Close Meet Our Staff
Our staff here at Kolar Toyota is here for your convenience. Feel free to contact us with questions or for a test drive.
Meet Our Management Staff
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Owner
Peter Kolar
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Owner
Jack Kolar
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Owner
Joe Kolar
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Direct:218-529-1323
Office:218-733-0100
General Manager
Damien Chesney
Meet Our Sales Staff
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Phone Number: 218-529-1346
Andy has been part of the Kolar team for 25 years and loves seeing the excitement on customers’ faces when they buy a new car. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing and skiing. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Tundra Hybrid.
Andy has been part of the Kolar team for 25 years and loves seeing the excitement on customers’ faces when they buy a new car. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing and skiing. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Tundra Hybrid.
New Car Sales Manager
Andy Vartmann
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Phone Number: 218-529-1301
Maria has been with Kolar for 12 years and loves the variety and energy of the automotive world. She enjoys working with great customers and coworkers and finds every day brings something new. Outside of work, she’s happiest outdoors, running, hiking, mountain biking, or downhill skiing. Her favorite model is the Toyota Sequoia.
Maria has been with Kolar for 12 years and loves the variety and energy of the automotive world. She enjoys working with great customers and coworkers and finds every day brings something new. Outside of work, she’s happiest outdoors, running, hiking, mountain biking, or downhill skiing. Her favorite model is the Toyota Sequoia.
Sales Manager
Maria Mihalik
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Direct: 218-529-1310
Tom has been with Kolar for 30 years and says the best part of his job is the people he works with. When he’s not helping customers, he enjoys spending time outdoors. His favorite models are the Toyota Tacoma (which he owns himself!) and RAV4.
Tom has been with Kolar for 30 years and says the best part of his job is the people he works with. When he’s not helping customers, he enjoys spending time outdoors. His favorite models are the Toyota Tacoma (which he owns himself!) and RAV4.
Sales Manager
Tom Davis
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Direct:218-529-1308
Jim has been part of Kolar for 33 years and enjoys the flexibility and low-stress environment that comes with selling great products. Outside of work, he lives a quiet life and enjoys collecting. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which he proudly drives himself.
Jim has been part of Kolar for 33 years and enjoys the flexibility and low-stress environment that comes with selling great products. Outside of work, he lives a quiet life and enjoys collecting. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which he proudly drives himself.
Product Specialist
Jim McMillion
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Direct:218-529-1378
Stephen has been with Kolar for 31 years and has been selling cars in Duluth for more than five decades. He treasures the relationships he’s built with clients and colleagues over the years and is proud to be part of such a giving, community-minded dealership. His favorite vehicles are the V6 Tacoma and the Land Cruiser.
Stephen has been with Kolar for 31 years and has been selling cars in Duluth for more than five decades. He treasures the relationships he’s built with clients and colleagues over the years and is proud to be part of such a giving, community-minded dealership. His favorite vehicles are the V6 Tacoma and the Land Cruiser.
Product Specialist
Steve Fresacher
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218-529-1303
Jared has been with Kolar since '14 and loves the atmosphere, teamwork, and positive environment. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the Northland with his kids and finding new adventures together.
Jared has been with Kolar since '14 and loves the atmosphere, teamwork, and positive environment. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the Northland with his kids and finding new adventures together.
Product Specialist
Jared Graun
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Phone: 2185291345
Nicholas has been with Kolar since '22 and loves connecting with people across Duluth and northern Minnesota. Outside of work, he enjoys landscape and wildlife photography. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Tacoma for its unbeatable versatility and customization options.
Nicholas has been with Kolar since '22 and loves connecting with people across Duluth and northern Minnesota. Outside of work, he enjoys landscape and wildlife photography. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Tacoma for its unbeatable versatility and customization options.
Product Specialist
Nick Moran
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Phone: 2185291316
Carter has been with Kolar for two years and enjoys the friendly atmosphere and his shared passion for cars. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him snowmobiling in the winter. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Supra for its performance and strong aftermarket community.
Carter has been with Kolar for two years and enjoys the friendly atmosphere and his shared passion for cars. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him snowmobiling in the winter. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Supra for its performance and strong aftermarket community.
Product Specialist
Carter Salo
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Phone 218-529-1375
Parker joined Kolar in '23 and loves the friendly environment and teamwork. When he’s off the clock, he’s a champion in both bowling and volleyball leagues. His favorite model is the Toyota Camry for its sharp design, smooth ride, and great gas mileage.
Parker joined Kolar in '23 and loves the friendly environment and teamwork. When he’s off the clock, he’s a champion in both bowling and volleyball leagues. His favorite model is the Toyota Camry for its sharp design, smooth ride, and great gas mileage.
Product Specialist
Parker Cicmil
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Direct: 218-529-1314
Will started at Kolar in April 2023 and enjoys the friendly competition among his team. Originally from the Iron Range, he moved to Duluth to continue his education. A golfer and fitness enthusiast, Will enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends. His favorite Toyota is the newly redesigned Camry.
Will started at Kolar in April 2023 and enjoys the friendly competition among his team. Originally from the Iron Range, he moved to Duluth to continue his education. A golfer and fitness enthusiast, Will enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends. His favorite Toyota is the newly redesigned Camry.
Product Specialist
Will Butkovich
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Phone: 218-529-1340
Alexander has been with Kolar for a year and a half, with six years of prior experience managing quick lubes. He enjoys helping customers navigate the car-buying process and answering their questions. Outside of work, he loves cooking for his family, road-tripping, and relaxing with TV. His favorite models are the Toyota Camry for its design and feel, and the classic Toyota Supra with the 2JZ engine.
Alexander has been with Kolar for a year and a half, with six years of prior experience managing quick lubes. He enjoys helping customers navigate the car-buying process and answering their questions. Outside of work, he loves cooking for his family, road-tripping, and relaxing with TV. His favorite models are the Toyota Camry for its design and feel, and the classic Toyota Supra with the 2JZ engine.
Product Specialist
Alexander Setter
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Phone: 218-529-1349
Durbin joined Kolar a year ago, but has been in the industry for years! He takes pride in providing customers with an amazing experience while working alongside the best team in the industry. He appreciates how much Kolar gives back to the local community. A proud father of four, Durbin loves spending time with his family. He describes Toyota as “the Swiss Army knife of the auto industry” for its reliability and range of options.
Durbin joined Kolar a year ago, but has been in the industry for years! He takes pride in providing customers with an amazing experience while working alongside the best team in the industry. He appreciates how much Kolar gives back to the local community. A proud father of four, Durbin loves spending time with his family. He describes Toyota as “the Swiss Army knife of the auto industry” for its reliability and range of options.
Product Specialist
Durbin Keeney III
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Phone: 218-529-1334
Gavin has been with Kolar for three years and enjoys meeting new faces and building friendships along the way. Originally from the Iron Range, he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMD and loves learning about people. He stays active with friends and the gym. His favorite Toyotas are the Camry Hybrid and Tacoma TRD Sport, which he proudly drives.
Gavin has been with Kolar for three years and enjoys meeting new faces and building friendships along the way. Originally from the Iron Range, he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMD and loves learning about people. He stays active with friends and the gym. His favorite Toyotas are the Camry Hybrid and Tacoma TRD Sport, which he proudly drives.
Product Specialist
Gavin Strle
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Phone: 218-529-1321
Scott has been with Kolar since Summer of '25, and in the automotive industry since 2005! He loves taking care of customers and helping them find the perfect vehicle. When he’s not working, he enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors. His favorite model is the Toyota Highlander, which he also owns.
Scott has been with Kolar since Summer of '25, and in the automotive industry since 2005! He loves taking care of customers and helping them find the perfect vehicle. When he’s not working, he enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors. His favorite model is the Toyota Highlander, which he also owns.
Product Specialist
Scott Jones
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Phone: 218-529-1383
Miles joined Kolar summer of '25 and already loves meeting new people every day. Outside of work, he once biked an impressive 1,500 miles from Tucson, Arizona to Helena, Montana at age 16! His favorite vehicle is the legendary Mk4 Supra.
Miles joined Kolar summer of '25 and already loves meeting new people every day. Outside of work, he once biked an impressive 1,500 miles from Tucson, Arizona to Helena, Montana at age 16! His favorite vehicle is the legendary Mk4 Supra.
Product Specialist
Miles Bezanson
Meet Our Service Staff
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Direct:218-529-1361
Cory has been part of the Kolar family since February of 2011 and loves meeting and helping customers every day. He enjoys the people he works with and the sense of community that comes from serving local drivers. Outside of work, you’ll often find him coaching youth baseball and soccer. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Tundra, which he owns himself!
Cory has been part of the Kolar family since February of 2011 and loves meeting and helping customers every day. He enjoys the people he works with and the sense of community that comes from serving local drivers. Outside of work, you’ll often find him coaching youth baseball and soccer. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Tundra, which he owns himself!
Service Manager
Cory Middleton
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Phone Number: 218-529-1363
Taylor has been with Kolar since February of '15 and enjoys working with both cars and people. He’s known for his upbeat attitude and dedication to customer service. When he’s not helping guests at the dealership, Taylor loves fishing and hunting. His favorite model is the Toyota Tundra, which he proudly drives!
Taylor has been with Kolar since February of '15 and enjoys working with both cars and people. He’s known for his upbeat attitude and dedication to customer service. When he’s not helping guests at the dealership, Taylor loves fishing and hunting. His favorite model is the Toyota Tundra, which he proudly drives!
Service Advisor
Taylor Milbrandt
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Phone Number 218-529-1322
Brandt has been part of the Kolar team since August of '17 and finds joy in seeing customers leave with a smile. He brings enthusiasm and attention to detail to everything he does. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing whenever he can. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota 4Runner, which he proudly owns for its reliability and capability.
Brandt has been part of the Kolar team since August of '17 and finds joy in seeing customers leave with a smile. He brings enthusiasm and attention to detail to everything he does. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing whenever he can. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota 4Runner, which he proudly owns for its reliability and capability.
Service Advisor
Brandt Pilon
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Direct: 2185291328
Melissa joined Kolar Spring of '25 and loves how supportive and helpful her coworkers are as she continues learning every day. Outside of work, she’s a competitive volleyball player and values the friendships and community the sport has brought her. Her favorite model is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which she loves for its features and amazing fuel efficiency.
Melissa joined Kolar Spring of '25 and loves how supportive and helpful her coworkers are as she continues learning every day. Outside of work, she’s a competitive volleyball player and values the friendships and community the sport has brought her. Her favorite model is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which she loves for its features and amazing fuel efficiency.
Service Advisor
Melissa Conger
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Direct: 2187330100
Ryan joined Kolar Summer of '25 and has quickly become a valued part of the team. He enjoys working alongside his coworkers and providing excellent service to customers. Away from work, Ryan loves spending time with his family. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Highlander.
Ryan joined Kolar Summer of '25 and has quickly become a valued part of the team. He enjoys working alongside his coworkers and providing excellent service to customers. Away from work, Ryan loves spending time with his family. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Highlander.
Service Advisor
Ryan Potswald
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Phone:
Service Advisor
Benjamin Groeschl
Meet Our Parts & Accessories Staff
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Direct:218-529-1370
John has been with Kolar since February of '77! He values the close-knit team he works with. He’s always ready to help customers find what they need and takes pride in his department’s expertise. Outside of work, John treasures time with his seven grandkids. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which he loves for its reliability and great fuel economy.
John has been with Kolar since February of '77! He values the close-knit team he works with. He’s always ready to help customers find what they need and takes pride in his department’s expertise. Outside of work, John treasures time with his seven grandkids. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which he loves for its reliability and great fuel economy.
Parts Manager
John Either
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Direct:218-529-1372
Paul has been with Kolar since June of '95! He enjoys working with his coworkers and loyal customers. He loves the friendly environment and the relationships built over decades of service. When he’s not at work, Paul enjoys camping and spending time with his family. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro for its rugged good looks and capability.
Paul has been with Kolar since June of '95! He enjoys working with his coworkers and loyal customers. He loves the friendly environment and the relationships built over decades of service. When he’s not at work, Paul enjoys camping and spending time with his family. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro for its rugged good looks and capability.
Parts Advisor
Paul Johnson
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direct: 2187330100
Joseph has been with Kolar since Summer of '25! He enjoys working alongside his awesome coworkers. He brings a friendly attitude and a genuine love for helping people find what they need. Fun fact, Joseph spent a year abroad as a foreign exchange student! His favorite ride is the 1992 Toyota MR2, a timeless classic that’s all about fun behind the wheel.
Joseph has been with Kolar since Summer of '25! He enjoys working alongside his awesome coworkers. He brings a friendly attitude and a genuine love for helping people find what they need. Fun fact, Joseph spent a year abroad as a foreign exchange student! His favorite ride is the 1992 Toyota MR2, a timeless classic that’s all about fun behind the wheel.
Parts Advisor
Joseph Lane
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Parts Advisor
Chad Gallo
Meet Our Business Development Center Staff
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Direct: 218-529-1326
Whitney has been with Kolar since the Spring of 2016. She loves working for a family-owned company that invests in its staff and gives back to the community - and she enjoys helping with those events! When she’s not at the dealership, you can find her spending time with with her family. Together Whitney and her husband have been to 30+ concerts/festivals, seeing over 75 artists! Her favorite vehicles are the Toyota 4Runner, a go-anywhere SUV, and the Hyundai Palisade, which she proudly drives herself.
Whitney has been with Kolar since the Spring of 2016. She loves working for a family-owned company that invests in its staff and gives back to the community - and she enjoys helping with those events! When she’s not at the dealership, you can find her spending time with with her family. Together Whitney and her husband have been to 30+ concerts/festivals, seeing over 75 artists! Her favorite vehicles are the Toyota 4Runner, a go-anywhere SUV, and the Hyundai Palisade, which she proudly drives herself.
Business Development Manager
Whitney Houle
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Phone: 218-529-1307
Samantha joined Kolar Fall of '25 and has loved how friendly and welcoming everyone has been. Outside of work, she enjoys searching for agates along the North Shore. Her favorite models are the Toyota 4Runner for its dependability and features, and the Hyundai Tucson for its great design and functionality.
Samantha joined Kolar Fall of '25 and has loved how friendly and welcoming everyone has been. Outside of work, she enjoys searching for agates along the North Shore. Her favorite models are the Toyota 4Runner for its dependability and features, and the Hyundai Tucson for its great design and functionality.
Customer Care Rep
Samantha Rosenau
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Phone: 218-529-1366
Greyson joined Kolar just after the start of 2025! They enjoy the order and precision of organizing repair orders. Outside of work, they collect Russian nesting dolls, a hobby as unique as their attention to detail. Their favorite model is the Corolla Cross, a stylish hatchback that fits their personality perfectly.
Greyson joined Kolar just after the start of 2025! They enjoy the order and precision of organizing repair orders. Outside of work, they collect Russian nesting dolls, a hobby as unique as their attention to detail. Their favorite model is the Corolla Cross, a stylish hatchback that fits their personality perfectly.
Service Scheduler
Greyson Minerich
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Phone: 218-529-1362
Bio: Paul has been with Kolar since early 2025 and appreciates the supportive, friendly team he works with every day. When he’s not helping customers, he likes to spend time at the gym. His favorite Toyota is the Camry, which he describes as luxurious and comfortable.
Bio: Paul has been with Kolar since early 2025 and appreciates the supportive, friendly team he works with every day. When he’s not helping customers, he likes to spend time at the gym. His favorite Toyota is the Camry, which he describes as luxurious and comfortable.
Service Scheduling
Paul Stresow
Meet Our Finance Staff
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Phone Number: 218-529-1302
Bill has been with Kolar since June of '17 and enjoys the variety of people he meets through his work. He values building relationships and helping customers find the right financing options. Outside of work, Bill loves spending time with his wife and kids or playing a round of golf. His favorite models are the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia.
Bill has been with Kolar since June of '17 and enjoys the variety of people he meets through his work. He values building relationships and helping customers find the right financing options. Outside of work, Bill loves spending time with his wife and kids or playing a round of golf. His favorite models are the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia.
Finance Director
Bill Seitz
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Phone: 218-529-1353
Matthew has been with Kolar since June of '24 and enjoys meeting new people who are excited to drive home in their new Toyota. Known for his kindness and care, he brings positivity to every interaction. Fun fact about Matt, he once donated half his liver, a true testament to his generous spirit. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Sequoia.
Matthew has been with Kolar since June of '24 and enjoys meeting new people who are excited to drive home in their new Toyota. Known for his kindness and care, he brings positivity to every interaction. Fun fact about Matt, he once donated half his liver, a true testament to his generous spirit. His favorite vehicle is the Toyota Sequoia.
Business Manager
Matt Hodge
Our Location
Kolar Toyota
4781 Miller Trunk Hwy
Hermantown, MN 55811
Sales: 218-293-4204
4781 Miller Trunk Hwy
Hermantown, MN 55811
Sales: 218-293-4204
“ ” I bought a 2013 Toyota Camry hybrid and the sales person who helped me was Kenny! It was super seamless and easy! Kenny is very knowledgeable and was very easy to work with!