This isn’t just another dealership in another town. This is our community too. We’re here for the long haul, and we’re proud to call Hastings home.”

Dominic Kielas, new general manager

Business Hours

ales hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Service hours run 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Both departments are closed on Sundays.

Hastings’ longtime Chevrolet dealership has entered a new chapter, bringing with it fresh energy, a customer-first philosophy, and local ties. The dealership, now operating as Tri River Chevrolet, is under new ownership and management, and its leaders are determined to reestablish the store as a reliable hometown option for both new and returning car buyers in Dakota County.
At the helm of the new operation is Hayes Piker, a veteran of the automotive industry with more than 30 years of experience. Originally from North Dakota, Piker now resides in Northfield and serves as the Director of Operations for the Marthaler Automotive Group, based in Red Wing. Through that role, he has helped grow the company’s reach across Minnesota and Wisconsin, recently adding new stores in Hutchinson and other communities. His latest acquisition brings the Hastings Chevrolet dealership into the fold, forming the foundation for Tri River Chevrolet.
The opportunity came about through a connection with the Valley Auto Group, which had previously owned the Hastings location. According to the new general manager, Dominic Kielas, the former owner had decided to scale back his operation and focus on fewer brands, particularly GMC and Buick. That downsizing created a chance for Piker and his team to step in and rejuvenate the Hastings store.
What attracted the new leadership team to Hastings was not only the brand familiarity but the personal connection to the area. Kielas, who previously lived in Cottage Grove and ran a successful Ford dealership in Sioux Falls, said the opportunity felt like a full-circle moment. He and his family are now in the process of moving back to the area, and his kids will be attending middle school locally.
“Professionally, it made sense,” he said. “Chevrolet is a brand we already do well with, and personally, it feels like coming home.”
But with new ownership comes change. While the staff has been fully retained and the dealership remains at its familiar location, Tri River Chevrolet is planning to overhaul much of how the business operates. The most immediate priority is inventory. When the new team arrived, they found a near-empty lot and minimal service operations. In response, they purchased over a million dollars’ worth of new inventory in the first week, with multiple truckloads already arriving on-site.
The goal is to meet community demand locally, without customers feeling the need to travel across the river or up to the metro for vehicle purchases or service. A core component of that strategy is a pricing model the company calls “Everyone’s Price,” which eliminates traditional back-and-forth negotiations. Instead of starting at MSRP and haggling, vehicles are listed at a competitive price upfront. The approach offers full transparency and aims to level the playing field for every customer, whether they are seasoned negotiators or first-time buyers.
One early customer, a local business owner with multiple service vehicles, saw firsthand how the new structure worked in his favor. After attempting to negotiate a vehicle under the previous pricing model, he ended up with a better deal under Tri River’s updated approach. “He appreciated the straightforward pricing,” said the Kielas, “and he knew he could send friends or neighbors here and they’d get the same fair deal.”
Tri River Chevrolet is also expanding its service department to include offerings such as local pickup and delivery for vehicles needing maintenance or repairs. The new team is working to make Hastings a one-stop destination for Chevrolet customers, both in sales and service. They’ve already begun discussions with the Hastings Rotary Club, the Journal and local radio station, with plans to launch a community-focused advertising campaign and get involved in local initiatives.
That community connection is personal for the leadership team. “When I brought my wife and kids into town, we toured the middle school,” said the Kielas. “We plan on living here, having our kids attend school here, and being part of what makes Hastings special.”
Facility upgrades are also underway. While the building is already in good shape, plans are in motion for lighting improvements and long-term expansion ideas. The dealership has retained the existing staff, all of whom live in or near Hastings, and the team is focused on delivering a personal, friendly experience where customers are known by name, not treated as just another transaction.
Hours remain consistent with past operations. Sales hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Service hours run 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Both departments are closed on Sundays. Customers can visit www.tririverchevy.com, which redirects seamlessly from the previous Valley Chevrolet web presence.
As Hastings continues to grow, Tri River Chevrolet is positioning itself not just as a car dealership but as a community partner. By offering competitive pricing, investing in the community, and committing to transparent, respectful business practices, the new leadership hopes to earn the trust of Hastings families.
“This isn’t just another dealership in another town,” said the general manager. “This is our community too. We’re here for the long haul, and we’re proud to call Hastings home.”