One of our relatively recent additions to the Runde team is Mariah Diedrich. We just about caused mass mayhem by dragging her away from her phone, but Mariah gladly took a few moments to allow us to get to know her a little better. How long have you worked for Runde’s and what  do you do here? Um, it’ll be going on a year.  I can’t remember if I was hired in August or September.  I work in the accounting department and do accounts payable. What’s the best thing about your job? The people I work with.  Except for Becky.   We understand.  What is the worst thing about your job? Being interviewed by those annoying blog people.  Just kidding … I’d probably have to say Becky. Do you have a favorite spot in the Tri-State area? I live in Shullsburg about 40 minutes away in Wisconsin, so it’s like [...]

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is an awesome vehicle, but the jury is out on how well it will do in terms of protecting our environment from its emissions.  As fuel economy goes up, and towing capacity increases, so does the increasing amount of filth pushed through the exhaust of today’s vehicles.   However, this is not a generalization that can be made with every vehicle on the market for the 2011 model year.  The newly revamped Duramax Diesel is definitely a game-changer with their new SCR/DEF system. This amazingly clean diesel engine owes some gratitude to the new Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).   That’s right, a new fluid to get associated with – Exhaust Fluid. DEF is a urea based solution that is injected into the exhaust stream shortly after the turbo. The [...]

If you follow the Runde Blog, you may recall a story that we ran back in the spring of this year about Mardy Gilyard, who purchased a new 2010 Camaro SS from Runde Chevrolet.  At that time, he had finished up at the University of Cincinnati, where he starred as a wide receiver and kick returner.  He was on his way to the NFL Draft Combine where he would show NFL scouts just what he was made of.   Everyone in Cincinnati and his home state of Florida already knew that Mardy was a world-class athlete and at the NFL Combine (an invite-only event) back in February, he put his talent on display for the rest of the world to see.   The St. Louis Rams took particular notice of him and, after they took Sam Bradford as the number [...]

We sat down this morning and had a quick chat with the highly energetic and ever-ambitious Brandon Hanger. Brandon has been working nights at Runde Chevrolet for the past four years (He comes in with his mom and dad after hours and helps with facility maintenance). We were so impressed with his professional drive that we immediately added him to our sales staff. He wound up selling four new cars today and he’s already decided to put the commission money away for his retirement.  We seriously need to clone this kid.    

It’s not too often that we make national news around the Tri-States. When it happens, though, you know its gotta be something big. The Lake Delhi Dam failing and the resulting area flooding is something big. Devastation slowly ensued upon realization that the place so many called “home” was so severely damaged by the flooding. Homes, businesses, valuable items were lost and it left a lot of work to be done to get things cleaned up and restored.     There are good people out there, people who want to make a difference and help see others get back on their feet. Here are two great examples of just that:  Jill Reimer of Rainbo Oil coordinated the Trucks of Love donation collection. Cumulus 106.1 Super Hits broadcasted live to try to help raise donations and awareness.  I visited with Jill and she explained; “We got a list of [...]

Bob and Debora Jameson of Kenai, Alaska purchased an Express Sunseeker motorhome from Runde Auto Group earlier this summer. (When we looked up Kenai on Google Maps, we found out that it’s actually closer to Russia than it is to East Dubuque.) Their salesman was Dave “Soup” Smith up at the Runde PreDriven store in Hazel Green and the following is their own account of their Runde experience. “Typically found on the top of everyone’s bucket list, Driving the Alaska Highway is typically one of the top ten things to do before time runs out on our abilities to travel in such remote regions … we just purchased a larger motorhome from Runde Chevrolet and will be driving it back to Alaska taking our sweet ole time in doing so. We plan to sample a few of the alternate [...]

When I think about Chevy parts near Dubuque, the work “parts” stays in my mind and then it keeps repeating.  And coincidentally for some reason I had that old Wendy’s commercial pop into my head today — the parts is parts one, remember? Wendy’s really had some great commercials back in the day. Anyway, the parts is parts commercial caused me to feel a need to give a shout out to our Runde Parts Department who sell and distribute OEM Chevy parts near Dubuque. The guys who work in parts do an excellent job and their work often goes unheralded. So here’s the shout: Whether you’re looking to upfit your current truck or deck out a brand new one, be sure to check out what we currently have on hand or available at the Parts Office counter at our Chevy store in East Dubuque.  Whenever you’re searching for Chevy parts near Dubuque, think Runde [...]

How did you find Runde Auto Group and this particular vehicle? Through Al Kloft.  I told him what I was looking for and he went and found it for me. I bought a Trailblazer and my brother bought a vehicle from Al not too long ago too. Why did you decide to purchase it here?  Because I found what I liked and because I’ve known Al for a long time.  He’s a family friend so I trusted him. And I liked it so I said yeah I’d buy it.   Where is the first place you’ll take your new car? I don’t know … probably work. Really? Yeah I have have work at 9 o’clock tonight.   Where do you work at? At The Barn in Sherrill Iowa — it’s a bar and a restaurant up there. I used to go up to the barn a long time ago — we [...]

Bob Bush has been a Dubuquer for his entire life. And now he has joined the Runde Chevrolet team as one of our sales gurus. Read on to learn more about Bob, what he likes and what he’d do with 100 million bucks. Where are you from? Dubuque Iowa, born and raised. Have you always known about Runde’s? Yeah, I’ve pretty much always known about Runde’s. My dad bought a used truck from the Hazel Green store not to long ago. He still has the truck and it’s still running good! How are you liking it here at Runde’s? I’m liking it. I’m getting the hang of things and it’s going great. What do you like to do around the area? Hang out with friends, go cook out, watch my buddies fight in [...]

Jeff Kueter, who works in the reconditioning department at Runde Chevrolet celebrated a birthday today.  He is commonly known at Runde’s as “Lenny”, although we really don’t know why. You may have noticed Lenny on some on our other Ads and Newsletters and, in a way, he’s sort of become the face of Runde Chevrolet because he’s always smiling.  Anyway, that smile is a year older now, but I’m sure that won’t get him down.  He was planning on going out and celebrating his 36th (but he doesn’t look a day over 29) B-Day tonight so if you see him out-n-about, wish him a Happy One !!!

Today we had the pleasure of getting to know Danielle Crandall from Stockton Illinois a little better. This Navy gal stopped in to find a newer vehicle to transport herself between Navy bases.  Ultimately she found the perfect car! Read on to find out more about her experience buying a used car at Runde PreDriven. How did you find Runde Auto Group? My parents had told me about you guys. They have bought from you before and recommended Runde Auto Group to me. What vehicle did you go with? Why that vehicle? I went with an ’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 [...]

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, [...]

Everyone loves pizza, right?  And possibly the only thing people like better than pizza is … a big pizza. C’mon, let’s face it … you can beat a big pizza.  Big fish … nope.  Big burger … sorry.  Big pizza … most definitely.      Some of the beefier men here at Runde’s went on a journey the other day. A journey of self-discovery, testing the limits of themselves and their stomach’s, a journey that only Luigi’s Big Pizza Baby in Dubuque, IA could provide. They supplied us with the biggest pizza that I, and several others, have ever seen with a whopping 30″ in diamater! The following video is a document of the momentous day that was Lunch from Luigi’s Pizza … Enjoy!  

Jeff Schmitt has been with us here at Runde Chevrolet 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 questions in an attempt to give you a small glimpse of the life of Jeff Schmitt. 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 [...]

Who doesn’t like a cute puppy?  I imagine that even Mr. E. Scrooge couldn’t hold back the makings of a smile at the sight of a super cute four-footed ball of furr. The joy and happiness that a new puppy brings us can only be matched by maybe the surprised kitty from that famous YouTube video … or possibly a cute new born baby … if you think things like that are cute? Here at Runde’s today puppy love was in the air as Ashley Rigdon (daughter of Runde’s own Lisa Rigdon) brought in her new loveable companion: Oliver. Oliver is a Yorkie Poo (mix between a Yorke and Poodle) and just turned 6 weeks today.  I sort of wondered why they don’t just call it a Yoodle —  considering a [...]

Diana, Robert and little Poco Hedtke just purchased a Chevy Silverado diesel truck from Runde Chevrolet.  They recently moved back from Thailand after doing missionary work for 3 years and were in need of a newer truck. After arriving at their current home in Atkins, IA they were hungry to get a Duramax diesel powered truck that suited their needs so that they could hit the roadways for some well deserved trips. There was only one problem for these fine folks – no matter where they looked, they couldn’t find any Duramax that had what they needed at a price they couldn’t argue with. That is, until they found Runde’s website… What brought you to Runde’s today? We have been looking for a Chevrolet Duramax but couldn’t find anything in our price bracket that was available. Then, just this morning, I came across your website and discovered a number of Duramax’s available.   How [...]

TESTIMONIALS FROM RUNDE’S CUSTOMERS We are very very pleased with our Chevy Traverse that we recently purchased from Runde Auto Group. It is by far one of the most comfortable vehicles I have ever driven. We have been on 3 road trips and love how it handles the road!! Sure hope this Traverse lasts us a long time! We love it!!!! Thank you for making it possible when we came to see you!! I also want you to know how impressed we are with Runde’s! Awesome people and awesome service! Keep it up! Take care! Paul and Ellen S. of Dubuque, IA We still have the Jeep Commander and all is well with it. Best vehicle and experience we’ve [...]

Ed Whitacre, the CEO of General Motors, announced that GM has paid back all of the borrowed money in full to the government with interest. This gigantic announcement demonstrates a level of confidence within the company that has surfaced mainly due to a slimmed down product line, a more refined company focus, and exciting new products like the Chevy Equinox, the Chevy Camaro, and the Buick LaCrosse that are selling almost as quickly as they arrive on dealers’ lots. With this move, they are basically saying that they wholeheartedly believe GM is now on the right track to profitability. And here at Runde Auto Group, we know without-a-doubt that GM is back on track and ready for the road ahead. The tank is full, the engine is humming, and the GPS is set … Destination … Success.  It’s full speed ahead for Chevrolet, Buick and GMC.  

Goog411 is definitely the new rage We used to have a trainer from GM that would go around to various dealerships in the area and teach the salespeople how to do better vehicle walk-arounds and essentially sell more cars in the process.  Every time he was on the verge of touching on a unique feature of a car, he would foreshadow it with the phrase, “OK, now I’m going to put some money in your pocket.”  This usually meant that the car had a unique key feature that no other competitor had on their vehicles and it was going to help you sell more cars and thus — the money in the pocket thing. Now I’m going to put some money in your pocket.  Are you sick of getting charged beaucoup $$$ every time you dial 411 or Directory Assistance to get a phone number when you’re on the go.  Not everyone has [...]

I was up at the Runde PreDriven store the other day and I was informed by one of the salesmen that Sammy Hagar was in the house. I thought, ”What an opportunity … we can get a interview with Sammy for the blog … I wonder what he’s looking to purchase?  A Camaro?  A Vette?” I asked where he was.   Chris pointed to Johnny Kramer, who works up at that store and was sportin’ a new hairdo.  It wasn’t the actual Red Rocker, but it was an uncanny resemblance. I took some quick photos of Johnny … errr, I mean Sammy Hagar (You may recall that Johnny was featured previous in a Runde Auto Chat interview back in 2009) and then I went about my business.  A few minutes later there was a big [...]

Has anyone considered purchasing a Ford Fiesta yet?  Looking to get a great gas mileage car without putting a dent in your style or wallet? You have probably considered the Chevy Sonic or the Chevy Spark, but if you wait for the Ford Fiesta you will not be disappointed. I was very skeptical of the car at first. I’m 6’1″ with a big build and found these little gas-mileage cars “cramping” my style. But I went to the Chicago Auto Show and experienced the Fiesta first hand and I must say I’m impressed. The car, in my opinion, looks fantastic from the outside but what really took my breath away was the interior – QUALITY. Seriously, for a vehicle that starts around $13.5k and ends well under $20k although it felt like $30k [...]

I had to grab some footage of the Suzuki Makai. It looks like it automatically takes you to the beach as soon as you sit in it. Something you probably won’t be seeing around the Tri-States, to say the least, but very cool! The Makai is based on the Suzuki SX4 and I’m pretty sure it’s targeted towards people that don’t live anywhere near here. The Suzuki Kizashi, with it’s four-wheel drive and powerful engine, however, is right up our alley!    

Don Hart is a guy who always seems to be on the go. From being a landlord, plowing and maintaining several rental properties to helping out those in need by doing missionary work, Don’s always on the move.  He calls himself “retired” but it looks like he has a full load to me! To learn more about this interesting person, we had a nice chat before he hit the mean  streets in his new HHR. How did you find Runde’s? I found you guys through the internet. What site did you use? Did you find the vehicle you needed right away? Autotrader.com, I found the exact car I was looking for so I called you guys up. I talked to Al, I was pretty impressed by Al. What car did you find? I was looking for a Chevy HHR. Found it online, came here and test drove it, it was great so I took it. What do [...]

To honor our hard working mechanics we had a sit down interview with one of them while he was in between projects. Let me introduce to you – Eric Tieskoetter. Oh the smells one would encounter being a mechanic. Exhaust, gas, diesel, oil, anti-freeze, and of course the mysterious “surprise” smell. The pains and misery their hands go through, the headaches, the frustrations… it’s, to say the least, no easy task to be a vehicle technician.  Hey Eric, tell the people a bit about yourself I was born in Dubuque and still live there. I moved several times throughout my life.  I’ve lived in Iowa City, Coralville, Cedar Rapids and Texas (for a year). I’ve lived in Dubuque for about 25 years though. How old are you? I’ll be 31 in two weeks; February 18th. Do you have any plans for your birthday? I don’t know yet, just lucky to be alive. What is [...]

I came across this child safety seat tutorial video and like it a lot. There’s nothing entertaining here … it’s just S-A-F-E-T-Y. Straightforward, plain and simple, but it’s also pretty comprehensive. It demonstrates how to install a front facing type of car seat. I have installed a car seat or two in my day and I really never thought to put your full weight on the seat or base like the demonstrator does in the video. I have pressed down on the seats and bases in an effort to get them tight and synched up, but seeing the video it makes sense and I’ll probably try to tighten up my car seats when I go home tonight. I know that a lot of car sales people take car seats for granted, but it is really not something that shouldn’t be overlooked. In my opinion, a lot of car salespersons would benefit from viewing a child [...]