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 2023, 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 2023 Founders Award Recipients:
Michael Edgerton and Lynn Farlee
Michael Edgerton joined the Group in October 2018, as a Sales and Leasing Consultant at Kelley Chevrolet. Within his first few years, Michael was promoted to Sales Manager at Chevy and later moved to Kelley Buick GMC. Michael exhibited many attributes that make up the Founders Award criteria: excellent character, integrity, and committed to doing the right thing. Michael was the epitome of doing what was right even when it was hard. He never hesitated when it came to addressing the difficult topics especially when he was promoted to a management role. Michael was a proud leader and strived every day to be his best.
Michael’s love for his family overflowed into his professional life where many of his fellow co-workers became an extension of his family. Michael’s ability to find a commonality with anyone was unmatched. “Anyone who has ever met Michael would attest to his gift of getting to know anyone he crossed paths with, and he had this peculiar vibe about him that the moment you met him, you just knew he was good people. I knew right away that this is someone I would become good friends with.” said Paul Sparkman III, Buick GMC Sales and Leasing Consultant.
We unexpectedly lost Michael in March of 2023. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy continues with the unbreakable bonds he formed within Kelley and the permanent footprint he left behind that can never be erased. “Michael’s support and guidance was a cornerstone of the team, someone that his colleagues could always count on for anything.” said Brian Lytle, Vice President of Sales.
Kelley Automotive hopes this award illustrates to his loved ones how much we appreciated Michael and his service and dedication to his co-workers and the company.
Lynn Farlee has been part of the Kelley team since 2013 and currently is the Sales and F&I Assistant/Loaner Coordinator at Kelley Buick GMC. Lynn works tirelessly in support of The Dane Farlee Foundation which she created with her son, Dane. The Foundation launched in 2016 to raise money to support the children and families who seek care at Riley Children’s Hospital.
In 2018, the Foundation signed a direct fund at Riley Hospital for Children to fund the AED (Automated External Defibrillators) program to get devices into homes of children in need. The AED program provides in-home AEDs to high-risk kids when insurance denies the need for them. “Lynn’s dedication to The Dane Farlee Foundation will continue to change and help families in great need for many years to come.” said Stephanie Hartman, COO. The Foundation has raised nearly $100,000 for families over the last 7 years.
Lynn is not only committed to her work and company, but she is a devoted mother and an inspiration through her philanthropy.
Thank you, Lynn, for all that you do for the Group and our community! We honor you as a truly deserving Founders Award Recipient.