Briggs Dealership Awards & Employee Awards and Certifications
At Briggs Auto, we strive to provide the best car-buying experience for every customer that steps foot onto any of our lots. This isn’t a new idea for us at Briggs Auto, this is one of the principles that we are built around. We take great pride in being able to meet our customer’s automotive needs and that couldn’t be more apparent with our proven track record and strong ties to the heart of Kansas.
All of this wouldn’t be possible without the hard-working individuals that work here at Briggs Auto. We hold our employees to a high-standard here and it’s reflected in our customer retention rate and strong local relationships and roots. We push our employees to stay up to date with the latest technologies and certifications as we continue to tap into new areas of automotive sales.
Dealership Awards

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Briggs Auto GroupBriggs Auto was named the Best Auto Dealership( s ) in Kansas courtesy of the Kansas Best 150. The Kansas Best 150 recently determined the best of everything in Kansas as they look to both inform and promote the state of Kansas to the rest of the United States. |
This year, 2012, marks the 150th Anniversary of Kansas being entered into the Union. To help celebrate that, the Kansas Best 150 was developed to recognize everything great about the State of Kansas. The Kansas Best 150 wants to help promote and inform the people of Kansas, and the rest of the United States, as to why Kansas is such a great place to live. Whether it be the great people that live here, our everyday culture, rich cuisine or just our everyday life we have a lot to offer in more than one aspect. |
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Briggs Nissan ManhattanWe're proud to announce that we were awarded the Nissan Owners First Award of Excellence for 2012. Only two Nissan dealerships in the State of Kansas were awarded this award and we are proud to say we are one of them. |
The Nissan Owner First Award of Excellence honors based on their calendar year 2011 performance. The 2012 Program was developed to acknowledge and reward Nissan team members and dealerships who consistently deliver outstanding performance in sales, customer satisfaction, and owner loyalty. The score for the dealership, which determined whether or not the award was given, is based on Nissan’s Owner First survey. This survey is sent out to customers after their purchase of a new Nissan or after they have been in service on their current Nissan. We would like to thank you for filling out the Surveys that are sent out by Nissan and returning them with positive feedback. Thank you for shopping Briggs Nissan Manhattan in Kansas where 100% customer satisfaction is a guarantee and for making us the place to go for new Nissans, used vehicles, parts and service. |
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K-DEP(Kia Dealer Excellence Program) Briggs Auto is also a proud member of the Kia Dealer Excellence Program(K-DEP). K-DEP recognizes Kia dealerships that go above and beyond with respect to both, achievement and initiative. |
It’s not always about numbers and sales – efforts in setting the bar high in terms of competency, performance and customer satisfaction mean a lot to the Korean car company, Kia. The Kia Dealer Excellence Program, or K-DEP, is a series of Kia dealer-focused activities similar in concept to Ford’s Five-Star Awards, which recognizes dealer achievement and initiative. The selection of awardees is based on the relative efforts exerted by Kia dealers to improve its assessment points. |
Employee Awards

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Jim has been in the automotive industry since 1981, he has experience in regards to Dodge, AMC/Jeep, GM, Ford, Mazda, along with the last 9 years with Kia here at Briggs! He has been a member of the Topeka ¼ Midget Club since 1992. Jim owns and maintains a ¼ Midget that his grandson, Trenton, whom is 8 drives for him! If you attend dirt track races at Heartland Park there is a chance you may catch a glimpse of Jim, although you will have to look past the stands and take a stroll through the pits! Certifications include Kia Professional Elite Technician, Kia Professional Elite Technician, and Kia Master Elite Technician since 2009! |
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Rich has been in the automotive industry since 1991 and has experience in regards to Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles. Rich has worked for Briggs alongside Kia for the last 3 years and is Kia Maintenance Elite Certified and is a Kia Professional Elite certified technician. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 daughters mostly outdoors, hunting, camping, fishing, and boating to name a few activities. Rich also enjoys working on collectible cars when the opportunity presents itself! |
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Luke has been with Briggs Kia for the last 5 years. He is ASE (Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) in regards to Engine Repair, Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems since 2011. Luke began training primarily with Kia in 2012 and has demonstrated excellent knowledge of the product and in his ability to take care of his customers vehicles. Luke is Kia Maintenance Elite certified and has completed the Kia Engine Mechanical Diagnosis Course in Allentown, Pennsylvania with flying colors. In his free time, Luke enjoys riding motorcycles. |
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Matt has been with Briggs for 3 years with experience at Briggs Dodge and Briggs Kia! He is ASE (Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) in regards to Air Conditioning, Steering, & Suspension. Matt also carries the Firefighter 1 Certification since 2011 and attained his EMT Certification in 2012. His hobbies include traveling and helping his close friend with his Sprint Car, Shooting Firearms and Practicing Firearm Safety, and spending time with his girlfriend, Melissa. |
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Vicki has been with Briggs Kia for 7 years. She has obtained several certifications including Kia Senior Elite Consultant in 2010, completed the Foundations of Service Excellence Workshop with ease in 2011, and is currently a Kia Master Elite Consultant, meaning she provides the highest level of care in regards to her customers and their vehicles! In her free time she enjoys spending time with her 3 children, attending dirt track races at Briggs Auto Speedway (Heartland Park), and paddle boating! |
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John has worked with Briggs since 2003 and has over 30 years in the automotive industry. He also has experience with Toyota, Ford, GM, and Nissan. In his free time he is the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Paxico, fishing, traveling, and coin collecting! John became Kia Master Elite Certified in 2012! |
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Brandon has been with Briggs for 3 years. He has experience in regards to Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & GM vehicles and has been in the automotive repair industry for 10 years. Brandon is Kia Master Elite Certified, completed the Kia Quality Repair Workshop, and is MPI Edge Certified. In his free time he enjoys working on his own cars and bikes, spending time with his 7 year old daughter, and grilling with family and friends! |
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| Jeff Evans Parts Manager |
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Chad Boyd |
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| Justin Coffman Specialist Level Tech |
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Level 3 Chrysler certification obtained in 2011 and is in the process of working towards completing his level 4 courses to finish up his Master technician program for 2012. 2 ½ years of experience with Chrysler Justin enjoys spending time at the shooting range, listening to music, and traveling. |
| Tyler Crotinger Specialist Level Tech |
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Level 3 Chrysler certification obtained in 2011 and is in the process of working towards completing his level 4 courses to finish up his Master technician program for 2012 Earned his associate degree is Diesel Management Systems in 2010. 2 Years of Dealership experience here at Briggs Dodge Tyler enjoys riding his 4 wheeler in the sand dunes, boating, and spending time with his 4 year old nephew |
| Matt Lozzi Lube Tech/Tire Specialist |
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Certified Maintenance Specialist through Chrysler Learning Center 7 years of experience Matt is an avid Frisbee golf player and enjoys video games with his wife. |
| Ron Tichenor Lube Tech/Tire Specialist |
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Certified Maintenance Specialist through Chrysler Learning Center 3 years of experience Ron enjoys fishing and has spent the last 6 years making photography his main hobby. |
| Matt Khalil Lube Tech/Tire Specialist |
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Certified Maintenance Specialist through Chrysler Learning Center Vo-tech graduate in 2009 3 years experience Matt can be found riding motorcycles and golfing when he has free time. |
| Tyler Lynch Lube Tech/Tire Specialist |
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Certified Maintenance Specialist through Chrysler Learning Center 2 years experience Tyler loves sports and any time he can sneak to KC to watch a Royals game or a KC Sporting game. |
| Randy Romstedt |
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ASE certified, Chrysler Master Transmission tech for 27 |
| Gary Connelly |
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ASE Certified, Chrysler Master tech for 31 years, has been |
| James Traul |
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ASE Certified, GM Certified from 92-09, Mazda Senior Tech |
| Kevin Hoeme |
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Chrysler Master Diesel Certified since 2006, has been with |
| Josh Fox | ![]() |
ASE Master Tech, Chrysler Master tech since 2002, has been with |
| Brian Becker | ![]() |
ASE Certified, Chrysler Specialist Level tech, has been with |
| Duncan Smith |
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Chrysler Certified maintenance tech |
| Brandon Cromwell |
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Maintenance tech apprentice |
| Justin Fox | ![]() |
Chrysler Certified Service Advisor 1 year, has been with |
| Keaton Diedel |
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Service Advisor-Currently working on 2012 Certification |
| Justin Ahrens |
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Service Manager Chrysler Certified since 2003, has been |
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Steve Shawgo |
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ASE CERTIFIED 2003-CURRENT |
![]() Ed Allen Parts Consultant |
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ASE CERTIFIED 2003-CURRENT |
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Matt Gilbert |
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ASE CERTIFIED 2006-CURRENT |
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Cameron Dawson |
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ASE CERTIFIED 2012-CURRENT |
| Joey Ruder Service Director |
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11 out of his 15 years of automotive experience has been with the Briggs organization starting in Manhattan at the GM store as a Service Consultant. ASE Certified 2003-current Received GM “Mark of Excellence” certification from 2001-2007 Isuzu Elite Certified Service Advisor 2001-2007 Obtained Chrysler Academy Certification in Service Management (2007-2012) Joey enjoys being outside during his free time and golfing as well as grilling on the weekends. |
| Brian Parre Service Advisor |
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Dedicated Business Link Advisor Brian has been with Briggs for a total of 9 years starting his career here with us in the body shop. Brian has met all criteria to reach Chrysler Certification for the past 7 years. Brian spends his free time boating, skiing, camping, biking, golfing, and traveling out of the country. |
| Blake Cromwell Service Advisor |
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For the past 5 years Blake has reached Certification status and met all criteria to become Chrysler Academy Certified. Blake enjoys going to the shooting range, being active, dirt track racing events, and watching movies at home. |
| Josh Benning Service Advisor |
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Josh is the newest addition to the advisor team with his first year under his belt. In this short time Josh has been able to obtain his first year of certification through Chrysler Academy. Josh spends his free time working on motorcycles, taking time to hit the gym, and mixing music on his turntables. |
| Kyle Schlodder Master Certified Chrysler Tech |
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Kyle has spent the last 20 years honing his skills and reaching the most sought after level of Certification through the Chrysler Academy. ASE Certified for 10 years including L-1 Sprinter Certified since 2005 Hybrid Specialist since 2009 Diesel systems Master Certified Kyle enjoys spending his free time at the family farm, grilling, spending time with his wife and children, and working on antique tractors. |
| Joe Brucken Master Certified Chrysler Tech |
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For the last 5 years Joe has had Master Technician status with an emphasis on advanced electrical systems. ASE Certified since 2005 Joe uses his free time to farm, raise livestock, travel with his family, do carpentry work, and woodworking. |
| Eric Jones Specialist Level Tech |
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Master alignment and suspension level certification Master ABS and braking systems certification ASE Certified for 15 years 22 years of experience in the automotive industry. When Eric isn’t working you can find him flying model planes, boating, or spending time with his kids at a waterpark. |
| Rusty Long Specialist Level Tech |
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ASE Master Certified ASE Advanced level specialist 13 years of automotive experience Rusty enjoys drag car racing, motorcycles and is quite the handyman. He is in the final stages of renovating his second home he plans to turn into a rental property. |























































































































