2023 Recipients

“I was in total shock when my name was announced as a winner of the Maureen LaFontaine Spirit Award. To be acknowledged by my peers was incredible and meant the world to me. It makes me proud to feel that I am making a difference in peoples lives every day. I have worked in dealership my entire career and have always been customer service oriented. If I an make someone’s day just a little easier by helping them out, then I have accomplished my goal. Maureen was a passionate, generous, giving person and I hope to continue in her ways every day. I am extremely proud to be a part of the LaFontaine Family and I am fortunate to be working for such a great organization” – Frank Dwyer, Facilities & Maintenance Manager

“To have received the Maureen LaFontaine Spirt Award is a HUGE honor to me. To be thought of amongst your peers as a person who demonstrates the characteristics of Maureen’s passion, determination, spirit and grit is truly humbling. But it’s honestly more than just that… Maureen was a pioneer in the industry, a leader, and she created who we are as a company- centered around family. She taught us life lessons- to never give up, stay true to who we are, and have fun along the way- “Stop and smell the roses” as she would say.  So to be nominated as someone who caries her spirit with you all daily is more than just an honor- it’s a privilege.  THANK YOU FAMILY. Love you more!” – Luke Field, General Manager, LaFontaine Lincoln Grand Rapids

“To me, the Maureen LaFontaine Spirit Award means keeping Maureen’s Legacy alive by exemplifying her spirit by carrying on her passion and heart, not only in the automotive industry, but in everyday life. Winning this award was one of the greatest honors I’ve received. By receiving this award it has made me feel more confident and reassured that LaFontaine is where I’m meant to be. Knowing that this award was decided by fellow co-workers give me confirmation that I am fulfilling my purpose at LaFontaine, and that what I do daily really does make a difference to the employees. To say I feel blessed is an absolute understatement.” – Lauren McCurry, Corporate Payroll & Benefits Manager

“This award means that I have been doing something right! I’ve always tried to give my best and go above and beyond what is required, but to be honest, after 12 years, I didn’t think I would get additional recognition for those efforts. I remember how Maureen would be adament about treating the customer like FAMILY and making sure that we, as employees, also exemplify that same spirit. Giving that little bit extra is what sets the LaFontaine Automotive Group apart from the rest. I thank everyone, especially the IT team, who nominated me for this distinguished award, and I hope that I continue to live up to what this honor represents and continue to treat everyone here like family.” – Lester Thomas, System/Network Administrator

“I am extremely honored to receive the Maureen LaFontaine Spirit Award. My goal every day is to contribute to a winning team and make a positive difference, however large or small. Receiving this award makes me feel like I have been able to accomplish this. We spend so much time together in the workplace and this recognition from my peers is very humbling. It truly takes a team to be successful and our team/family reinforces this every day. I appreciate this award and will continue to try to make a positive impact every day to the terrific team I am a part of.” – Dave Bell, Variable Manager, LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC St. Clair

“I felt deeply honored and grateful to receive an award this meaningful! It is already such an honor to work for an amazing company, but to be recognized for an award of this caliber is truly humbling. Maureen is an inspiration to all of us, she truly knew how to make people feel special in a way that made you feel part of the family.” – Viktor Vulaj, Cadillac Sales Manager

“This award is an absolute honor. To know that my peers think and feel that way about me is so heartwarming. I try so hard everyday to help my coworkers, departments, and even more sister stores. I have amazing leaders that I love dearly and a crew that is absolutely incredible! It has been such a privilege to work for this amazing company for almost 15 years now. To have such inspirational owners, especially Maureen (Such a strong, amazing, and absolutely empowering woman) it means the world! – Karrie Mason, Parts Manager, LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC

“There are not enough words in the English language to put what the meaning of this award means to me; I am forever grateful. Maureen is a true inspiration to many of the leaders across our company, and most importantly leading with your heart with everything that you do. This award has made me realize that truly putting my heart into everything that I do here has resonated with people around me, and the genuine care has contributed to the success we have day in and day out as a team. I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, and will continue to pour the spirit of this company into others around me.” – Dan Dimitrievski, Variable Manager, LaFontaine Buick GMC Dearborn

“I am proud to be a part of a company that recognizes their employees and makes each person feel like family. Surprised, yet honored, to be appointed by my peers whom I love working with each and every day! I am motivated to continue contributing to the success of LAG with this award. I am very grateful.” – Melissa Ziegler, Biller, LaFontaine Ford-Lincoln Flushing

“To be recognized by my peers is very special and humbling to me.  I did not get this award on my own; however, I’m surrounded by other winners daily who have been a mentor, a supporter, a foundation. I hope I can be the same to others.” – Lindsey McFarland, Corporate Business Manager

“Watching Maureen Lafontaine at all of 4’11 in a male dominated industry was very inspiring. I have been in this business since I was 19 years old and to be recognized by my peers is extremely flattering. I see myself as passionate about working for LaFontaine and treating this as it was my own company. I accept this award with pride and honor and will keep continuing to make Maureen proud.” – Stacey Baker, Controller, LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC and LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fenton