Meet Our Staff

Brian has been in the Automotive industry for many years in a number of roles, including sales, accessories and finance. Re-joining our team in 2018 he brings with him both experience and a great sense of humor for everyone to enjoy. Brian loves to spend time with his son and step-daughter, and has a passion for fishing, shooting, cooking and studying the political and monarchical systems of the world.

Mark Pelant has been a dedicated professional in the auto industry since 1998. Known for his customer-first approach, Mark focuses on building strong, lasting relationships with everyone he works with. His lifelong passion for cars made the transition into a career in auto sales a natural and fulfilling fit. Mark holds a BFA in Graphic Design & Photography from Moorhead State University. He lives in St. Michael, MN, with his wife and their Rough Collie. They have three grown children, two grandchildren, and a family life that keeps them on the go. Outside the showroom, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and taking advantage of Minnesota’s great outdoors—boating and water skiing in the summer, snowmobiling and skiing in the winter. He’s a proud supporter of all MN sports teams and stays busy with hobbies like home remodeling, car restoration, and vehicle detailing. When winter wears out its welcome, Mark and his wife head to their Florida home for some sunshine and relaxation.

David joined our team in September 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the automotive industry. With a background in retail management, David has honed his skills in customer service and sales. In recent years, he has dedicated himself to the world of pre-owned vehicles, working as a dedicated car buyer for the past five years. As a member of our team, David is responsible for aquiring pre-owned vehicles from various sources, ensuring that our dealership group offers a diverse and high-quality selection. When he's not busy curating our inventory, David enjoys staying active through workouts, exploring investment opportunities, and spending quality time with friends and family. A passionate traveler, David also loves hitting the open road on exciting road trips.

Lisa started in the Automobile industry in 1987 and joined our Ryan team in 2007. She lives locally in Annandale and loves travelling and the great outdoors. Time at the cabin with her family and grandchildren is especially precious.

AJ Carlson is a recent addition to the Ryan team, bringing a wealth of experience from the fitness and sales industries. Joining the company in July 2024, AJ is eager to contribute his skills and knowledge to the Ryan family. A St. Michael, Minnesota resident, AJ enjoys spending quality time with his children outside of work. His passion for building relationships and achieving goals will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the Ryan team.

Having spent many years with Adam's Pest Control and in management positions with various "big box" stores, Craig joined our Ryan sales team in early 2024. Once out of the office, Craig and his family really like to get away, enjoying long road trips to many parts of the US.

Scott has been in the Automotive business since 1989 and with our Ryan family dealership since 1995. Scott is passionate about his family, hockey and golf, so if you can't find him at the store, try Wild Marsh!

Jeff Kamin joined our Ryan team in May 2025 as a Sales Consultant, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a career in the automotive industry that began in 1991. Over the years, Jeff has held a variety of roles, giving him a well-rounded perspective and a strong commitment to customer service. Jeff and his wife Hillary live in Buffalo and are proud dog parents to two Boxers, Millie and Maisel. In January, they joyfully welcomed their first granddaughter into the family. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, and exploring all that Minnesota has to offer. He and his family often retreat to their cabin in Pine River for some well-earned relaxation. Jeff’s knowledge, friendly nature, and dedication to his customers make him a valued member of the Ryan team.

Chad joined our team from a marketing background, having graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Business degree. Living locally in Greenfield, Chad enjoys keeping fit and has a passion for sports, namely football, basketball, and soccer.

Andrew joined our Ryan team in 2024 from the glass fabrication and home restoration industries. He commutes the short distance to Buffalo from Monticello, where he lives with his wife and two children. Away from the dealership, Andrew enjoys all things car related and being a drumline instructor.

Chris Ashland has been part of the automotive industry since 2013 and brings a diverse background and strong customer focus to his role as Business Manager at Ryan Auto Mall Chevrolet. Before entering the world of auto finance, Chris worked in automotive accessory installation, served as a CNA in a nursing home, and also gained hospitality experience in the hotel industry, which shaped his attentive, service-driven approach. Chris lives in Otsego, MN with his wife of 11 years, their two sons, and a loyal Doberman. In the warmer months, you'll find him out on the lake boating and fishing or tackling his wife’s latest home project with a smile. He’s also a proud hockey dad who loves cheering on his kids at the rink.

Ryan Mickelson brings more than a decade of automotive experience to his role as Business Manager at Ryan Auto Mall Chevrolet. He began his career in the auto industry in 2013, following several years in retail sales, and has built a reputation for delivering a smooth and transparent finance experience for every customer. Originally from the area, Ryan lives just down the road in St. Michael, MN with his wife and young son. A lifelong golf enthusiast, he once carried a 3 handicap—though since becoming a dad, that’s crept up to a still-impressive 7. When he’s not at the dealership, Ryan enjoys ice fishing, watching sports, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Dave has been commuting from Zimmerman since 1994 and heads up our GM service department. Away from work Dave enjoys riding his ATV and snowmobile, along with camping in the great outdoors.

Michael has been working on cars since he was 16 and joined the Ryan team in 2018 in our Express Service lane. Living just up the road in Buffalo, away from work Michael enjoys hanging out with family and friends and is a huge sports fan!

Brad has been helping customers in the service drive since 1996, while also balancing an eight year career in the army, during which he was deployed to Afghanistan. He now lives in Annandale where in his spare time away from work he enjoys boating on the lakes and the occasional round of golf.

Dave comes to us with an enormous amount of automotive experience. He has been in the service side of the automotive industry since 1987 and has spent the last 23 years as a service manager at a local GM store. Dave lives in Annandale and away from work he enjoys riding his Harley, fishing and swinging the golf clubs.

RC Ryan IV represents the fourth generation of the Ryan family at Ryan Auto Mall. Currently attending college, RC has joined the Ryan Chevrolet Cadillac service department, where he's gaining hands-on experience and learning the business from the ground up. RC has worked in various departments across the dealership since June 2019, starting as a young teen with a strong work ethic and a passion for the family business. Now a young adult, he plays an active role in supporting our service team and helping customers with their service needs. He’s in this for the long haul—dedicated to carrying on the Ryan family legacy with pride and purpose. Away from the dealership, RC enjoys wakesurfing in the summer, snowmobiling in the winter, and spending time with his buddies whenever he gets the chance. His positive attitude and eagerness to learn make him a valued part of our team and a big part of our future.

Cars have always been a hobby of mine starting with my Matchbox collection as a kid back in the 60's. My dad was a big influence and taught me how a vehicle operates, as he was a "Shade Tree" mechanic. In college I took a job at a local auto detail shop. That turned out to be my start in the automotive business. I enjoy meeting new people and always try and give an honest and "down to earth" shopping experience for the customer. I guess that rubbed off on me from my days as an Eagle Scout. Ryan Auto Mall is a family owned business, and we think of the customer as family, so that philosophy blends in well. We pride ourselves on being here for the customer before, during and after the sale. My favorite hobby is motor racing, and I attended the Indy 500 and other big races for many years. I guess I'm just a car nut!

Matt joined our team in 2014 having just completed his college degree. His father has been an inspiration for him working at our GM dealership as a technician for a number of years. Matt was promoted to head of our GM Parts Department in 2017 and is doing a great job of keeping things organized. Away from work Matt enjoys being outside, hunting, fishing, camping, riding his Harley, four-wheeler and snowmobile

Nate has been in the Automotive industry since 1998 and apart from a two year hiatus as a tree trimmer, has always been a part of it. He has spent the great majority of his time as a technician and in 2012 decide to take his knowledge and experience to the parts department. Outside of work he loves to play sports with his kids, play softball and watch the NFL on a Sunday afternoon.

Scott has been involved with the Automotive business since 1973 and with our Ryan team since 1993. Away from the building he is an avid hunter and loves the sport of bowling.

Scott joined the Automotive industry in 1985 and has been with our Ryan team since 1998. He lives in Mound and, away from the busy parts department, loves to get together and sing with his old band members and to watch NFL football and NHL hockey.

Brad has been in the Automotive industry since 1989 and with our Ryan Collision Center since 2005. Brad lives in Maple Lake and enjoys his family's many activities including softball, dance and motocross competitions and cross country. He loves the outdoors, camping, boating and snowmobiling. Busy guy!

Mike has been in the Automotive business since 2000 and with the Ryan Collision Center since 2009. He lives in Buffalo and, after work, enjoys watching his three daughters play soccer or joining friends for a round of golf or to watch the Vikings.

Anna joined our Ryan team in 2022 from previous careers in cosmetology and design. She keeps the collision center team organized during the day and enjoys swimming, painting and remodelling in her spare time.

In 1955, my father, Robert Ryan Sr. opened his own used vehicle agency in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, operating as Mid Town Motors. In 1965 he was awarded the Rambler and Mercedes Benz franchises and ultimately was able to obtain the Chrysler & Plymouth franchises. In 1966, my dad opened Ryan Motors in Sioux Falls, South Dakota operating as Ryan Motors Chrysler Plymouth. He was awarded Chrysler's "Pacemakers Top 100 Club Award" from Chrysler for multiple years. In 1971, the Ryan family moved to Texas after selling their automobile interests to Henry and David Billion. David and his son are still in business today. We then moved to Houston and operated Midtown Chrysler Plymouth for one year until Katy Road Chrysler Plymouth, Chrysler's flagship facility opened. In 1975, the Ryan family sold out to the Benson family and returned to the Midwest, where most of the 14 children, 22 grandchildren and four great grandchildren reside today. Fifty years later, the Ryan family proudly opened another Chrysler flagship designed facility, for the franchises of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram truck in Buffalo, MN and then soon after, another CDJR dealership in Monticello, MN. I would like to personally thank our customers for sharing their experiences with our company at DealerRater, Google and Cars.com, where we are proud to say that we have over 15,000 public reviews.

Rob is the third generation Ryan to be in the automotive business and our GM for both GM and Chrysler stores. Married with three children, Rob is actively involved with their activities and volunteers much of his other time away from work to many local charitable organizations and events.

Pat, with the last name Ryan, has, of course been in the business since childhood, joining in with the operations side of the family business in 1996. He is a family man and he and his wife have two wonderful daughters and a young son. Away from the office he loves to spend time boating, playing golf and target shooting.

Kristy joined us in August of 2021 as the Controller for the Ryan group of dealerships. Kristy has been in the automotive industry since 1999 and so brought with her a wealth of experience to the Ryan team. Living in Monticello, she enjoys her time away from the office travelling, or at the lake with her family and her dogs.

Marc has been involved with the Automotive industry his whole life and with the Ryan family of dealerships since 1985. Away from the dealership he likes to relax on the lake with his family or enjoy a round of golf.

Ryan Auto Mall is excited to announce the addition of Dan to our team as Pre-Owned Vehicle Director. Dan brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked in the automotive industry since 1996. In his new position, Dan will oversee all aspects of our pre-owned vehicle operations, including sales, inventory management, and customer service. With his extensive knowledge and leadership skills, Dan will be instrumental in driving our pre-owned vehicle sales and ensuring a positive experience for our customers. He will also be responsible for managing the sales managers at our three dealerships, providing guidance and support. Outside of work, Dan is passionate about fishing and enjoying the great Minnesota outdoors.

Dermott has been in the automotive industry since 1994 and with Ryan since 2009. Originally from England, Dermott now lives in Minnetonka and is married with four daughters. He is also the proud grandparent of three wonderful granddaughters. He enjoys working in a family environment as that is his focus away from the office.