2024 Recipients

“I am beyond humbled and grateful to have received the Maureen LaFontaine Spirit Award. Days later, it still hasn’t fully sunk in. This award means so much. What an incredible team and family I’m fortunate enough to be a part of. I am so proud to be part of this amazing culture we have here, where hard work and heart are at the core of everything we do. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. You all make this journey so meaningful. This is a day I will never forget. Feeling blessed and truly fortunate.”

-Vedran Karahusic, General Sales Manager, LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth

“This award came as a pleasant surprise to me, as I have always believed in the principle that you receive in proportion to what you contribute. Growing up, I was taught the importance of hard work, striving for excellence, maintaining humility, and assisting others, knowing that these actions will eventually return to you. I am truly grateful for this recognition and feel fortunate to have such outstanding owners and exceptional teammates with whom I have had the privilege to collaborate over the years.”

-Ha Parrinello, Sales Professional, LaFontaine Honda Dearborn

“Winning the Maureen LaFontaine Spirit Award has been the best award I have ever received. It is truly amazing to see that my fellow employees actually love working with me day-to-day; that has been the best feeling in the world, because I truly love my job and working with this company! I never really got the chance to meet Maureen LaFontaine when to see her spirit and passion she had for this company, but I will continue on with what she laid down for us. I am grateful.”

– Nathan Stec, Service Manager, LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC Highland

“I am truly honored to receive the Maureen LaFontaine Spirit Award. This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the passion and love we bring to our work every day. To be associated with Madre’s legacy… her kindness, her dedication, and her unwavering spirit is humbling and inspiring. This award reminds me of how important it is to lead with kindness, dedication, and care – values that create a lasting impact on those around us, just as she did. I’m grateful to my amazing team and this incredible company for creating an environment where we can all thrive and make a difference. Thank you for this honor, It’s a moment I will always cherish.“

-Jason Fox, General Manager, LaFontaine Ford St. Clair

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude for recognizing me for the Maureen Spirit Award. It means a great deal to me, and I am truly honored. I was blessed with working alongside Maureen for many years. Her passion for giving back to the community was a true inspiration to me. I take Maureen’s Spirit with me in every community and dealership I work within. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for presenting me with this prestigious award. I am sincerely grateful for the recognition.”

-Quaila Riddle, Grassroots Marketing Manager, LaFontaine Automotive Group

“I am deeply honored to receive the Maureen LaFontaine Spirit Award. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to think of me for this. This recognition means so much, and it’s a reflection of the incredible support and encouragement I’ve been blessed to receive from all of you. Winning this award is truly humbling, and it reminds me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such an inspiring community. Thank you for believing in me and for celebrating the passion and dedication we all share. This moment will stay with me forever.”

-Nick Papcsik, Retail Development Manager, LaFontaine Automotive Group

“It’s almost impossible to put into words what it means to win the Maureen LaFontaine Spirit Award. Speechless, honored, and valued are the first that come to mind. This award has humbled me, and I feel so appreciated to be chosen to be nominated. LaFontaine Automotive Group has become more than just a job – it will be my career. My co-workers at LAG Development are my team, my backbone, and my work family. They are the reason I strive every day to work hard, encourage others, and help when needed. I am truly grateful and it’s a great reminder to push myself to be the best person I can be every day. This award is something that I will carry with me, always. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

-Rachelle Cress, Project Manager, LaFontaine Automotive Group Development

“As my wife, often quotes, “in a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind” – it is the premise behind this award. The award means the world to me. Maureen was incredible, she was kind, she commanded a room, she grew people, she loved people, and she held them accountable. You wanted to be your best when Maureen was around because that’s what she brought out in you. She lived her life in this order: Faith, Family, Friends… An order I strive daily to emulate. To be associated with her is an honor! God has given me a gift to love serving others, I love to build people up, to help them, to grow them. The award was so nice, but the words written on this plaque and spoken in front of my peers are truly priceless. To be recognized for this is a reflection of who I strive to be in this life, not for the recognition, but for the difference made. I want to love like Jesus does and make an impact like Maureen did! Thank you to those who nominated me, to those who encouraged me, and to those who have mentored me along the way!”

-Jason LaMirand, Retail Development Manager, LaFontaine Automotive Group

“It means the world to me to win an award in honor of someone as beloved and respected in both the LaFontaine family and this industry. I love the fact the Maureen LaFontaine Spirit Award is based on teamwork and helping others, rather than strictly sales. That is what separates LaFontaine from every other dealership I have ever worked for, they care about the people! This award truly makes me feel appreciated and loved. I really love helping others and doing anything that is needed. It really was the best day ever – I feel blessed to work with so many amazing people I now consider family!”

-Michelle Smithpeters, Controller, LaFontaine Automotive Group

“This means so much to me! I have enjoyed working with this family for many years now. To be nominated for a prestigious award such as this one, it makes working here that much more enjoyable. My peers are my people and I will continue to show up for work and enjoy my days with them. Thank you for this honor!”

-Harvey Hortick, Sales Professional, LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC Highland