Meet Our Staff

Since 2003

Not everyone would love the idea of working with their parents. But for Charlee and his dad, John Markquart, it’s not a problem at all. Charlee first started at Markquart Lube-N-Wash when he was in high school and continued to work there while he attended college. After six years at the lube-n-wash, Charlie worked at both Markquart Motors and Toyota, getting experience at both stores in sales and managing the sales department. About a year ago, Charlee found his groove as the used car sales manager at Markquart Toyota, and things have only gotten better. Charlee respects and looks up to his dad, so working for him after college was a simple choice. When he’s not busy working, Charlee enjoys spending time with his wife, Malia, and attending concerts.

Since 2015

Josh has been in the auto industry for the past 10 years. He is from Medford, WI and attended Winona State University. Right after graduation he began his career in the auto industry, which brought him to Eau Claire. He says he wanted to work for Markquart because of the positive reputation and a good work/life balance. He said his favorite part of his job is meeting and talking to new people. Outside of work, Josh enjoys bow hunting, golfing, and spending time with his wife, Ali, and two boys, Jackson and Jameson. An interesting fact is that Josh has had 3 holes-in-one while golfing, but he says “it’s better to be lucky than good.” Come meet Josh at Markquart Toyota! He would love to talk to you about bow hunting, golf, and of course finding you a new vehicle!

Since 1992

Terry is a Wisconsin native from Fort Atkinson, but moved to the western part of the state to attend college at UWEC. Terry was working for a dealership when Markquart purchased it back in 1992, and has been part of the Markquart team ever since. Terry says the best part of his job is meeting and working with people from all walks of life.

Terry is an active member of the Chippewa Falls community. He is on the Rotary Club board of directors, and has helped out with the United Way, Junior Achievement, and the YMCA. An interesting fact about Terry is that in 2009 he traveled to England for the Rotary International Convention.

When Terry isn’t devoting his time to helping others, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Krista, daughter, Taylor, and son, Tanner. Stop by Markquart Toyota to talk to Terry about your next vehicle!

Since 2010

Cody Beeksma started working for Markquart in 2010 as a service lanes greeter at the Markquart Motors location. He then transitioned into the parts department, assisting with ordering and sales of auto parts. After working in parts for a while, he took an exciting opportunity as a service advisor where he helped customers understand their automotive maintenance and repair needs. A few years ago, Cody joined the Markquart Toyota team as a Business Manager, and recently transitioned into his current role as a Sales Manager.

He says that his favorite part of the job is being able to help our customers drive away in their dream vehicles. Interacting and assisting customers is something that Cody is very passionate about.

When Cody is not engrossed in assisting customers in purchasing new and used vehicles, you will often find him being a family man. He notes that family is absolutely number one for him. He also enjoys being outdoors and partaking in activities such as hunting, fishing, and boating.

Since 2016

Originally from Barron, Luke grew up familiar with the automotive industry as both of his parents worked in it. He moved to LaCrosse where he attended Viterbo University and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business. Upon graduating, Luke and his wife, Kelli, moved to the Chippewa Valley. Recently, Luke transitioned from being one of our fantastic product specialists to a sales manager. He says he really enjoys working with and meeting people, which makes this position a perfect fit. When not at work, Luke and Kelli enjoy riding motorcycle and spending time with their black lab Ruger. Stop in to Markquart Toyota near Eau Claire to talk to Luke about finding your next new or used vehicle!

Since 2014

If you have stopped by Markquart Toyota in the past few years you might recognize Alex by the friendly smile that he always has on his face. Alex began his career at Markquart Toyota as a Product Specialist after graduating from UW-Eau Claire with a degree in kinesiology. Being raised in Eau Claire, he understands the importance of the local community.

When asked why he was originally attracted to working at Markquart Toyota, Alex noted that the Markquart name was synonymous with integrity, a shared value. After putting in years of hard work Alex has transitioned to a Sales Manager.

Outside of work, you might find Alex exploring the outdoors. He recently became SCUBA certified and it's his latest passion.

Since 2014

John grew up in Cadott, WI – so he is very familiar with this area. He came to Eau Claire to attend college at UWEC where he studied Psychology. John has a lot of customer service experience as he was a manager at a popular sporting goods retailer here in town. He said he’s proud to work at Markquart because of its well-established reputation and the opportunity to help people find their next vehicle. John loves to hunt & go fishing on Lake Wissota with his two sons Ethan and Lennox. Stop by Markquart Toyota to talk to John about all things hunting, fishing, and automotive!

Since 1987

Pete is someone you can always count on. Whether he’s helping a customer find the right car or lending a hand to a coworker, Pete is always willing to help. Pete started at Markquart in 1987 as a salesperson, eventually working his way up to new car sales manager, and today he is our inventory manager. Pete loves working with people, so it’s no surprise that when asked what his favorite part of the job was, he said it is the customers. “We have awesome customers,” Pete said. When he’s not working at Markquart, Pete can be found singing in his church choir or participating as a mentor in the program Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin.

Since 2022

Matt Bembnister joins the Markquart team as a product specialist after spending the last six years working as a law enforcement officer in Chippewa County. He is originally from Eau Claire and graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement. In his new role, Matt is excited about meeting with new people each day and working around cars.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Katrina and their baby boy Nathaniel. He also works on DIY projects around the house. If Matt could have any vehicle, he would opt for a 2022 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition. Stop by our dealership and chat with Matt the next time you’re shopping for a vehicle!

Since 2018

Zach has had a love for vehicles long before he found his home at Markquart Toyota. He remembers being a kid and enthusing about old muscle cars with his brother. Also finding a passion for helping people, Zach feels like he has landed the perfect job for him in car sales. The best part about his job here at Markquart is helping customers find a vehicle that will help them get to the next point in their lives that also fulfills their wants and needs.

In his free time, Zach enjoys working out and participating in sports. His favorites are watching and playing baseball. Something that he finds interesting is that he and his wife were born 1 day apart, which goes to show that they were always meant to be close. Someday you may find Zach riding around in one of his dream cars, a ‘69 Camaro or a ’69 Pontiac GTO Judge.

Originally from Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Sarah moved to the Eau Claire area to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She is thrilled to join the team as a Vehicle Sales Acquisition Specialist and is excited to build relationships with both customers and coworkers. Sarah is eager to expand her knowledge of the various vehicles available at Markquart Toyota and one day hopes to own a RAV4.

When she's not working, Sarah enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their two children. They are avid movie watchers and book readers, always on the hunt for their next favorite. Sarah also has a great sense of humor and appreciates a good dad joke. Next time you are in the area stop in and say hi to Sarah. She's ready to answer any questions you may have and help you find the vehicle of your dreams.

Since 1989

If you don’t recognize Jay’s face, you may know his voice. Jay was in the radio business for 18 years before he decided to switch things up and try selling cars. He did everything from DJ’ing to program director. When Jay made his way to Markquart in 1989, it didn’t take long for him to shoot to the top. Within six months of completing the Toyota training program, Jay was the top-selling salesman of the month. Jay went on to participate in multiple Product Knowledge Walkaround Competitions, placing first in the country in 1994. Besides for being amazing at what he does, Jay enjoys listening to and collecting music, primarily music from the Top 40 of the mid-50s all the way to current Top 40 hits.

Max is no stranger to the automotive industry. With over 6 years of experience, Max is a seasoned professional who is eager to build new relationships with both coworkers and customers. Outside of work Max enjoys bowling, autocross, and Formula 1. He is also a foodie and is always up to trying anything spicy! One day Max hopes to be driving in a Toyota GR86.

Since 1970

Mike has liked cars from as far back as he can remember. He began his career in cars at Markquart while attending UW-Eau Claire. During that time, Mike worked in the reconditioning and detailing department. Even when he graduated from UWEC with a degree in history, he continued to work at Markquart because that is where his passion was, and still is. After graduation, Mike dabbled in office work at Markquart until he came into the position of product specialist, which is where he is today. Mike said his favorite part about his job is the customers and all the different personalities he sees on a daily basis. In his free time, Mike and his partner of 17 years, Dwayne, enjoy showing dogs, especially Afghans, which they have been doing for six years.

Brandon is a La Crosse native who moved to the area after college. He has always been a fan of the Toyota brand and is excited to be able to help people find their perfect vehicle.

Brandon and his wife enjoy spending time outside. Brandon is a fan of hunting and fishing. His dream car is a Toyota Land Cruiser. He loves the look of the new updated version but is also a fan of the classic look.

Originally from Fall Creek, Heather moved to the Eau Claire area about 20 years ago. She has been in the automotive industry for six years and is looking forward to getting to know a new group of customers and coworkers.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids, reading, kayaking, and being actively involved in her church community. She is also expecting a grandbaby soon and is very excited!

Next time you are in need of a car, stop by Markquart Toyota and talk to Heather!

Since 2018

Abby Maliszewski is a newcomer to the automotive industry but is no stranger to getting people the information they need to know. She started out her career in the journalism industry serving as a reporter and working in public relations. Now she brings those skills to Markquart Toyota as a product specialist. Abby is driven by the want to provide her customers with all of the information that they need in a timely manner which helps her build an honest rapport with those she works with.

Her favorite part about her position here is the people she is surrounded with. From her co-workers to the people she assists, she is consistently awestruck by the team environment and the kindness offered. She also notes that it doesn’t feel like work to her because she is truly passionate about finding people their perfect car.

Abby grew up on a dairy farm so she is a natural animal lover. She has two horses, a cat and dog. She enjoys running, music and spending hours at the horse barn. An interesting fact about her is that her dad taught her how to drive a manual transmission by putting her in a truck in the middle of the field and leaving her there to figure it out.

Since 2011

Mike is a Midwesterner at heart. He is kind, always willing to lend a hand and friendly to everyone he meets. Years before he made his way to Markquart, Mike worked for The Leader-Telegram and then the Tradin’ Post in advertising. Markquart Toyota was one of Mike’s clients for the Tradin’ Post, and as he dealt with them more and more, he said he realized that Markquart was a “premier dealership that was made up of great people” and he wanted to be a part of it. Mike joined the Markquart team in 2011 and never looked back. The best part of his job, he said, is the people, by far. “The people I work with are awesome; the customers I meet are fantastic,” said Mike, adding that it’s the people that “keep this job interesting.” In his free time, Mike runs a self-serve car wash in Chippewa Falls with his wife, Cheryl, and other family members.

Since 1996

One could say Chuck is a jack-of-all-trades. Chuck grew up working on his dad’s farm, helping him raise cows and produce milk. From there, he became a milk-tester for AgSource, making sure the milk was up to par. During his time as a milk-tester, Chuck decided to take a different path in life and that is when he came to Markquart Toyota. He said he loves his job as a product specialist at Markquart but never thought he’d last more than a month in the industry. But here we are, almost two decades later, so he must be doing something right! During his free time, Chuck takes care of his farm, which he bought from his dad, and is an auctioneer at local churches and organizations.

Since 2022

Riley Stewart is a Lake Holcombe native who went to UW-Stout for business. He kicked off his career at Markquart of Menomonie, where he worked as a Service Advisor. Riley is excited about joining the Markquart Toyota team and is looking forward to meeting with and getting to know customers while he assists with their car-buying journey.

When he isn’t at work, Riley likes to spend time outdoors. He is a passionate fly fisherman and enjoys hiking, hunting, and watching sports. Stop by and chat with Riley the next time you’re shopping for a vehicle.

Since 2016

Originally from New Richmond, WI, Amie moved to Eau Claire for college, where she graduated in December of 2015 with a degree in Marketing. Now, she is excited to have a fulfilling career at Markquart Toyota.

When she isn’t at work, Amie loves spending time with her husband Garret, and their friends and family. In her free time, you can catch Amie going out on their boat and playing with their dog, Henry. Amie has a love for travel and seeing new places; her favorite places to go are Nashville and anywhere tropical with plenty of sunshine.

Amie is the first to admit that she never imagined herself selling cars growing up, but six years ago she found a career here at Markquart Toyota that she absolutely loves! Her coworkers are like family to her and are her favorite part of the job. She also loves the opportunity to build lasting relationships and friendships with customers. The next time you are in the area, stop by Markquart Toyota to meet Amie! She looks forward to helping you find the perfect vehicle to fit your lifestyle.

Since 2015

Originally from Chippewa Falls, Doug is a native to West-Central Wisconsin. Right out of high school he knew he had an interest in numbers as he studied Accounting at CVTC. He started his finance career as a loan officer at a credit union before becoming a Business Manager at Markquart Toyota - but Doug was not entirely new to Markquart because he worked at one of the Lube-N-Wash locations while he was in high school. In his free time, Doug likes to stay active by jet skiing on the Chippewa River and golfing. Stop by Markquart Toyota, just north of Eau Claire off HWY 53, and talk to Doug about financing a new vehicle!

Since 2017

Scott Meska grew up in Winona, MN, but found himself in Eau Claire after graduating from UW-Stevens Point. Before finding his first position at Markquart Toyota as a service advisor, Scott spent nine years at Scheels in Oakwood Mall assisting customers in the hunting department. Now Scott helps our customers as a Business Manager! He never pictured himself in the automotive industry, but finds that it has been a great fit. Scott says that his favorite part of his job is the people. He is enthusiastic about the wide variety of friendly customers and co-workers that he encounters on a daily basis, as well as the fun atmosphere in the sales department.

When he is not assisting customers with their automotive needs, Scott finds himself spending time with his wife and son, Brady. He also enjoys the outdoors by traveling out west for hunting trips and musky fishing. This ruggedness does not end there though. If Scott could have any vehicle he would find himself in a Toyota Tundra, the perfect vehicle to accompany him on all of his trips into the wild.

Since 1997

Before Chad came to be a Service Advisor at Markquart Toyota, he was a restaurant manager at Red Lobster in Eau Claire, WI. He started there when he was 15 as a dishwasher and worked his way up the ladder, becoming manager when he was 21. However, as good as Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits are, they couldn’t keep him from leaving, and in 1997, Chad decided to switch things up and work at Markquart. Since being here, Chad has come to love his job, especially the opportunity to meet new people, he said. “There are so many different walks of life; it’s interesting to hear about them.” When he’s not busy getting to know his customers and coworkers, Chad loves doing “anything outdoors,” he said, adding that bow hunting and dirt bike racing are his favorite activities.

Since 2015

Zach came to Eau Claire from Waupaca, WI because he heard it was a great area from one of his friends. During his job hunt in the Chippewa Valley, Zach kept his interest for cars in mind, and when he saw the opportunity of being a Service Advisor, he took it! He says he loves talking to and helping people, which is exactly what he does every day at work! When Zach isn’t helping customers get their vehicles serviced, he is probably watching a Packers game or playing football for the Menomonie Thunderhawks. An interesting fact about Zach is he shares the same birthday as Rosa Parks, and his dream car is a Toyota Tacoma. The next time you need your vehicle serviced, Zach is ready to help at Markquart Toyota!

Since 2015

Randy has been part of the Eau Claire community since 2000 when he moved here from the Twin Cities to be the General Manager for TGI Friday’s. In 2008 he went back to school at UWEC. Randy has been involved in the auto industry ever since graduating with an MA in History. His favorite part about working at Markquart is taking care of his customers and finding them the perfect vehicle. Outside of the dealership, Randy spends his time with his wife, Jessica, and their children, Conor and Hannah. Of course, the Jones’ chocolate lab, Jasper, is never far from the family. Randy has a passion for outdoor activities, especially wilderness hiking. He once hiked 200 miles from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney solo, and got college credit for doing so. If you’re in need of a new or new-to-you vehicle, stop in to Markquart Toyota and talk to Randy!

Jack Maher is originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and moved to the Chippewa Valley in 2009. Jack jumped at the opportunity to work for Markquart Toyota, because he always wanted to be a part of the Toyota brand and heard great things about the Markquart name. As a service advisor, Jack loves building relationships with people and turning a bad situation into a good one.

Jack enjoys spending free time with friends and family, and his hobbies include music, movies, and fitness. He loves his Toyota Tacoma, and hopes to someday park a 1992 Dodge Viper next to it in his garage. The next time you stop in service or parts, say hello to Jack!

Tamra is an Eau Claire native who joined the Markquart team in 2020. Tamra enjoys interacting with her coworkers and meeting our wonderful customers. She is currently pursuing a double major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.

When Tamra is not working or studying, she enjoys creating pottery to express her creativity. She also has a unique talent: she can lick her nose! Growing up, Tamra's dream car was always a 1969 Dodge Charger, inspired by the iconic vehicle from the popular TV show Dukes of Hazzard.

Next time you are in the area, be sure to stop in and say hi to Tamra!

Tylor was born in El Salvador and moved to Sun Prairie when he was three, then came to the Eau Claire area for college. Tylor is no stranger to the automotive industry, and over the last three years, he has worked in the recon, sales, and service departments. He is excited to take on the service advisor role in a new environment and get to know a new group of customers.

Outside of work, Tylor enjoys spending time with his Fiance and playing video games. He is very passionate about cars and loves working on his project cars. His dream car is a BMW M4 GTS.

Next time you are in for service work, make sure to stop by and say hi to Tylor!

Casey is originally from the Mondovi area and settled in Augusta. He previously worked for a shop equipment supply company, and Markquart Toyota was one of his customers. He decided to pursue a career at Markquart because he was drawn to the people and environment when he visited for work. Casey’s favorite part about being a service advisor is meeting people and working with technicians to solve problems.

Casey and his wife, Sara, have been together for nearly a decade and have four cats named Lucky, Ruby, Cheeta and Oscar. The couple enjoys camping in their Keystone Sprinter fifth wheel. Casey recently purchased his grandmother’s 1954 Chevrolet 210, which he enjoys taking to car shows.

The next time you come in for service, say hello to Casey!

Kaylee is an Abbotsford native who moved to the Chippewa area after high school. Kaylee worked in our lanes for over a year and is excited about her new service concierge position. Her favorite parts of her job are talking to everyone that comes into our service department and working with a great group of people.

Outside of work, Kaylee attends school online at the University of Superior. Between her time studying and her time at work, she enjoys spending time with her cat and playing video games. Her dream car is a 1990s Pink Miata.

Next time you're in for service, be sure to say hi to Kaylee!

Kayleigh was born and raised in Eau Claire. During her senior year of high school, she embarked on a year-long adventure in Germany before returning to Eau Claire to study German at UWEC. Kayleigh's favorite part about her job is the great team she works with every day!

Outside of work, Kayleigh loves being outdoors. In the summer, her favorite thing to do is swim! She also enjoys using her Cricut and being crafty. Her dream car is a 1955 Thunderbird in Thunderbird Blue.

Next time you are in the area, be sure to stop in and welcome Kayleigh.

Trish is a Waukesha native who moved to Eau Claire when she met her wife. She is looking forward to experiencing the different parts of the auto industry in her new role.

Outside of work, Trish enjoys spending time outside golfing and fishing. She also spends time working on her project truck. Trish is an automotive fan, and her dream car is the iconic '69 Chevelle.

Next time your car needs a detail, bring it in and see Trish!

Bryce Espeseth was initially drawn to Markquart Toyota after purchasing his vehicle with us in 2019. After being impressed with his car buying experience, he realized Markquart was a company he wanted to work for. Bryce started out as a lube technician but has since moved into an Express Maintenance Team Leader role. He is looking forward to working with a great team and being around new people.

Bryce loves to be outdoors kayaking, riding his motorcycles, or working on vehicles when he's not at work. His dream car is a Lexus LC.

Stop in and let Bryce assist you in servicing your vehicle!