April 6, 2026 – Cedarburg, WI – After nearly four decades of handshakes, handwritten notes, and the steady hum of engines rolling off the lot, Robert “Spike” Ulickey is closing out a remarkable 37-year career at 5 Corners Chrysler Dodge Ram in Cedarburg.
After nearly four decades of handshakes, handwritten notes, and the steady hum of engines rolling off the lot, Robert “Spike” Ulickey is closing out a remarkable 37-year career at 5 Corners Chrysler Dodge Ram.
For Spike, the milestone feels less like an ending and more like a promise kept.
“My plan was to retire here, God willing. And God’s willing, I’m doing just that,” said Ulickey. “But it was all about the customers… taking care of them, and everybody doing the same thing together as one. And I couldn’t be happier.”
Spike began his journey at the dealership in 1989 at age 29, already seasoned in the car business after starting in 1985. What he found at 5 Corners was more than a workplace.
“The Five Corners experience is better than anything I’ve ever seen,” he said. “It’s a tight-knit family place.”
That family feeling is echoed by owner Roman Weninger, who reflected on both the dealership’s growth and Spike’s role in it.
“He worked at a store called North Shore Dodge… and Spike was a nice fit for us,” said Weninger. “At the time, 5 Corners was small with a three-car showroom and a small service department. Now it’s grown to a six-car showroom. It really has been one heck of a journey, and we’re proud to have Spike work with us.”
Weninger added, Spike’s contributions went far beyond sales numbers.
“Spike helped 5 Corners get the ‘Best-of-the-Best’ award two years in a row,” he said. “He was No. 1 in the state of Wisconsin in a Walk Around competition. He always took the lead. If it snowed, he was the first guy on the lot. These are small points, but important.”
Inside the showroom, Spike became something of a cornerstone — a constant presence as generations of employees and customers came and went.
“There was always a staple when you think of Five Corners… it was Spike,” said salesman Matt Demler. “He watched me grow up from a literal toddler to an adult, and now working here side by side with him… it’s just been an incredible experience.”
Spike’s approach to sales was straightforward, rooted in trust rather than tactics.
“When it came to sales, I was no BS kind of guy,” he said. “If I didn’t know the answer, I would get the answer. I took pride in knowing what the heck I was talking about.”
That commitment showed in the way he prepared, often spending extra time learning the ins and outs of each vehicle.
“I would literally go out in a vehicle for 20, 30 minutes a day until my brain hurt,” he said. “And just keep doing that till I knew what I was talking about with people.”
Customers noticed. Many stayed.
“I made a commitment to the customers,” Spike said. “I have fourth-generation customers out there. I don’t know how many salespeople can say that. I’m pretty happy about that.”
Demler said those relationships didn’t happen by accident.
“He was very good at customer retention,” said Demler. “He had a unique style where he really got to know his customers. He would send them birthday cards and anniversary cards — a handwritten letter or email. Little things went a long way.”
Shop foreman Randy Strupp said that authenticity made Spike stand out in a competitive business.
“Spike has been one of the greatest people here selling cars,” said Strupp. “Customers love him. He’s a great guy. He’s going to be truly missed.”
Beyond the sales floor, Spike’s personality left its own trail of stories — including a few unexpected additions to his household.
“Funny Spike story… he’s found no less than three cats at the dealership that are now his pets,” Eric Weninger said.
Spike laughed and offered a correction. “Probably 10 cats,” he said.
Now 66, Spike said retirement is about something simple: time.
“I can still do what I want to do,” he said. “It’s a quality of life that I just want to be able to do it more often… instead of always worrying about time.”
Still, stepping away won’t be easy for those he leaves behind.
“We’re not very happy he’s leaving,” Roman Weninger said. “Because we’re going to miss him. He’s a good friend of ours… an outstanding salesperson and a leader in many, many ways.”
As for Spike, he leaves with gratitude — and a lifetime of memories, from selling nearly a dozen cars in his first week to building relationships that spanned generations.
“It wasn’t easy. There were tough times,” he said. “But I never looked back. And I’m glad I did it.”
