Stephanie Vavra wrote this article.
Morrison Chamber of Commerce presented Mark Hill with the “Because Nice Matters” October 2019 Customer Service Award, on Thursday, October 24. He was surprised at Schuler Motors, Inc., 727 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, where he has worked since 1976.
Meridith Layne presented candy and the framed certificate.
It read, “In recognition of being empathetic and efficient, getting customers in soon, even though the service bays are always busy and full. Mark is consistently courteous and professional, not because nice is easy, but because nice matters! Congratulations!”
“I really enjoy our customers,” he stated.
Celebrating the “Because Nice Matters” award were, left-to-right, Dealership owner Mark Schuler; Chamber President Kevin Schisler; Chamber Board members Pam Pfister and Karla Burn; Hill’s daughter Jamie Hill; Hill; daughter Jennifer Suarez; Chamber Secretary Dana Verdick; Board member Myra Huizenga; Chamber member Stephanie Vavra.
As a teen, Hill began work detailing and cleaning the Schuler automobiles; with experience came a shift to the mechanics department–service and repair work. Hill is now Service Manager, supervising two mechanics and one detailer. One duty “is to make sure the workers’ training is up-to-date for Chrysler.”
Cars have always interested Mark Hill. “I had been through three vehicles before I got my driver’s license. I worked at Checker’s Service Station; Joe Haan was the owner.” This location is across the highway, at 700 W. Lincolnway and Milnes Drive. “We started as a team. We had to wear a blue uniform, pump gas, check the oil and tire pressure, and clean the windshield. Mark Schuler came over in November and asked if I wanted to come over and work [for him.]
“The biggest change” he experienced in his work began “in the late 1970s, when computers started in cars. [Now] there are really good [technical tools] assisting repairs and fixing cars. You can do software updates at your personal computer.” He noted other changes: “The inventory is bigger. There is more variety.”
Mark Hill’s favorite ride is a 1978 Plymouth Volare Super Coupe, but he has other cars. He owns his father’s 1927 Model T and wants “to bring it back to life. I have the tires on it, so I can roll it around,” he said.
The photograph shows a 1978 Plymouth Volare Super Coupe.
