Meet Our Staff
Management
Gildardo Esquivel
General Sales Manager
Angela David
Service Manager
Jonathan Brown
General Manager
Christine Tapia
Parts Manager
Sales
Dennis Cardinal
Product Specialist
Wally Thom
Product Specialist
Gregg Kasper
Product Specialist
Xavier Troupe
Product Specialist
Riley Sullivan
Product Specialist
Melissa Otapa
Product Specialist
Julia Ward
Product Specialist
Ashley Fontes
Product Specialist
Juan Leon
Product Specialist
Kris Weah
Product Specialist
Hunter Schroder
Product Specialist
Brandon Schubert
Product Specialist
Service
Kaitie Stehr
Service Advisor
Caleb Koskovich
Service Advisor
Christopher Maglio
Service Advisor
Finance
Charlie Ziegler
Finance Manager
Ann Henderson
Finance Manager
Administration
Karman Roos
Cashier/Receptionist
Rod Winklepleck
Corporate Director of Sales
Krystle Johnson
Office Manager
Eli Piasecki
Administration
Nora Tallmadge
Assistant Office Manager
Dennis Cardinal
Product Specialist
May 31, 2026
Service was great.
Service was great. Very helpful and informative would buy from them again in the future
Jan 01, 2026
Dennis went above and beyond to get me into a deal that
Dennis went above and beyond to get me into a deal that worked for me and I am so happy and grateful for all of his hard work!
Nov 07, 2025
We love the Russ Darrow Kia team.
We love the Russ Darrow Kia team. Dennis ha sold us another great car. Their finance department worked out a great deal including an excellent entended warranty package.
Sep 27, 2025
This is the second time I’ve worked with Dennis and Russ
This is the second time I’ve worked with Dennis and Russ Darrow Kia of Waukesha. While I wish it had been under better circumstances, Dennis, Ben, Charlie went above and beyond to make the outcome a positive one. These three are incredibly hardworking, kind, patient and they have made both of my car buying experiences incredibly positive.
Aug 17, 2025
Very helpful and Informative.
Very helpful and Informative. Dennis was a pleasure to work with! I would highly recommend him!!
Wally Thom
Product Specialist
May 24, 2026
It was a pleasure working with Wally.
It was a pleasure working with Wally. He was so very helpful in getting me exactly what I wanted. I will not hesitate referring anyone who wants to buy a car to contact your dealership.
May 06, 2026
I’m happy that my first time getting a car was a
I’m happy that my first time getting a car was a non-stressful process. Wally and Ann was very nice and helpful.
May 01, 2026
Russ Darrow Kia is by far the best car dealership I've
Russ Darrow Kia is by far the best car dealership I've ever encountered. Not only are the cars amazing, but the customer service is exceptional. Moreover, management goes above and beyond to help you with everything that you need. Hi highly recommend Kia Russ Darrow to anybody that wants to buy a car!
Apr 08, 2026
All salesmen and management were very helpful during our
All salesmen and management were very helpful during our car buying experience. We greatly recommend this dealership to anyone.
Nov 09, 2025
Everyone was very kind and understanding of my situation.
Everyone was very kind and understanding of my situation. They worked with me and my budget which I was grateful for.
Charlie Ziegler
Finance Manager
Apr 17, 2026
They gave me decent pricing initially, but then tried to
They gave me decent pricing initially, but then tried to say some add ons were mandatory (VIN etching for $500). They also tried to push higher interest rates on me at the end despite me qualifying for much better rates. They wouldn’t accept my outside lending and tried to pay me in cash to interest me in taking a higher rate loan to refinance later. It all seemed a little shady and I would be hesitant to deal with them. With all that said, Kris in sales was great to deal with and gave me all the info on the car upfront. All my main issues came once you moved past the initial salesperson into them trying to convince you to pay more for a car. The car I did end up buying at another dealership did not have any of these tactics and were a pleasure to deal with.
Apr 08, 2026
All salesmen and management were very helpful during our
All salesmen and management were very helpful during our car buying experience. We greatly recommend this dealership to anyone.
Jan 29, 2026
I had a great experience!
I had a great experience! From selecting a car online and checking availability, to a prompt follow up, quick time scheduled to come see the vehicle followed by a video provided by the salesman in advance. Then through the purchasing and financing stages, everyone was very kind and helpful!
Jan 19, 2026
Helped us get a deal done quick and easy without any
Helped us get a deal done quick and easy without any notice or warning that we were coming in.
Jan 16, 2026
Russ darrow is simply amazing!
Russ darrow is simply amazing! They are friendly, thorough, and very fair! Riley was fantastic!
Kaitie Stehr
Service Advisor
Jun 29, 2026
Always easy to schedule.
Always easy to schedule. Service took way longer than I thought and what was quoted to me. I will not be using this service location again. I will be going to the one closer to my house.
Jun 08, 2026
Engine cover was not replaced properly.
Engine cover was not replaced properly. Hanging loose on front end needs to be fixed. It took almost 2 hours for an oil change. Seems like a long time for an appointment for an oil change.
Jun 03, 2026
My experience at Kia is always pleasant.
My experience at Kia is always pleasant. The employees are friendly, helpful, informative, and professional.
May 30, 2026
Oil change took 1 hr and I cancelled the vehicle wash.
Oil change took 1 hr and I cancelled the vehicle wash. Too slow for me
May 26, 2026
Very professional and very quick !
Very professional and very quick ! Explained everything that was done ! Also car drives great !thank you
Gildardo Esquivel
General Sales Manager
Jun 28, 2026
Everyone was very patient with me.
Everyone was very patient with me. Working with Melissa there wasn’t any pressure. She provided a solution to helping me find insurance for the car. I will be doing business with her in the future. My son will be in the market soon for a car and she will be our girl!
Jun 18, 2026
Its amazing The experience was eye opening,mostly on the
Its amazing The experience was eye opening,mostly on the whole process of buying a car fresh off the lot
Jun 16, 2026
Well informed saleswoman and smooth deal all around!
Well informed saleswoman and smooth deal all around! She took the time to explain all of our questions! Great experience!
Jun 15, 2026
Poor communication.
Poor communication. Poor communication. Lack of follow up/response. Not happy with overall experience Poor communication. Lack of follow up/response. Not happy with overall experience. Would not recommend
Jun 15, 2026
Jeff was a good guy.
Jeff was a good guy. Xavier helped too. Was NOT impressed with cleaning of the vehicle
Gregg Kasper
Product Specialist
Apr 23, 2026
I worked with Gregg to get my first lease three years
I worked with Gregg to get my first lease three years ago, and had such a good experience working with him, that I requested him again for my most recent lease. He's very knowledgeable, truly listens, and doesn't pressure. Julia was also great. She explained everything clearly, had all the possible payments worked out, and was very kind.
Mar 06, 2026
I have worker with Gregg Kasper on prior purchases and
I have worker with Gregg Kasper on prior purchases and find him to be very easy to work with on showing the inventory, product knowledge and salesmanship. The sales floor seems kind of open and hectic and I miss being able to sit with the salesperson in a more private atmosphere.
Jan 10, 2026
The people who work here are professional and make sure
The people who work here are professional and make sure you understand what you’re signing
Nov 03, 2025
My after-sale follow-up experience has been terrible.
My after-sale follow-up experience has been terrible. I leased a car from this dealership three years ago, when I picked up the car, I was promised two keys but was only given one, with the excuse that there were "allocation issues." I was assured the second key would be sent to me asap. Three years later, my lease is over, and I have now purchased the car, and I am still missing the promised second key. The truly frustrating part is the contrast in their communication. As my lease neared its end, I was receiving at least 3 phone calls a day trying to get me to trade in my car for a new one. I wish that same level of persistent follow-up to fulfilling what they owe me. One month ago when I went to check if they had renewed my lease, I mentioned my key again, and they said they would look into it. Apparently, that was just a lie. Since I didn't renew my lease and I already purchased the car they stopped being friendly. It is completely unacceptable to string a customer along for three years over a basic item that was part of the original deal. This shows a complete disregard for customer satisfaction once the sale is complete.
Jul 26, 2025
I went to Russ Darrow Kia dealership twice in the same
I went to Russ Darrow Kia dealership twice in the same week, the second time I ended up purchasing the vehicle I was searching for. Kain my salesman was exceptional, his knowledge of my car was great. Me and my wife are extremely happy with our purchase. Thanks again Kain
Xavier Troupe
Product Specialist
May 01, 2026
Friendly service friendly staff.
Friendly service friendly staff. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Hospitality was great received coffee on the house.
Mar 30, 2026
Everything was great.
Everything was great. We had no negative issues All good. Very fine, no problems. Went well.
Feb 26, 2026
Everything was top notch and ran as smooth as a
Everything was top notch and ran as smooth as a well-oiled locomotive. Two thumbs way up!
Feb 18, 2026
It was very unorganized with a lack of Communication.
It was very unorganized with a lack of Communication. We were sitting in the waiting area with no idea what was going on for far too long, and it was evident the salesman and finance manager were not on the same page.
Feb 03, 2026
Well, first off I should have been told the sales team
Well, first off I should have been told the sales team was in a trailer. Second, the car was not ready when I arrived - I waited for 10-15 minutes for them to find it. I asked for photos of the outside rust or damages. The photo did not include the damage, found out when I got there. They send photos for one side of the car, leaving the damaged side out. Shifty sales. Test drive was fine. Things need to be fixed before I can pick-up the car - which was supposed to be yesterday or today. No update from the dealership... AND I said I wanted to negotiate the price. Sales person filled out some paperwork, asked me to sign. And I said I wanted to talk to John and he said, "yes - John go through that with you next". WRONG. I was left in a room, called when the paperwork was already put through and ready to sign. I told that to the financer. She said we would have to start the paperwork all over because she wasn't aware of any negotiations happening. John conveniently shows up when I am walking out after signing something I wasn't happy with. He knew that was underhanded and acted like it was a surprise. I was so tired and beyond and the dealership was closing. I bought the car. But I feel like I was shoved through a sale. And I don't know why you keep asking me to rate Angela David. I have no idea who that is.
Ann Henderson
Finance Manager
Jun 21, 2026
I was greeted outside the dealership by a salesperson
I was greeted outside the dealership by a salesperson named Lea. I had an appointment to look at a different vehicle but it was not ready to drive so Lea worked with me to get something else within my price range. She also let me look without pressure into a couple other vehicles. Anna, in finance was super sweet and friendly.
May 06, 2026
The sales staff had great energy and were easy to work
The sales staff had great energy and were easy to work with. Tony did a great job and we were his first sale! Jeff the sales manager was great as well. He helped to solve any issues that arose.
May 06, 2026
I’m happy that my first time getting a car was a
I’m happy that my first time getting a car was a non-stressful process. Wally and Ann was very nice and helpful.
May 05, 2026
Melissa is great you guys should make her Gm!
Melissa is great you guys should make her Gm! Good service good folks very happy
Apr 17, 2026
They gave me decent pricing initially, but then tried to
They gave me decent pricing initially, but then tried to say some add ons were mandatory (VIN etching for $500). They also tried to push higher interest rates on me at the end despite me qualifying for much better rates. They wouldn’t accept my outside lending and tried to pay me in cash to interest me in taking a higher rate loan to refinance later. It all seemed a little shady and I would be hesitant to deal with them. With all that said, Kris in sales was great to deal with and gave me all the info on the car upfront. All my main issues came once you moved past the initial salesperson into them trying to convince you to pay more for a car. The car I did end up buying at another dealership did not have any of these tactics and were a pleasure to deal with.
Angela David
Service Manager
May 01, 2026
Russ Darrow Kia is by far the best car dealership I've
Russ Darrow Kia is by far the best car dealership I've ever encountered. Not only are the cars amazing, but the customer service is exceptional. Moreover, management goes above and beyond to help you with everything that you need. Hi highly recommend Kia Russ Darrow to anybody that wants to buy a car!
Apr 12, 2026
5 The workers were great I will tell my friends about
5 The workers were great I will tell my friends about your dealership Workers attitude was good
Mar 08, 2026
Very professional and made my experience a great visit.
Very professional and made my experience a great visit. Angela is an asset to this dealership. Her personality makes everyone smile.
Mar 06, 2026
Angela was super nice and very knowledgeable about the
Angela was super nice and very knowledgeable about the car i bought. She showed me features that were extremely helpful to make my driving experience even better. A class "A" employee would definitely buy my next car from her again.
Jan 21, 2026
It's was good and I'm glad that they called me with
It's was good and I'm glad that they called me with updates about my car
Caleb Koskovich
Service Advisor
Jun 27, 2026
Happy the service found a nest of sunflower seeds in my
Happy the service found a nest of sunflower seeds in my air conditioner filter. Vacuumed it out and replaced the filter.
May 26, 2026
Very professional and very quick !
Very professional and very quick ! Explained everything that was done ! Also car drives great !thank you
May 09, 2026
Nice clean establishment even though they are remodeling.
Nice clean establishment even though they are remodeling. The workers are always friendly and greet me with a smile.
May 09, 2026
The customer service in the service department is very
The customer service in the service department is very good. I have your card done in a timely fashion. I like that they offered to give you a ride home so you don’t have to stay there the whole time.
May 08, 2026
Everyone who works here has been patient and kind.
Everyone who works here has been patient and kind. Services is always faster and more affordable than expected. I also enjoy the frequent updates and great communication!
Riley Sullivan
Product Specialist
Jun 30, 2026
It was great experience, excellent support team.
It was great experience, excellent support team. Resolved the issue within no time for rotors.
May 14, 2026
Everything went well as far as pick up.
Everything went well as far as pick up. My trade in was low balled, as I expected, but it wasn’t terrible so I accepted. Considering I paid cash, I was not pleased with the finance person added extra charges AFTER I signed all the paperwork.
Jan 16, 2026
Russ darrow is simply amazing!
Russ darrow is simply amazing! They are friendly, thorough, and very fair! Riley was fantastic!
Dec 03, 2025
Had been messaging with Riley throughout the week on a
Had been messaging with Riley throughout the week on a few vehicles that they had. During that time found a nearly identical model and trim at another dealership at a better price point. I had explained that I would be coming from over an hour away and asking to be respectful of my time. I asked if they would be willing to match or come close to the other dealer and was told they would match it if I financed through Kia (I have the text screenshots to prove it). This was the same make, model, trim but only a different color which they were fully aware of before making the promise. The sales manager was incredibly unfriendly, rude and condescending. Threw the paperwork on the desk and said that there would be no further discussion. After reviewing the paperwork the price was not what was promised during communication. So somebody lied, either Riley asking their manager about the price match or the manager actually not wanting to price match just to get me in the door. Neither of which have the people skills or sales ability to overcome blatant dishonesty.
Nov 04, 2025
Excellent Job,this is my sixth car from Russ
Excellent Job,this is my sixth car from Russ Darrow,thank you so much,I’m a happy Customer
Jonathan Brown
General Manager
May 01, 2026
Russ Darrow Kia is by far the best car dealership I've
Russ Darrow Kia is by far the best car dealership I've ever encountered. Not only are the cars amazing, but the customer service is exceptional. Moreover, management goes above and beyond to help you with everything that you need. Hi highly recommend Kia Russ Darrow to anybody that wants to buy a car!
Feb 25, 2026
My sales person Dennis was a superstar and helped the
My sales person Dennis was a superstar and helped the whole process move smoothly. I can't say enough nice things about him.
Feb 18, 2026
It was very unorganized with a lack of Communication.
It was very unorganized with a lack of Communication. We were sitting in the waiting area with no idea what was going on for far too long, and it was evident the salesman and finance manager were not on the same page.
Jan 01, 2026
Dennis went above and beyond to get me into a deal that
Dennis went above and beyond to get me into a deal that worked for me and I am so happy and grateful for all of his hard work!
Dec 18, 2025
Xavier was my salesman and he did a fantastic job.
Xavier was my salesman and he did a fantastic job. Smooth and easy transaction! Xavier was my salesman and he did a fantastic job. Smooth and easy transaction! Will 100% use him for my next vehicle purchase in the near future
Melissa Otapa
Product Specialist
Jun 28, 2026
Everyone was very patient with me.
Everyone was very patient with me. Working with Melissa there wasn’t any pressure. She provided a solution to helping me find insurance for the car. I will be doing business with her in the future. My son will be in the market soon for a car and she will be our girl!
Jun 07, 2026
Melissa was not the person I ended up meeting in person
Melissa was not the person I ended up meeting in person but Lea instead. Being new to the field she did a pretty good job. Was not pushy but helpful in getting me into a vehicle I was comfortable with
May 05, 2026
Melissa is great you guys should make her Gm!
Melissa is great you guys should make her Gm! Good service good folks very happy
Apr 27, 2026
Very patient.
Very patient. Very informative. Very helpful. Very polite. Great customer service. Than you for all your help!!!
Apr 24, 2026
Great experience overall.
Great experience overall. The buying process was smooth, and what really stood out was the service after the sale. An issue came up shortly after I got the car, but they handled it quickly and made it right without any hassle. Really appreciate the follow-through and would recommend them.
Julia Ward
Product Specialist
Apr 23, 2026
I worked with Gregg to get my first lease three years
I worked with Gregg to get my first lease three years ago, and had such a good experience working with him, that I requested him again for my most recent lease. He's very knowledgeable, truly listens, and doesn't pressure. Julia was also great. She explained everything clearly, had all the possible payments worked out, and was very kind.
Feb 03, 2026
Well, first off I should have been told the sales team
Well, first off I should have been told the sales team was in a trailer. Second, the car was not ready when I arrived - I waited for 10-15 minutes for them to find it. I asked for photos of the outside rust or damages. The photo did not include the damage, found out when I got there. They send photos for one side of the car, leaving the damaged side out. Shifty sales. Test drive was fine. Things need to be fixed before I can pick-up the car - which was supposed to be yesterday or today. No update from the dealership... AND I said I wanted to negotiate the price. Sales person filled out some paperwork, asked me to sign. And I said I wanted to talk to John and he said, "yes - John go through that with you next". WRONG. I was left in a room, called when the paperwork was already put through and ready to sign. I told that to the financer. She said we would have to start the paperwork all over because she wasn't aware of any negotiations happening. John conveniently shows up when I am walking out after signing something I wasn't happy with. He knew that was underhanded and acted like it was a surprise. I was so tired and beyond and the dealership was closing. I bought the car. But I feel like I was shoved through a sale. And I don't know why you keep asking me to rate Angela David. I have no idea who that is.
Nov 10, 2025
Julia was great to work with!
Julia was great to work with! The crew went above and beyond to ensure I had a smooth transaction. Couldn’t be happier with the experience!
Nov 07, 2025
Very helpful and worked with me to find the correct car
Very helpful and worked with me to find the correct car and price. Could not be happier with the service from the entire team.
Nov 07, 2025
We love the Russ Darrow Kia team.
We love the Russ Darrow Kia team. Dennis ha sold us another great car. Their finance department worked out a great deal including an excellent entended warranty package.
Ashley Fontes
Product Specialist
Jun 04, 2026
Treated great, and all my questions were answered Very
Treated great, and all my questions were answered Very professional experience and friendly and helpful employees
May 19, 2026
Great service excellent follow up.
Great service excellent follow up. Wonderful experience will recommend them to all my friends thank you LaMarr was great too!
May 05, 2026
Ashley the sales representative was patient and courteous
Ashley the sales representative was patient and courteous throughout the entire transaction. When asked a question she was either able to immediately respond if she had the answer or check with a colleague before responding if she didn’t. Lamar in the financial department was very insistent that I buy various extended warranty’s which I always decline. He did however answer all questions in a very thorough and polite manner. The reason for 4 stars is the persistent sales job regarding the warranty’s. I’m sure he was just doing his job but once declined that should be the end of it.
Apr 27, 2026
I found a vehicle I decided to purchase and put cash down
I found a vehicle I decided to purchase and put cash down on it to hold it. I came back a couple days later to buy the vehicle. Jeff the sales manager who was working with Ashley gave me a final price for the vehicle. I agreed to pay that price, but once we reached the finance window the vehicle's price increased. I wouldn't agree to pay that price, so I didn't purchase it. I asked for my down payment back, but it took Kia 4 days to return my cash down payment jeapordizing my purchase of another vehicle I found at another dealership! Four days later they made a check out to me. After I left from going the long distance to pick up the check I notice they misspelled my name on the check, but told me to take it yo their bank, Chase and they would cash it. Chase didn't cash it because the name was wrong and they wanted to charge me a fee. I dealt with the difficulty of trying to cash that check until the banks closed. So I ended up taking the check to my bank the next day. I've never had to deal with this kind of incompetence and ineptitude before from a car dealership and I've purchased quite a few vehicles in my lifetime! This was the worst experience I've ever encountered!
Juan Leon
Product Specialist
May 31, 2026
Service was great.
Service was great. Very helpful and informative would buy from them again in the future
Mar 21, 2026
The team, especially Shjonna and Juan were wonderful and
The team, especially Shjonna and Juan were wonderful and helped make our experience great. We will be back.
Oct 21, 2025
I love my EV6 and did get a great deal.
I love my EV6 and did get a great deal. I needed to be very specific about my expectations and with prompting was able to get them all met. This dealership can and will work with you but make sure to get it in writing to ensure there is follow through.
Oct 17, 2025
Friendly and very easy to work with.
Friendly and very easy to work with. Made sure that my purchase met all my needs.
Christopher Maglio
Service Advisor
May 26, 2026
Very professional and very quick !
Very professional and very quick ! Explained everything that was done ! Also car drives great !thank you
May 08, 2026
Everyone who works here has been patient and kind.
Everyone who works here has been patient and kind. Services is always faster and more affordable than expected. I also enjoy the frequent updates and great communication!
Mar 27, 2026
Always fast and pleasant!
Always fast and pleasant! Have been doing business here for almost 10 years. Always a great sales and service experience.
Feb 26, 2026
Everything was top notch and ran as smooth as a
Everything was top notch and ran as smooth as a well-oiled locomotive. Two thumbs way up!
Kris Weah
Product Specialist
Apr 17, 2026
They gave me decent pricing initially, but then tried to
They gave me decent pricing initially, but then tried to say some add ons were mandatory (VIN etching for $500). They also tried to push higher interest rates on me at the end despite me qualifying for much better rates. They wouldn’t accept my outside lending and tried to pay me in cash to interest me in taking a higher rate loan to refinance later. It all seemed a little shady and I would be hesitant to deal with them. With all that said, Kris in sales was great to deal with and gave me all the info on the car upfront. All my main issues came once you moved past the initial salesperson into them trying to convince you to pay more for a car. The car I did end up buying at another dealership did not have any of these tactics and were a pleasure to deal with.
Apr 08, 2026
All salesmen and management were very helpful during our
All salesmen and management were very helpful during our car buying experience. We greatly recommend this dealership to anyone.
Jan 29, 2026
I had a great experience!
I had a great experience! From selecting a car online and checking availability, to a prompt follow up, quick time scheduled to come see the vehicle followed by a video provided by the salesman in advance. Then through the purchasing and financing stages, everyone was very kind and helpful!
Jan 19, 2026
Helped us get a deal done quick and easy without any
Helped us get a deal done quick and easy without any notice or warning that we were coming in.
Karman Roos
Cashier/Receptionist
Nov 10, 2025
Julia was great to work with!
Julia was great to work with! The crew went above and beyond to ensure I had a smooth transaction. Couldn’t be happier with the experience!
Christine Tapia
Parts Manager
Feb 26, 2026
Everything was top notch and ran as smooth as a
Everything was top notch and ran as smooth as a well-oiled locomotive. Two thumbs way up!
Rod Winklepleck
Corporate Director of Sales
Nov 25, 2025
Five stars all the way around!
Five stars all the way around! We had an exceptional end-to-end experience at Russ Darrow Kia of Waukesha. The initial Sales process was seamless and professional—thanks to the dedication of the entire team, including Ben, Gil, and Michael. The paperwork and financing with Ann was fast and transparent. Most recently, the Service department, led Assistant Service Manager Kaitlyn, proved to be truly outstanding. She handled my K5 vibration issue with effortless professionalism, providing proactive updates without being prompted. She treated a subtle concern seriously, moved quickly, and ensured I felt taken care of from start to finish. Kaitlyn's level of care sets the benchmark for service excellence.
