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Each year, the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce bestows the Bill Van Gieson Spirit of Calabasas Award upon a Chamber member to reflect their pioneering spirit, initiative, and outstanding contributions to the community in memory of Van Gieson, who is remembered for his creative leadership in developing Chamber activities.
Rick Bilgrien grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, where he lived until joining the Marine Corps in 1976. He pursued higher education, graduating from National University with a BA degree. He also completed training at the National Automotive Dealer Association Academy for Automotive General Management.
Rick began his career in the automotive industry in 1984 at a Chevrolet-Cadillac dealership in Janesville, Wisconsin. He later moved to San Diego where he worked for 26 years at Toyota and Lexus dealerships before retiring and relocating to La Quinta, CA as a General Manager.
In January 2022, Rick was approached to assist with the remodeling and opening of Cadillac of Calabasas. As the dealership’s first employee, he laid the foundation for its operations, working alone until July 2022, when the team began expanding. Today, the dealership boasts over 40 employees and continues to grow. Despite being a new dealership with a fresh team in an unfamiliar area, Cadillac of Calabasas has achieved the #1 spot in the Western Area of the United States several times since opening its operations.
Rick’s values align closely with those of the dealership’s owners. From the outset, they aimed to build strong community partnerships by investing in local relationships and earning trust. With significant support from the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, Rick and his team have fostered meaningful connections. The dealership’s June Grand Opening featured collaborations with local businesses, facilitated by the Chamber, creating a memorable event.
This year marks the third time Cadillac of Calabasas will participate in local events, further cementing its community presence. Rick is continually amazed by the warm reception from residents and the numerous opportunities to give back. The dealership has taken part in events such as the Chamber’s Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, International Tennis Tournament, Pumpkin Festival, Calabasas Golf Tournament, and senior-focused programs. The City has been highly supportive throughout the remodeling process, making Calabasas an inviting and favorable environment for new businesses.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rick enjoys football, baseball, hiking, and golfing. He has been married to Kristine Bilgrien for 38 years, and together they have a daughter, Erin.
Congratulations to Rick!