Thank You
It’s been a tremendous honor to serve Wisconsin since 1925. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated and hardworking staff for their unwavering efforts over the years. Working with such an exceptional team of men and women every day is truly inspiring. We are humbled by the commitment you’ve shown in building Kayser into what it is today. A special thank you to all our guests who have entrusted us with their vehicle needs over the years – your continued business is deeply appreciated and is the driving force behind our passion. Thanks to you, we have an extraordinary history that we cherish.
- Baxter Family, Owners, Kayser Automotive Group
Birth of Ford Motor Company
1903
Henry Ford Incorporated the Ford Motor Company with a $28,000 Cash Investment.
1903
First Guaranteed Minimum Wage
1914
1914
Ford Introduced the First Guaranteed Minimum wage of $5 per day (which was double the average pay at the time).
1925
Paul A. Kayser, son of former Madison Mayor Adolph Kayser, opens his dealership on East Washington Ave., Madison WI. Dealership beings selling and servicing the famed Model T Ford.
1925
1927
When cars were first sold they often were kept much longer than they are today and finding used cars to buy was much harder than is the case today.
Kayser Buys Fox Motor Sales Company
1930
1930
Kayser moves up the street to an expanded location and becomes the exclusive Ford Dealer in the market.
Kayser Begins Parts Delivery
1935
Kayser designates a delivery truck to deliver auto parts to local repair shops throughout Southern Wisconsin. Prior to this shop owners had to travel to a Ford Dealer to purchase parts.
1935
Kayser Purchases Lincoln Franchise
1941
Kayser becomes Madison’s Lincoln dealer and located the franchise at the corner of Monroe St. and Regent St. This is now the location of Hotel Red.
1941
1942
1942
US Military Ford Jeeps, Military Build-up Limits Car Sales
Ford began producing Jeeps for the US Military. Meanwhile, during WWII steel was being rationed for use in building military vehicles and only civilians in certain occupations could purchase cars. Kayser was selected as one of eight Madison dealers that could except a government license for the purchase of a car and the only one of the eight still in business today.
1945
Kayser Sells to Its First Celebrity
Eddie Peabody was known as the world’s greatest banjo player. Born in Massachusetts and living in California, Peabody found Kayser during his visits to Chicago to entertain US Troops returning from WWII.
1947
Madison’s Beltline Highway Begins Construction
1947
1945
Kayser Celebrates 25th Anniversary
1950
This is Kayser’s first known all staff photo. Paul Kayser can be seen seated in the center of the photo with black rimmed glasses.
1950
Kayser Employs Over 100
After further expansion and the addition of a body shop, Kayser Ford has over 100 employees has become the largest Ford Dealer in the State of Wisconsin.
Kayser holds the First Sell-A-Rama Sale – The catchy radio jingle has taken over the Madison airwaves every July.
Kayser’s First Sell-A-Rama
1952
Kenneth Kimport Purchases Kayser
1956
1956
Following the untimely death of Paul Kayser, Kenneth Kimport purchases the business.
First Mustang
1964
The Ford Mustang is introduced.
Kayser Becomes Largest Ford Parts Distributor in Midwest
1965
1965
Providing parts to dealers and mechanics all over Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. During this time it was custom for Parts Department staff to wear white lab coats as part of their uniform.
Kayser Dealership Relocates
1971
After decades of continued success and growth, the Kayser Dealership moves to its current location on the Beltline Hwy.
1971
Oil Crisis
1973
1973
US in midst of OAPEC oil embargo, retail gas prices per gallon “spiked” from the national average of 38 cents to 55 cents per gallon.
Pat Baxter
1985
Pat Baxter purchases a portion of the business and takes a leadership role as President and General Manager. In subsequent years Mr. Baxter acquires the entire business and continues its expansion.
1985
Kayser Buys Yugo Franchise
1988
Touted as a revolutionary car, the Yugo was sticker priced at $4,000. The US Market skeptical of the car and for good reason. The Yugo topped Time Magazine’s list of the “50 Worst Cars Ever Made”. Kayser stopped selling the Yugo two years after it began and ended up purchasing back over 20 cars from customers experiencing major issues.
Kayser Buys Jeep Franchise
1990
Kayser buys Jeep franchise and locates it across from it’s Ford Dealership in Madison. Kayser would later trade the Madison Jeep franchise for a Nissan franchise.
Kayser purchases Town and Country Motors in Prairie Du Sac, WI. Builds state of the art dealership in Sauk City on Hwy 12, expanding Kayser’s franchise offerings to include Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep.
1994
Kayser Expands to Sauk Prairie
1994
Kayser Expands to Watertown
1998
1998
Kayser purchases Grinwald Chrysler in Watertown, WI. Builds state of the art dealership on Hwy 16 and adds Jeep and Dodge franchises becoming Jefferson County’s only full line Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealer.
2000
Kayser Expands to Pulaski
2000
Kayser acquires S&L Motors in Pulaski, WI.
2003
2003
Kayser Buys Isuzu Truck Franchise
Kayser expands its commercial sales division to include the Isuzu Commercial Truck fleet and has Oscar Meyer as one if it’s first customers, having bought the truck body that supports the Company’s famed Wienermobile.
Ford Celebrates 100 Years
Ford Motor Company celebrates its 100 anniversary. Kayser marks the event with a double-page spread in the Wisconsin State Journal.
2003
Financial crisis grips US auto industry causing GM and Chrysler to file for bankruptcy. Ford being the only US auto manufacturer not to receive government ‘Bail Out’ assistance.
2008
US Auto Industry Goes Bankrupt
2008
Kayser Reaches Another Milestone
2010
2010
Celebrates its 85th anniversary.
Kayser Purchases Lincoln Franchise
2012
Becomes Madison’s exclusive Ford Lincoln dealership.
Sean Baxter Becomes President
2014
Sean Baxter, the oldest son of Pat Baxter is promoted to President.
Kayser Celebrates 90 Years
2015
Kayser Celebrates its 90th Anniversary.
2015
2019
2019
Pat Baxter Honored By Chrysler
Kayser Chrysler Center of Sauk Prairie celebrates 25 year milestone.
2019
Kayser Acquires Ballweg Chevrolet Buick
Kayser adds Chevrolet and Buick in Sauk City, WI to round out domestic franchise offerings.
Kayser Celebrates 95th Anniversary
2020
2020
2021
2021
Kayser Acquires Sauk City Ford Franchise
Purchasing Courtesy Ford of Sauk City, Kayser now offers all major American brands in the Sauk Prairie market. Plans are being made to build a brand new Ford Signature facility to represent the Ford brand in the market.
Kayser adds Ford store in Green Bay market
Peterson Ford, an award-winning Ford dealership in Oconto Falls, WI, acquired and to operate as S&L Ford.
2021
Kayser Acquires Bob Clapper Automotive in Janesville, WI.
2022
With this acquisition, Kayser now represents all major American Vehicle Brands. Kayser Also purchased Bob Clapper Truck and Trailer to now offer a full line of commercial and recreational trailers.
In 1985, Pat Baxter became part owner, President and General Manager. After becoming sole owner, Pat continued the tradition of continuous improvement established by the founder Paul Kayser. With Pat’s leadership and dedication Kayser has grown to become the market leader as well as achieving an outstanding level of customer service.
In 2014, Pat promoted his oldest son, Sean to President. Along with his brothers Ryan and Brendan, they are the new generation of leadership at Kayser.
Sean Baxter
President
Sean has been with Kayser since 1988 picking up trash with his brothers. His first vehicle was a black ‘91 Jeep Wrangler Renegade, and he admires the Ford F-Series because it’s been the best selling truck for nearly 50 years. “To have a winning streak as long as that is impressive!” When Sean’s not in the office he’s off on traveling adventures with his family. “Integrity must never be compromised. Kayser’s secret sauce is our people, and Kayser is who it is because of our people and the trust and confidence they inspire in our guests. Integrity speaks directly to the type of people we have in our Kayser Family.”
Sean has been with Kayser since 1988 picking up trash with his brothers. His first vehicle was a black ‘91 Jeep Wrangler Renegade, and he admires the Ford F-Series because it’s been the best selling truck for nearly 50 years. “To have a winning streak as long as that is impressive!” When Sean’s not in the office he’s off on traveling adventures with his family. “Integrity must never be compromised. Kayser’s secret sauce is our people, and Kayser is who it is because of our people and the trust and confidence they inspire in our guests. Integrity speaks directly to the type of people we have in our Kayser Family.”
Ryan Baxter
Vice President
Ryan grew up in Madison and has been working at Kasyer since he was 13 years old, picking up trash and mowing the grass in the summer. When he turned 16 he got a ‘99 Jeep Wrangler that taught him to learn stick shift through every stall at stop lights. You can find Ryan playing with his two daughters, boating on the lake, or mowing the grass with his zero-turn! “Integrity must never be compromised. It requires the most wisdom to live by. Integrity has done the most in carrying Kayser to the 100-year mark.”
Ryan grew up in Madison and has been working at Kasyer since he was 13 years old, picking up trash and mowing the grass in the summer. When he turned 16 he got a ‘99 Jeep Wrangler that taught him to learn stick shift through every stall at stop lights. You can find Ryan playing with his two daughters, boating on the lake, or mowing the grass with his zero-turn! “Integrity must never be compromised. It requires the most wisdom to live by. Integrity has done the most in carrying Kayser to the 100-year mark.”
Brendan Baxter
Vice President
Brendan began working for Kayser in 1995 with his brothers cleaning up the property. His first vehicle was a ‘97 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, and, unsurprising, his current favorite vehicle is the Ford Bronco! When he is not busy working behind the scenes, Brendan enjoys spending his time with his wife and two children traveling, or the many ways he keeps himself moving through Hot Yoga, Jiu-Jitsu and hitting the gym. “Employee involvement is our way of life, because when a team is winning, the fans are happy. Creating a great place to work for our team translates directly to our guests’ experience.”
Brendan began working for Kayser in 1995 with his brothers cleaning up the property. His first vehicle was a ‘97 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, and, unsurprising, his current favorite vehicle is the Ford Bronco! When he is not busy working behind the scenes, Brendan enjoys spending his time with his wife and two children traveling, or the many ways he keeps himself moving through Hot Yoga, Jiu-Jitsu and hitting the gym. “Employee involvement is our way of life, because when a team is winning, the fans are happy. Creating a great place to work for our team translates directly to our guests’ experience.”
Jason Malloy
Vice President of Variable Operations
Jason returned to the Kayser Family in 2024 and has brought a great deal of growth to the company. His first vehicle was an ‘89 Gripper Gold 4-door hatchback Plymouth Horizon. Only two of the doors worked but not the driver’s door! Originally from Roy, Utah, Jason finds the Jeep Grand Cherokee best for the Wisconsin winters. When not at the dealerships he’s at sporting events, traveling for pleasure, or hunting. “Customers are the focus of everything we do!”
Jason returned to the Kayser Family in 2024 and has brought a great deal of growth to the company. His first vehicle was an ‘89 Gripper Gold 4-door hatchback Plymouth Horizon. Only two of the doors worked but not the driver’s door! Originally from Roy, Utah, Jason finds the Jeep Grand Cherokee best for the Wisconsin winters. When not at the dealerships he’s at sporting events, traveling for pleasure, or hunting. “Customers are the focus of everything we do!”
Shon Kingrey
Vice President of Fixed Operations
Shon joined the Kayser Family in 2022 with roots in Marshalltown, Iowa. Already a huge Green Bay Packer fan, his change from Florida to Wisconsin has made a Lambaeu-sized impact on the company. In true Shon fashion, his first car was ‘76 Ford Granada that landed itself on the back of a tow truck after completing a “completely accidental Dukes of Hazard jump” on the way to school. “Intensity, intelligence, and integrity. These are three non-negotiables in the automotive business.”
Shon joined the Kayser Family in 2022 with roots in Marshalltown, Iowa. Already a huge Green Bay Packer fan, his change from Florida to Wisconsin has made a Lambaeu-sized impact on the company. In true Shon fashion, his first car was ‘76 Ford Granada that landed itself on the back of a tow truck after completing a “completely accidental Dukes of Hazard jump” on the way to school. “Intensity, intelligence, and integrity. These are three non-negotiables in the automotive business.”
Kyla Williams
Executive Assistant
Kyla joined the Kayser Family in 2023. Though she does not come from the automotive industry, her background in management has brought a helping hand to the Corporate team. Her first vehicle was a ‘94 Lexus LS 400 that “guzzled premium gas like a thirsty camel”. Kyla’s roots are in Cross Plains and loves the small-town lifestyle. When she’s not implementing employee activities or crunching reports, Kyla likes to spend her time with her husband and son playing outside, watching sports, or reading a thrilling book. “Customers are the focus of everything we do. Providing top service and compassion helps establish and build trust in our guests and community. Their opinion of us drives us to be better every day!”
Kyla joined the Kayser Family in 2023. Though she does not come from the automotive industry, her background in management has brought a helping hand to the Corporate team. Her first vehicle was a ‘94 Lexus LS 400 that “guzzled premium gas like a thirsty camel”. Kyla’s roots are in Cross Plains and loves the small-town lifestyle. When she’s not implementing employee activities or crunching reports, Kyla likes to spend her time with her husband and son playing outside, watching sports, or reading a thrilling book. “Customers are the focus of everything we do. Providing top service and compassion helps establish and build trust in our guests and community. Their opinion of us drives us to be better every day!”
Transforming the Car Buying Experience
Kayser’s ongoing mission is to honor the guests’ experience. The re-focus on creating an amazing and valuable interaction is setting new standards in the industry.
Kayser Automotive
2303 West Beltline Highway
Madison, WI 53713
608-276-0284
888-756-3940
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