Page 30 - Flathead Beacon // 2.4.15

30 | FEBRUARY 4, 2015
BUSINESS
FLATHEADBEACON.COM
Decades of Success
DON “K” KALTSCHMIDT C LEBRATES25YEARSIN BUSINESSINWHIT FISH
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by Molly Priddy
Don Kaltschmidt was one of 55 dealers in the nation nominated for the Time Dealer of the Year award. GREG LINDSTROM | FLATHEAD BEACON
WHITEFISH – When it comes to business, success is often found in a mixture of passion, drive and talent. For Don “K” Kaltschmidt, the secret ingredient for suc- cess is as obvious as the smile on his face: treat others the way you want to be treated.
Kaltschmidt’s Don K Chevrolet Chrysler Subaru celebrates 25 years in business this year. He was also one of 55 auto dealers across the country to be nomi- nated for the prestigious 2015 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year award.
But Kaltschmidt’s journey from growing up in Ka-
lispell and becoming a successful car dealer in White- fish was not a straight line between the cities. After at- tending Flathead High School, he left in 1974, joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1975.
A three-year enlistment with the Marines sent Kaltschmidt into Southeast Asia, but the conflict in Vietnam was over by the time he was serving in ac- tive duty. Still, becoming a Marine was integral in his growth, he said.
“I really liked the Marine Corps, it taught me a lot,” he said. “You can do more than you think you can, physi-
cally, mentally, and spiritually.”
It was during his time with the Marines, be it sta-
tioned in San Diego or out in different countries, that Kaltschmidt learned he could communicate and fit in with nearly any group of people.
He also honed his salesmanship, running various business ventures while enlisted, such as buying and selling radios while abroad.
“It’s what I’m good at,” Kaltschmidt said. “When I got out, that’s when I got into the car business.”
By the early 1980s, he left the Marines as a corporal
Southside Consignment is celebrating 25 years in business
with 12 months of giveaways of our Favorite Things!
FEBRUARY’S PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Gift cards for: One Night stay at Izaak Walton Inn, Dinner/Breakfast
2 bottles of Glacier Sun Winery liquers 4 crystal liquer glasses, Dove Chocolates Cuddle Soft Blanket
Stop in and sign up for the drawing.
A new giveaway every month in 2015!!
2699 HWY 93 S. • KALISPELL • 756-8526