Meet our 2024 Grand Masters!

The Eide Automotive Group had a successful 2024, and we are extremely thankful for each and every one of our employees who helped us get to where we are today. 

Within our sales department, we had 5 consultants who stood out and had an amazing sales year in 2024. These 5 people were awarded with the title “Grand Master” - this title is awarded to our sales consultants who sell 250+ vehicles in the year: 

• Brittany McLean, Eide Ford Lincoln
• Ben Riepl, Eide Ford Lincoln
• Keith “Happy” Hapip, Eide Ford Mandan
• Steve Schumacher, Eide Ford Mandan
• Joey Mahlum, Eide Ford Mandan

Meet our 5 Grand Masters

Brittany joined the Eide Ford team in 2021, and has been a big asset to our sales team over the last few years. 

“I am extremely thankful to all of the management, but I would like to say a special thank you to Mike Wishek, for his guidance through the years and his trust in me.”

What Brittany loves the most about selling cars is that no 2 days are the same, and she says that the most valuable thing she has learned in her sales career is to always ask for help. 

“I always work to get to know my customers on a personal level, and follow up with them after the sale to know that I do genuinely care about them.”

She stays motivated by staying busy, and getting in front of as many people as she can, ensuring she provides good customer service to everyone she works with. “I was able to stay focused through the year, and always asked for help when needed. It has helped me to learn and grow a lot, and I will continue to do that again this year.”

Ben joined Eide Ford in 2022, and has been a leader on the sales floor ever since. 

“I genuinely enjoy getting to know people, and becoming their friends,” says Ben. “I have found that this helps me to help them find their next new car, and I love being a part of this big purchase for them.”

What Ben loves the most about the automotive industry is being able to help people, and working with his repeat customers. 

“I would like to thank my brother, Peter (Business Manager at Eide Ford), for suggesting this job to me. I would also like to thank our management team for always pushing me to do better, and for helping me grow.” 

“Being a Grand Master is a big accomplishment that I was able to achieve through consistency and hard work. I will continue to trust our processes and offer excellent customer service to achieve this again in 2025.”

Happy has been working at this Eide Ford Mandan location since 2002. He also achieved the Grand Master title in 2023! 

The most valuable lesson he has learned in his sales career is to treat everyone how you want to be treated. 

“I stay motivated by wanting to make sure that each of my customers are satisfied with their purchase, and keeping in touch with them after the sale. Many of them have become friends, and I love being able to sell to them again, and then to their kids and grandkids later on.”

What Happy loves the most about the automotive industry is the atmosphere. “Every day brings something new, and I’m always on my toes. It’s exciting and extremely rewarding.”

“I would like to say a special thank you to all of the Sales Managers and Finance Managers at all of the locations. I love being able to sell vehicles at all of our Eide locations, and I couldn’t have done it without their help.”

Steve started working at the Eide Ford Mandan location in 2010. His leadership has been an immense asset for our sales team, especially with our newer staff. 

What Steve loves the most about selling cars is working with people and keeping them happy through the entire sales process. 

“I am able to stay motivated because of the (healthy) competition on our sales floor,” says Steve. “We have created a fun and competitive culture on our floor, that pushes us all to do better and learn more in order to satisfy our customers.” 

“The most valuable lesson I have learned in my sales career is to not stereotype. I take everyone that I work with seriously, and because of this I am able to gain my customers' trust, and work with them to find them their next perfect vehicle. I am thankful to be in a career where I get to meet new people every day and become their friends.”

“I would like to thank a special thank you to my family and friends for always supporting me, and to the Eide Automotive Group for providing me with the tools to be successful and reach the title of Grand Master.”

Joey joined our Eide Ford Mandan sales team in October 2023, and in his first full year, he was able to achieve the title of Grand Master, which is a big accomplishment! 

It is important to Joey to build relationships with customers, and follow up with them after the sale. “I will continue to work hard and take care of my customers. The sale doesn’t end when they walk out of the dealership with their keys. I am always there for them for whatever they may need.”

“The most valuable lesson I have learned during my sales career is to trust the people around you,” Joey says. “Although we have a competitive sales team, we are all working towards the same goal, and we have to work together in order for us all to succeed.”

“What I love the most about selling cars is building relationships with my customers and taking care of them.”

“I would like to thank my friend Jamie Dutchuk (Finance Director at Eide Ford Mandan) for introducing me to Eide and helping me get this job, and to Jaden Jangula (General Sales Manager at Eide Ford Mandan) for always working with me. I would also like to say a special thank you to my wife and my sister for always believing in me.”

Thank You!

We are very proud of these 5 sales consultants who were able to achieve the title of Grand Master in 2024. Each of them embody many qualities and talents that are greatly valued and appreciated in the Eide Automotive Group. 

We would like to thank each of them for their hard work and dedication to the Eide Automotive Group and to our customers!