Meet Our Team
Robbin Olson
Office Manager
Phone:(515) 509-2234
Email:robbin@deeryames.com
Robbin is originally from Ames Iowa and has been in the car business since 1977. She enjoys crocheting, cross stitch and reading, Her motto is “treat others how you want to be treated”
Patty Peffer
Title Clerk
Phone:515-203-4902
Email:patty@deeryames.com
Patty grew up in Ames, went on to graduate from Ames High School and then focused on floral design in Denver, CO. While doing this she also began her work in the automotive industry starting in 1985. Patty knew Deery of Ames was a great fit for her due to the shared focus on teamwork and communication. When Patty is not at work, she enjoys spending her time with her dog and cat. She also enjoys scrapbooking, crochet amigurumi patterns, ride her bicycle and volunteer at the animal shelter. One of her favorite motto's in life is, "Happiness begins with a smile."
Dena Dilka
Receptionist
Phone:515-233-5000
Email:dena.dilka@deeryames.com
Dena grew up in Churdan, IA and went on to graduate from Paton Churdan High School and Iowa Central Community College. She gained her strong work ethic through her overnight shifts at a turkey processing plant then went on to a quilt shop. Dena knew Deery of Ames would be a great fit for her with the team's mutual focus on honesty, authenticity, and strong work ethic. "I have witnessed this in every department at Deery of Ames." When Dena is not at work assisting customers, she enjoys sewing quilt blocks, cooking and having fun planning the next year's flower garden.
Jerald Gronewold
General Sales Manager
Phone:515-509-2313
Email:jerald.gronewold@deeryames.com
Jerald grew up in Dumot, IA, graduated from Dumont High School and then attended Iowa Lakes Community College. He has been in the automotive industry, assisting people, since 1991. When asked how he knew Deery of Ames was a good fit for him, 'I am ever-evolving and never satisfied,' like the Deery of Ames team when it comes to customer satisfaction. When he is not leading his team and working to help customers, Jerald spends time with his family, and his English Pointer, Fenway. He also enjoys golf, and watching football or baseball.
Jim Meadows
Sales Manager
Phone:515-509-2216
Email:jim.meadows@deeryames.com
Jim grew up in Ames and attended Ames High then attended DMACC 1 Year Sales Management training. He gained his passion for assisting customers when he started selling cars in 1994 in Ames. Deery of Ames continues to be a good fit for Jim because of the mutual focus on trustworthiness, loyalty and persistence that leads to quality care for customers. When he is not leading the team and assisting customers at work, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, including two dogs, Carson and Watson. Jim's son is currently involved in the Ames Marching Band, keeping Jim and his wife excited to join those activities. They also enjoy spending time with friends, going out to dinner, enjoying game night, traveling and making memories together.
Chad Lichtenberg
Sales and Leasing Professional
Phone:(515) 509-2264
Email:chad.lichtenberg@deeryames.com
Chad grew up in Ida Grove, IA and focused on business throughout school. He gained his knowledge of customer care through his time spent in automotive sales and team management. He continues to feel Deery of Ames is the right fit for him because of the mutual focus behind being a good listener. When he is not caring for customers, Chad spends time with his family and pet dog, a Shih Tzu. He also enjoys golf, hunting, watching sports. One of his favorite motto's to live by is, "Living in the past doesn't allow you to see the future."
Luther Thompson
Sales and Leasing Professional
Phone:515-509-2870
Email:luther.thompson@deeryames.com
Luther grew up in Boone, IA and graduated from Ogden High School, then attended Marshalltown Community College. He gained his expertise in customer care through his previous time spent as a manager at great establishments like Applebee's and Jethros. When he is not at work caring for customers he is spending time with is cat, Norman. He also enjoys playing VR, Texas Hold-Em Poker, Fantasy Football and watching the NFL. One of his favorite motto's to live by is, "The best day is today...but tomorrow will be better still!"
Billy Harrison
Sales and Leasing Professional
Phone:515-509-2229
Email:billy.harrison@deeryames.com
Billy grew up in Nevada, IA and went on to attend DMACC with a focus on Auto Collision Repair. He gained his strong sense of work ethic through his position running a forklift and operating heavy equipment, driving trucks and building asphalt roads for 20 years. Billy knew Deery of Ames would be a good fit for him because of the shared mentality of, 'treat others how you want to be treated.' When Billy is not at work helping customers find the right vehicle for them, he enjoys spending time with his family and their two dogs and two cats. He also enjoys hanging out with friends, BBQing/smoking food, enjoys cars/trucks, riding dirt bikes and ATVs, and going camping. One of his favorite quotes is from Dan Gable, "There's always ways of motivating yourself to higher levels. Write about it, dream about it. But after that, turn it into action. Don't just dream."
Ashten Love
Sales and Leasing Professional
Phone:515-509-2203
Email:ashten.love@deeryames.com
Ashten grew up in Lake Mills, IA and graduated from Lake Mills High School then attended Iowa State where he graduated in May 2024. His work ethic grew working in construction and Four Brothers Lawn Care. Ashten knew working with the Deery of Ames team would be a good fit because of the mutual focus behind family and respect. Respect is always given and family comes first. When he is not assisting customers, Ashten enjoys watching college football, NASCAR/F1, Formula Drift. One of his favorite motto's to live by, "Jack of all trades, master of none."
Michael Valdez
Sales & Leasing Professional
Phone:515-509-2235
Email:michael.valdez@deeryames.com
Michael grew up in South Central, LA, and graduated from St. Damien High School before attending Iowa State. He gained his experience in customer service at establishments like ACE Hardware, At Home Care, and Kay Jewelers. Michael knew Deery of Ames would be a good fit for him when he recognized the equal opportunities for success within the team, as well as noting that hard work pays off. When he is not assisting customers, Michael is spending time with his family and his three dogs, four cats, and two horses. He also enjoys going to the gym and playing video games. One of Michael's favorite motto's to live by is, "Risk is what keeps you young".
Jennifer Halstead
BDC/Internet Sales
Phone:(515) 509-2256
Email:jennifer.halstead@deeryames.com
Jennifer’s Hometown is Bondurant. She attended Upper Iowa College studying Criminal Justice. Her past work included Sales and Marketing and Banking background. With those skills, she has been an asset to the car business for the last 6 years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and being active with her children’s activities.
Katie Hughes
BDC/Internet Sales
Phone:515-509-2231
Email:katie.hughes@deeryames.com
Katie grew up in Mesa, Arizona and went on to attend the University of Montana. She has experience in retail, administration and customer relations. Her values behind kindness, integrity and honest, and her goals for quality customer care aligns with the Deery of Ames team focus. When she is not assisting customers at work, she enjoys crafting, crocheting, sewing, looking into her family history, traveling, dancing and spending time with family. One of Katie's favorite mottos is, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." - Vivian Greene
Jim Woosley
Commercial Manager
Phone:515-509-2875
Email:jim.woosley@deeryames.com
Jim grew up in Garden Grove, IA and went on to get his Bachelor's from ISU with a focus on Agricultural Business. He gained his expertise in customer care and passion for new product development and strategy through 14 years at John Deere Co and 6 years at Dan Foss. Jim knew Deery of Ames would be a good fit for him through the mutual focus on honesty, believing in your brand, and his ability to be himself. When he is not at work, Jim enjoys spending time with his family and their two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Lucy and Margo. Jim is a car guy through and through, he loves sports and helps coach basketball and football for his three boys. He loves ISU and is a fan of the KC Royals and the Washington Football Team. One of his favorite motto's in life is, "If you kill them, they won't learn nothing" and "Keep your words soft and sweet, as you never know from day to day which ones you will have to eat".
Parker Kraus
Commercial Account Manager
Phone:(515) 815-2034
Email:parker.kraus@deeryames.com
Parker grew up in Luzerne, IA and went on to attend Benton Community and ISU. He gained his strong sense of work ethic through positions as a groundskeeper, farm hand, crop scout, mechanical engineer, service advisor, lube tech, detailer, etc. He continues to see Deery of Ames as the right fit for him because of the shared focus behind efficiency, quality customer service, integrity and doing right by others. When he is not at work or visiting customers, Parker enjoys spending time with his family and their golden retriever named Ruger. He also enjoys being outside, hunting, fishing, playing golf, working on projects for the home or on vehicles, playing his XBOX, and listening to live music. One of his favorite life motto's is, "Everything is fine."
Allison Cousins
Commercial Assistant
Phone:515-509-2877
Email:allison.cousins@deeryames.com
Allison grew up in Madrid, IA and went on to graduate from Madrid Jr/Sr High. She gained her expertise in customer care through her position as Motorclothes Manager at Zylstra Harley-Davidson and manager in training at Maurices. Allison knew Deery of Ames would be a good fit for her because of the mutual focus on honesty in and outside of the workplace. "Honesty builds trust and trust is important!" When Allison is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family and two cats, Lilly and Trace. She also enjoys painting, reading, watching TV, kayaking and being outside. One of her favorite motto's in life is, "The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice."
Michael Spaulding
Finance Manager
Phone:505-509-2317
Email:michael.spaulding@deeryames.com
Michael is originally from Janesville, WI and attended Iowa State University studying Industrial Design. Before joining the team here at Deery of Ames, he gained experience in customer service and retail marketing. He also has 1.5 years experience of Naval ROTC with Marine Option under his belt. His Hobbies and Interests include Mopar, Automobiles, and Whole Design.
Curtiss Knoblock
Service Manager
Phone:515-509-2013
Email:curtiss.knoblock@deeryames.com
Curtiss grew up in Rock Rapids, IA and graduated from High School with an immediate call to the automotive industry. He has been working to serve customers for over 20 years. Curtiss continues to enjoy the Deery of Ames team and culture with the mutual focus on patience and kindness. When he is not at work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, his cat, Callie, and enjoying his XBOX, music and watching football. One of his favorite motto's to live by is, "Respect and Honor."
Lee Lawson
Courtesy Vehicle Driver
Phone:515-686-5517
Lee is from Ames and attended Walker High. Lee has 3 dogs. Lee’s Motto “Always be fair” In Lee’s spare time he enjoys fixing things
Josh Mallinger
Service Advisor
Phone:515-509-2332
Email:josh.mallinger@deeryames.com
Josh grew up in Fort Dodge and has been in the automotive industry since 2000 starting as a detail specialist. He fits in with the Deery of Ames culture due to his shared belief in honesty and owning up to your mistakes in order to learn and grow. When he is not with his team at work, he enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Tessa and Tucker, as well as wood working/custom lighting. One of Josh's favorite mottos in life is, 'Treat others how you want to be treated.'
Jade Stewart
Warranty Admin/Service Receptionist
Phone:515-509-2885
Email:jade.stewart@deeryames.com
Jade grew up in Ogden and went on to graduate from Johnston High School and study Graphic Design at DMACC. She has gained her phenomenal customer service through years of working as a customer care and service representative. Jade knew Deery of Ames would be a good fit for her as someone who values working hard and being someone others can rely on. When she is not at work assisting customers, Jade enjoys spending time with her 3 cats and her dog, as well as reading, painting, drawing and having movie nights. One of her favorite mottos in life is, "Surround yourself around people who want you to thrive."
Randy Stephenson
Parts Manager
Phone:(515) 509-2223
Email:randy.stephenson@deeryames.com
Randy grew up in Omaha, NE and graduated from High School focused on computer programming. He gained is knowledge in automotive and customer care by working at may dealerships over the years. When he is not at work assisting his team, he spends time with his dog, Snowball. He also enjoys reading, collecting coins, shoes and seeing his grandkids. His favorite life motto is, "I am second."
Dustyn Matters
Parts Advisor
Phone:515-509-2233
Email:dustyn.matters@deeryames.com
Dustin grew up in Des Moines and went on to attend DMACC with a focus in Sales and Management. He gained his expertise in customer care and automotive by specializing in automotive early on. Dustin knew Deery of Ames was a good fit for him because he knew he could enjoy his time spent with the team focused on improving customer care. "If you're going to barter your time for money, do it somewhere you enjoy." When Dustin is not at work he enjoys spending time with his kids, taking care of their fish and working with diecast models.