Gene Helmkamp graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1957. He graduated on the Dean’s List from SIUC with an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology. He proceeded on to one more year at SIU in Alton. Gene Served in the Army Reserves with an ES rating and trained in fixed-wing aircraft maintenance. He holds his ASE Master Technician and Advanced Technician certifications. He is also certified in various truck areas. He has been involved in several organizations at the church. He started the first workshop for HAS in late 1966. On April 1, 1967 Helmkamp Auto service was officially opened for business.

Janet Helmkamp was raised in Bethalto and graduated from Civic Memorial High School. When she was a freshman she started dating Gene Helmkamp, her husband since 1961. Together they have had three children: Todd, Wendy, and Mike. Both Todd and Mike have continued to assume more responsibility for the management of the business as Gene and Jan entertain retirement. Janet helped with the business’s bookkeeping, running errands and cleaning the shop. She is an active church and community volunteer.

Michael Helmkamp, being in and around HAS his entire life, has absorbed so much since he was able to spend time at HAS most days when he was younger. He started off sweeping and sorting parts as a boy. Mike has been an integral part of the business much of his life. He is ASE certified as a Master Technician and is certified in various truck categories and Parts. Mike is in charge of parts procurement, helps Todd and Gene with estimating, and helps make the day to day decisions. After graduating from Civic Memorial High School, Mike began working full time at HAS. Like Gene and Todd, Mike has attended many classes and seminars including some in management in California.

Todd Helmkamp attended Parks College, the aviation side of St. Louis University, receiving his Associates Degree and graduating with his ANP Certification. He continued college for one more year then started to work full time at HAS. He left HAS in 1995 to become a contracted instructor for AC-Delco. After a few years he was hired by AC-Delco and transferred to Service-Parts Operation in Grand Blanc, MI. He transferred back to the St. Louis Metro area in 2004 as an AC-Delco Sales Representative to suppliers. He later decided he would like to re-enter the family business and is now heading up the service side of HAS as well as sharing management duties.

Jeneane DeSherlia is married and has two sons. She was employed in the local banking industry and was a Real Estate Broker for 21 years. She has been at HAS almost three years working in the office with Jan. Jeneane developed the HAS newsletter sent out monthly, she shares accounting duties and also serves as receptionist.

MEET OUR ASE CERTIFIED TECHS:

Eric Bailey has been a solid, dependable employee and very likeable since he started working at HAS in May 1999. He attends classes and seminars that have become available for our technicians. He holds his Master Technician Certificate. Eric primarily works on larger vehicles including trucks, motor homes, and RV systems.

Rick Philips has been working at the shop since August of 1999. He is ASE certified in several fields. His primary work includes engine performance and electronics diagnosis, electrical, air conditioning and heating systems. His abilities and knowledge allows him to diagnose and repair most automotive problems.

David Jacquin is HAS’s newest technician. He attended Ranken Technical College from 2001-2003 receiving his Associates of Technology in Automotive Maintenance. He continued his education through ASE and Chrysler and Ford based training acquiring ASE Chrysler and Ford Certifications. Dave has gained experience working in dealerships, supervising for an automotive business and being shift foreman for a Ford dealer.