would be Ireland, I have family there and it's something I definitely want to do in my lifetime.

What is the best invention that came out during your lifetime?
Hmm... that's a good question. Right off the bat I'd have to say a big screen T.V. There have been a lot of health related findings as well.

Are you a believer in online shopping?
I'm very careful with the internet. I never buy anything or pay bills online. It's good for online poker though.

Where's the first place you'll take your truck?
I'll probably just be going home tonight.

Thank you very much for your kind words and for letting us get to know you better Richard. Enjoy your new Silverado and we'll be seeing you soon!

Today I had the pleasure of getting to know Danielle Crandall. This Navy gal was in to find a transportation vehicle between Navy bases and found the perfect car for her! Read on to find out how her experience was at Runde's.

How did you find Runde Auto Group?
My parents had told me about you guys. They have bought from you before and recommended you to me.

What vehicle did you go with? Why that vehicle?
I went with a '07 Saturn Aura. I saw a Saturn Aura at Buffalo Wild Wings one time and since then I wanted one so I thought I'd check to see if you had one on your site and you did!

So you bought a car because you saw it at Buffalo Wild Wings and thought you would look good behind the wheel...?
Yep. Hahaha. Exactly.

Why did you purchase it here instead of a different dealership?
You guys gave me a great deal.

Your salesperson was Sara Dellabella. What would you rank her on a scale of 1-10?
Probably an 11. She's really easy to work. She made it SO easy and stress free.

How about Runde Auto Group? What do you rank us?
I give you a 10. Everything is so straight to the point. you know exactly what you're getting into. "No bull" so to speak.

Is your vehicle a male or a female?
Umm... female...?

Did you give it a name yet?
No, not yet. I intend to though!

How often do you trade-in or buy vehicles?
This actually my first vehicle purchase.

Are you from the area?
I'm from Stockton, Ill.

Are you attending college?
I'm actually in the Navy now. I've been in since November. I am loving it so far.

What will the vehicle be used for?
Mostly for traveling. Going between stations for the Navy, etc.

What is the best thing about your new ride?
The fact that it actually runs good. And it's SO pretty, I absolutely LOVE it!

Do you have a favorite spot to hang out near the Tri-State area?
Buffalo Wild Wings, actually.

Are you going to let your friends eat in the car?
Eat in it? HECK no!

What's your favorite movie of all time?
No question about it - The Notebook.

What kinds of bands do you like?
I like The Main and All Time Low and Paramore. More of the punk type of stuff.

What's the first song you heard in your car?
I think it was "Decode" by Paramore.

What is the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
Probably pay off my car, haha.

So everything was ok with your transaction, from service to finance?
Yep. Everything was perfect!

That's great. Thank you very much for your time and kind words. Enjoy your new Saturn!

Sean Dailey is one of Runde’s newest employees. Over the past few weeks he has been very busy meeting all of the friendly faces at our Ford-Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep store and helping the great people of, and around, Manchester with their vehicle needs. In the midst of his busy schedule we were able to sneak in a few questions to get to know him bit better.

So Sean, what exactly do you do here at Runde’s?
I am a general sales associate, I sell cars.

How long have you been doing that?
Two and a half weeks so far.

Are you originally from the Manchester area?
No, I was actually born in San Francisco. I joined the military and after moving around for a while, I settled here in Iowa about 19 years ago.

Why Iowa?
I moved around a lot as a military kid, and spent some time in Iowa. In fact, my mom married a man from Iowa before we moved back to Washington. I just like the area and how all of the people have a good work ethic and how everyone always seems friendly.

Which branch of the military did you serve in?
I was in the Army for six years.

So what do you do with your free time?
I really enjoy playing billiards, messing around with my dog, and spending time with my wife.

Would you consider yourself a billiards professional?
Almost, but I'm not quite good enough yet.

You said you have a wife, how long have the two of you been together?
I have been married to my wonderful wife, Judy, for 14 years.

Do you have any children?
Judy has three kids; Scott, Kim, and Michelle.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, we have a Chihuahua, her name is Liberty.

When you and your family sit down for dinner is it “table time” or head-to-the-living-room-time and all is well so long as nobody spills on the couch or carpet?
We all gather around the table for dinner.

Do you have a favorite place to go and relax in the West Delaware area?
Stroker's Saloon.

Is that your favorite place to eat too?
No, I really like to go down to Diny’s Steakhouse.

I’m not familiar with the place, what’s good to eat there?
Their ham steak is to die for. I get it every time I go there.

If you could own your dream vehicle, what would it be?
That truck right there (gesturing to the blue Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie sitting right in front of him.) I sit here all day, every day, looking at it. The more I see it, the more I love it.

Lakers or Celtics?
Lakers.

AM or PM?
AM.

Happy Gilmore or Billy Madison?
Happy Gilmore.

Country Club or a nice relaxing afternoon in the park?
I don’t golf, so I am going to say the park.

Push mower or rider?
Definitely not pushing, rider.

Casey’s Pizza or Pizza Ranch?
Casey’s.

Apartment, ranch style house, farm, or van down by the river?
I am going to have to go with the ranch. I sold my place on the river a few years back.

Def Leppard or Bon Jovi?
Now that’s a good question, I was kind of a hair band fan when I was younger… Def Leppard

Who is your favorite singer?
Ozzy Osbourne.

If we headed out to the lot and checked the CD player of your vehicle, what would we pull out?
Poison’s Greatest Hits.

Speaking of vehicles, what do you drive?
I have a Chevy Silverado 1500, and I love it. Great reliable truck. My wife and I share cars, but she usually drives our Buick LeSabre Limited. I really, really like that car.

Do you have any really memorable experiences in a car?
Well back in 1987 I was going a little too fast on a back road and ended up wrapping my car around a tree. But that was many, many miles ago.

Scary. Was everyone ok?
Yeah, my buddy and I had a few bumps and scratches, but we were fine.

What is your favorite movie of the year?
(pausing for literally 5 minutes due to deep thought, and several phone calls) That one football movie was pretty good, The Blindside.

Did you make it to see Avatar?
Yeah… The graphics and special effects were phenomenal, but the storyline could have used some work.

What is your favorite movie of all time?
Men In Black.

Did you like the sequel?
Heck no.

So when you finally win the lottery, where will you go first?
Ireland… Specifically Dublin.

Going over to kiss the Blarney Stone?
No, my whole family is from over there, I think it would be cool to see where they came from.

What is your favorite part about working for Runde’s?
I’m learning tons of new things and really enjoy interacting and working with the great people here.

Final question, what is your best experience here at Runde’s in the short time that you have worked here?
I sold my first vehicle to a nice couple shortly after I arrived. They were super satisfied and it was great to see them leave here with a new car and big smiles on their faces.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better Sean. Welcome to the Runde family!

Jeff Schmitt has been with us here at Runde's for several years. Having to deal with appointments and service, Jeff is always a busy guy. Today, however, we got to sneak in a couple of minutes to let everyone get to know Jeff a little better.

Thanks for chatting with me Jeff. To start out, what would you say is your position here?
Assistant Body Shop Manager would be my "main position" but I do several other things such as service writing, making appointments, etc.

How long have you been here?
Since August 2007, so a couple of years.

How do you like it at Runde's?
It's great. Everyone is really friendly.

Where are you from?
I was born in Dubuque, lived there for about a year. Then we moved to East Dubuque when my dad got a job at Fentress Lake Marina. So I've been living there pretty much all of my life.

I assume you went to the East Dubuque High school then?
Yep. I went to all of the East Dubuque Schools, I've seen Runde's grow throughout the years.

Do you have any pets?
Yea we have birds. One is a Quaker and one is a Sun Coiner.

I used to have birds as well... EVERY morning they'd wake you up bright and early around 5:30 or so.
Hahaha, yep. Exactly.

Favorite restaurant?
Olive Garden - I'd have to say their Alfredo dishes are my favorite.

What's the last movie you seen in theaters?
I saw Hot Tub Time Machine. It was a lot better than what everyone thought it would be. Pretty funny.

Are you planning on seeing Iron Man 2?
More than likely. I've seen the first one so I'd assume I'd watch the second one as well.

Do you do the whole Facebook thing? What do you think about those Social Networks?
Yea I do have a Facebook. I like the Social Networks - you can meet new people and chat with different people that share similar interests with you.

If you could take any one vehicle from our lot, what would you take?
I really like the new Camaro's. I'd LOVE to take the Corvette ZR1, but I don't think that would happen anytime soon.

Have any favorite sports teams?
If I'd have to pick I'd pick the Bears.

Do you have a role model?
I haven't really given that any thought before... if anything I'd have to say my high school principal, Greg Herbst, he was pretty inspirational. His talks and speeches really made sense.

Where would you go to have a good time around the area?
I like to go down to the river-walk and take walks there on nice days.

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what would the title of the movie be called?
The Stressful Life of Jeff Schmitt.

What' the biggest purchase you've ever made?
I just bought a car here, actually - an '06 Chevy Impala.

How has that been treating you?
It's been going great. I traded in a '96 Ford Mustang for the Impala which my girlfriend gives me a hard time about. She liked the Mustang but it was really bad with gas so I had to get something with better gas-mileage.

What do you do in your spare time?
I listen to music mostly, I used to be in choir. I also like to play video games , my dad and I play some multi-player games sometimes.

No longer in choir?
Well I think about doing it more often. I was actually the first one in East Dubuque to make All-State for singing in my senior year.

Who's your favorite vocal artist and genre?
It's a toss up between Michael Buble and Josh Groban. I mostly like classical.

What is the most important invention or innovation that happened during your lifetime?"
I think the Catscan was invented sometime during my lifetime.

How would you spend your ideal day?
I would wake up in the morning, get ready for the day and grab a nice healthy breakfast. I would do a little exercising and hang out with my girlfriend the rest of the day.

What is your favorite cartoon?
I like Family Guy.

What do you hope to accomplish in your near future?
 Just to live a happy and healthy life and keep my blood-pressure down. I joined The Gym in Dubuque to help out with the fitness in my life.

You ever scuba dive?
No...

Have you ever danced in the rain?
Uh... No...?

What's your highest score on guitar hero?
I think my girlfriend beats me at that one. I think eventually she won't even have to look at the T.V. and get a perfect score.

That'll be all the questions I got for you Jeff unless you wanted to add anything. Thanks for taking the time to let everyone get to know you better!
No problem.