In 2020 the Executive Team created the Founders Award to honor, celebrate and recognize those employees who exhibit the much-admired attributes of our founders, Jim Kelley and Tom Kelley. For the entire year of 2022, the Executive Team collected submissions sent in by fellow co-workers and supervisors nominating individuals who embody the following 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 2022 Founders Award Recipients:
Brian Glass and Elizabeth Ebnit
Brian Glass joined the Group when his previous employer was acquired by Kelley 27 years ago. Brian has been an active detail manager throughout his tenure. He is committed to Kelley and the work he does for 14/69 Supercenter. Brian is dedicated to his family and friends as well as to our customers, employees, and his community. Long time co-worker, Kim Raber, stated, “Brian has a willingness and heart for serving others, he is always available, personally and professionally, when others need help.”
In 2021, Brian created his own charity, Pedals of Hope. Brian’s original mission was to provide 50 bicycles to children throughout Fort Wayne for Christmas. Brian worked long days and nights collecting donated bicycles as well as cleaning and repairing them. His hard work sparked interest from local churches which in turn helped Brian be able to deliver 105 bikes that year. With the success of the previous year, Brian decided to continue his journey of giving back. This year 136 Fort Wayne children received a bike under their tree.
Thank you, Brian, for all that you do for Kelley and the community! We honor you as a truly deserving Founders Award Recipient.
Elizabeth “Liz” Ebnit has been with Kelley for the last 32 years assisting service departments in various capacities. Liz currently is the warranty administrator for Kelley Buick GMC and is dedicated to her job and the Company. There isn’t a company event or contest that you won’t see Liz helping or participating in. She is the epitome of Kelley Spirit and is someone who truly cares about her fellow co-workers by volunteering as a first responder in time of need. “I have worked with Elizabeth for the last 14 years and she has always shown a positive professional attitude and willingness to help wherever she is needed. Numerous times where there has been a medical issue with one of the employees or customers, she has proven to be invaluable,” said Neil Farley, Buick GMC Service Director. Along with her work as a warranty administrator, Liz is also a volunteer medic for the Aboite Fire Department.
Liz volunteers her time to save lives and to make sure our community remains safe. In 2013, Liz received the Above and Beyond Call of Duty award for her continuous efforts. According to the Aboite Fire Department, Liz was selected based on her “work ethic, positive attitude and commitment to the Department as well as the Aboite Township community,” all attributes that she exhibits at Kelley.
Liz, thank you for your commitment to Kelley and to your community! You are an inspiration to us all and worthy beyond measure of this honor.
Please join the Executive Team in congratulating the Founders Award recipients for 2022!