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Karen Chaney’s Retiring!

December 11, 2023
- MATS 101

Karen Chaney retires after 44 years of service!

Karen has worked with 3 generations of Nottinghams in Richmond, Indiana for each of the renditions of car companies they’ve owned and operated. From Fred First Ford to Covenant Auto to MATS, she’s seen and done a little bit of everything for the business – outside of mechanic and body shop work, of course. She began working with this company at 21 years old, but the job quickly became a lifelong career thanks to thoughtful leadership, family-like colleagues, and incredible clients. 

We asked Karen a few questions to mark her time with MATS.

Did you intend to work here until retirement?

I sure didn’t! Funny how time passes. I started working here when I was 21, and I’m not a person of change. I’ve lived in the area my whole life. This hasn’t just been a job to me; it’s been my career. (*tearing up) It’s made my life well; it supported me and my family well.

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to Tim, the best man I know, for 22 years; together we raised my daughter, Sara, who has a daughter of her own now, Makayla. (pictured top left) Tim and I love being Makayla’s grandparents; family is everything to us. My parents are also still alive, and I’m looking forward to spending even more time with them after retirement. (pictured top right)

What’s your role with MATS?

Well I started as a Title Clerk, but 44 years later I’m the Executive Administrator; I do everything post-sale to delivery, including arranging transportation for vehicles and working with our financing partners. I also handle furlough leases, helping folks who are temporarily in the States with their vehicular needs.

Okay, the classic car company question: Tell us about your favorite car!

My dad bought a 66 Ford Galaxie 500 from Fred First Ford before I was even driving. The Galaxie was passed through the family, and when it was my turn in high school, I paid a portion to call it “my car.” This was my first and favorite car! This photo was taken months before I started working for the Nottinghams; eventually, it had so much wear, tear, and rust that it had to be junked.