Meet Our Staff

Daenen Badie

General Manager

Daenen Badie | General Manager Specializing in: Dealership Operations, High-Performance Vehicles, and Customer Experience Advocacy 33 Years of High-Octane Leadership With over three decades in the automotive industry, Daenen Badie doesn't just manage Thomas Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram—he fuels it. As General Manager, Daenen has spent 33 years mastering every facet of the dealership experience. His philosophy is simple: Positive energy is fuel. Whether he is mentoring a new consultant or helping a long-time client exceed their own expectations on a deal, Daenen’s goal is to ensure every person leaves the showroom with a smile. A Verified Industry Expert Daenen is Manufacturer Certified in all aspects of dealership operations, from advanced inventory logistics to specialized automotive finance. His deep technical knowledge of the "Fast Stuff"—specifically the high-performance engineering of the Dodge SRT lineup and HEMI powerplants—makes him a go-to authority for enthusiasts looking for speed and precision. The Ultimate "Region Rat" A lifelong "Region Rat," Daenen’s roots in Northwest Indiana run deep. He understands the unique needs of drivers in Highland, Hammond, and beyond because he lives and breathes the local culture. When he isn't at the dealership, you’ll likely find him at the Comedy Shrine or Catch a Rising Star catching a set by Nick at the comedy club in Griffith. For Daenen, the "Region" isn't just a market—it's home, and the people here are neighbors first and customers second.

• • envelope
  • Daenenb@thomasautogroup.com
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• • phone
  • 2199246100

Frank Kowalski

General Manager

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  • Frankk@thomasautogroup.com
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• • phone
  • 219-924-6100

Brian Gain

Service Manager

Brian Gain | Fixed Operations Director With a career at Thomas CDJR dating back to 1994, Brian Gain is a pillar of the Highland, Indiana, automotive community. As the Fixed Operations Director, Brian oversees the service and parts departments with a "family-first" philosophy that has earned him over 370 five-star reviews from local drivers. A Legacy of Expertise in Northwest Indiana With 32 years of industry experience, Brian has seen the evolution of the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands firsthand. His "superpower" is creating a results-driven environment that never loses its personal touch. For Brian, every customer who walks through the doors at 9604 Indianapolis Blvd isn't just a client—they are part of the Thomas family. The "Region" Rooted Expert A lifelong resident of the area, Brian’s local authority is unmatched. He understands the specific maintenance needs of Highland and Lake County drivers, from prepping Jeeps for Indiana winters to keeping Durangos road-trip ready. *Local Favorite: When he isn’t at the dealership, you’ll find him competing as an amateur darts player in local leagues. *Personal Garage: Brian practices what he preaches, driving both a Dodge Durango and a Jeep Wrangler.

• • envelope
  • brian_gain@thomasautogroup.com
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• • phone
  • 219-924-6100

Nady Boutros

Finance Manager

Favorite Food: BBQ Ribs Favorite Vacation Spot: On a lake Favorite Sport: Football Favorite Sports Team: The Bears Favorite Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep Vehicle: Viper What inspires you? My kids Where would you most like to visit that you have never been to before? Hawaii

• • envelope
  • nadyb@thomasautogroup.com
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• • phone
  • 219-924-6100 ext 5250

Tim Kroll

Finance Manager

• • envelope
  • Timk@thomasautogroup.com
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• • phone
  • 219-924-6100 ext 5249

Jamison Teslow

Service Manager

• • envelope
  • jteslow@thomasautogroup.com
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• • phone
  • 219-924-6100

Robert Heady

Sales Manager

• • envelope
  • roberth@thomasautogroup.com
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• • phone
  • 219-924-6100