Ashley (L) and Brittany Hill

Once, many moons ago, among the snow-filled peaks of Aspen, a wise elder by the name of Klaus Obermeyer leaned close to whisper valuable words of advice to the Hill sisters. “You never sell a Jeep®, or shoot a horse.” He then threw his head back with a resounding chuckle. What the girls carried on from that encounter was truth. The legacy of Jeep runs true through generations of ownership. How inspiring it is to see heritage breathe life.

A Jeep driver is full of life. He is the one who wakes up on a frosty morning to take his coffee yellin’ “Woo wee, fresh powder on the driveway!” He will never trudge to shovel snow off the windshield. Among all Jeep drivers there remains a common thread, especially for the sisters. “Often times we are on opposite ends of the country, but at day’s end, we are working together with the muscle of all that Brand exemplifies,” said Ashley.

Jeep owners come together in always thinking creatively, speaking optimistically, and leading with their heart up the steepest mountain. “After traveling around the world in our Jeep, we have realized that this love reaches beyond the vehicle, it is shared through generations that create a legacy of heritage.” It is for this reason that the sisters embarked upon a journey from their birthplace to celebrate the 70th birthday of Jeep.

At the Jeep Cruise Night the sisters proudly displayed their 2000 XJ. “I lovingly care for my Flame Red Jeep. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to show my miles at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. When you drive a Jeep, you become part of an American legend,” said Ashley.

There they met Tom and his son Bill Haberkamp, who toured with the girls at Jeep Cruise Night. “It was a nice celebration, but we missed the cake,” said Ashley.

 

Bill Haberkamp

Tom’s father began their family tradition with Jeep after World War II, and now Tom has been with Jeep for over thirty years. But to Tom, it is more than just a job; it is a passion and a pastime. He currently works in the Jeep Product Planning department for Mopar, and Bill, is a new addition to Bestop. The Haberkamp team shares the Hill Sisters love for the history of the Jeep brand. “You never have to work a day in your life when you love what you do” said Brittany.

Ashley Hill and Tom Haberkamp

In a 1964 sunshine yellow CJ-6 Tom cannot be missed on his drive from Chrysler. He and his off-roading buddies always leave mud on the tires; a badge of honor for the terrain they have traveled.
Bill in his 1998 TJ is also not easily mistaken as his rig may change colors depending on his mood. What makes the duo a team is their combined mechanical expertise used in preserving the lifespan of their multiple Jeeps including a 1962 FC170 and 1969 Jeepster.

Together, we will celebrate 70 years of “having fun out there”, but as the sisters always say, “more adventures to come!”

Happy trails and happy birthday Jeep!