Two years ago, the Kelley Automotive Group created the Founders Award. This award was created in honor of our Founding members, Jim and Tom Kelley. Jim Kelley launched the Kelley family into the automotive industry 70 years ago. Tom has followed his father’s footsteps and expanded the Group to what it is today. Both Jim and Tom have lived their lives as key pillars in the Fort Wayne and Decatur, Indiana communities. Both Jim and Tom’s character, generosity and philanthropy are legendary.
The Executive Team created this award to honor, celebrate and recognize those employees who exhibit the much-admired attributes of our founders. For the entire year of 2021, the Executive Team collected submissions sent in by fellow co-workers and supervisors nominating individuals who embody the Founders Award criteria:
- Shows excellent character and integrity;
- Exhibits leadership, whether the role is formalized or not;
- Committed to serving others, both personally and professionally;
- An ambassador for Kelley Automotive on and off the clock;
- Truthful and honest in all his or her dealings;
- Maintains a positive attitude in all situations;
- Committed to “doing the right thing” and
- A model citizen and employee.
The Kelley Automotive Group and the Executive Team would like to formally announce and congratulate the 2021 Founders Award Recipients: Bob Cayot, Marcus Geers and Rob Miller.
Bob Cayot has been a Service Technician with Kelley Automotive for 34 years and has developed a loyal customer following. Bob is a true example of not only a leader within Chevy’s service department, but also an advocate for the customers. “Bob is always looking out for the customer and doing what’s right, every time,” said Steve Vachon, Service Director at Kelley Chevrolet. Bob is also known to go above and beyond within the shop even if that means staying late to guarantee a customer’s vehicle will be completed on time, always willing to help around the dealership whether that is to fix a tool, replace a belt on the roof or helping another technician. Bob has also been described as “patriotic” as he took it upon himself to be the gatekeeper of the American flag that flies high at Kelley Chevrolet. “He takes our flag down when it’s tattered and has it repaired. He puts it at half-mast and raises it to full-mast during the appropriate times,” said Vachon.
“Bob is a gifted technician who always works hard to fix the vehicles right the first time. He is more worried about doing what is right than his paycheck,” said Vachon. Bob is known to be an honest man and employee and expects everyone he works with to be as such.
Congratulations Bob on this well-deserved award!
Marcus Geers has been with Kelley Automotive for the last 11 years and has worked in various roles within the sales and service departments. Marcus now serves as the Service Manager for the Decatur campus. “He is compassionate to his co-workers and does the right thing when it comes to taking care of his employees,” said Rick Jones, Decatur’s Fixed Operations Director. Marcus not only cares for his employees, but that kindness is also extended to his community. Marcus enjoys discussing the automotive industry with members of his church, who in turn have entrusted Marcus to take care of them and their families when it comes to their vehicles. Marcus is also going into his ninth year as a Reserve Sheriff’s Deputy where he currently holds the captain rank. Marcus enjoys serving his community and living out his dream of being a law enforcement officer.
Aside from his responsibilities at Kelley, Marcus’ most important roles are being a husband of 12 years to his wife, Jennifer, and a father to their son, Laken. “Marcus is genuinely the most caring, selfless and amazing father, husband and friend you could ask to have in your life,” said Jennifer Geers.
Kelley Automotive is truly grateful to Marcus for his devotion and service to the Decatur community and our Company. Congratulations Marcus!
Rob Miller has been with Kelley Automotive since the acquisition of Tomkinson BMW in 2017. Rob’s role as the BMW Genius was the catalyst for introducing the concept of a Kelley Genius under every rooftop within the Group. Since Rob has joined the Group, he has proven to be a key asset in elevating customer experience for the entire group and is now the Product Training and Customer Experience Manager. Along with consistently thinking of new and innovative ways to stay ahead of the curve in the industry, he continues to be committed to “Team Kelley” and, “he always goes out of his way to be the best team member he can be,” said Stephanie Hartman, Chief Operating Officer.
Rob is not just committed to his role at Kelley, but he also is committed to his community in Huntington, IN. “Rob has a desire to make things better on a whole and on an individual level. He tries to see the potential in people and circumstances that arise. When he sees that something is broken, he wants to do his best to fix it,” said his wife, Diana Miller. Whether it is setting up a local recycling service, creating a program for customers to purchase goods at the local Farmer’s Market easier, or volunteering for many of the Company/community partnerships, Rob does not turn down a challenge for the greater good.
“The same passion he has for helping his community, I know he also has for his job. He wants to see the people around him to succeed and have them feel empowered in whatever they do,” said Diana.
Kelley Automotive is very proud of you Rob!
Please join the Executive Team in congratulating the Founders Award recipients for 2021!