In an industry heavily influenced by personal relationships and trust, it
is no wonder that fleet — which offers an endless buffet of employment
opportunities — is home to so many families.
By Grace Lauron
A
fter an inquiry to several leasing companies,
Automotive Fleet discovered approximately
100 fleet individuals who worked together
were related — just within the scope of eight fleet management companies! AF took a closer look at several
of these mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, siblings, and
married couples — a clear indication that fleet is definitely a family affair.
‘The More the Merrier’
Gary Tepas (L), chairman of Emkay, has worked in fleet for
35 years. As the first generation of fleet in his family, Gary
influenced his sons Greg (standing) and Chris to join the
company. “We enjoy the opportunity to spend more time
together and share the successes in our work lives within
a personal environment,” said Greg, who serves as Emkay
CEO. “We have had to learn to communicate on multiple
levels that a typical family doesn’t,” said Chris, exec. VP.
Motorlease is a three-generation family. Dan Leary, Sr. (top photo, right)
was one of its founders. Today, the company is run by the third generation of Learys. Jack Leary (R) serves as Motorlease president, while sister Beth Kandrysawtz is CFO and VP of finance. Their father, Dan Leary,
Jr., retired in 1994, but is still a member of the board of directors and
active in decision-making.“What more rewarding thing can there be in
professional life than to share your success within your own family?”
said Jack. The Learys were awarded 2008 “Family Business of the Year”
by the University of Connecticut School of Business.
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AUTOMOTIVE FLEET / May 2008
(L-R) Mary Santoni and Jeff, Michelle, and Ron Speranzella
are members of the PHH Arval family. Mary retired in 2000,
but her sons and daughter-in-law still work for the company.
“Based on our diverse skill sets, the three of us combine
knowledge to decide what vehicles present the best choices
for our personal needs,” said Ron. “It has its perks. You can
go up to their desk and bug them,” joked Michelle.
‘Full House’
Family
A full fleet family list would probably take an entire
issue. Though not everyone is featured, AF would like
to acknowledge other prominent industry families. A
family reunion could possibly be in the works!
(Please let us know if you’d like to be included.)
• The Betagole Family (Mike Albert Leasing)
• Al (past NAFA President ) & Bob Cavalli (Voyager)
• Elaine, Jim, & Dan Frank (Wheels)
• Mike & Sheri Hardesty (Mike Albert Leasing)
• Joe & Mindy Holman (ARI)
• Clyde & C.J. Sutton (Sutton Leasing)
Bobit’s own
family members:
• Ed & Ty Bobit
• Sherb & Bob Brown
(Right photo) Ron Mawaka (R) and son
Scott are the driving force behind Fleet
Response. Chairman and CEO, Ron began
the family-owned and operated business
while working as a manufacturer’s sales
representative. He recognized the recurring need in the fleet industry for a rental
solution and started Rental Concepts,
Inc. (RCI), which later evolved into Fleet
Response.
Scott joined his father at RCI in 1989 as
an account executive. He has held several
positions with the company and today
serves as president and COO of Fleet Response.
“Fleet has been and will continue to rely upon relationships. It’s the people who make this industry what it is
today,” said Ron. Ron Mawaka, Jr. (inset) also works at
Fleet Response as salvage coordinator.
Rene Friedrichsen (L) worked at GE Fleet Services with now-brotherin-law Jason Groth before recommending sister Candice for a job.
“Fleet is an awesome place to work, so naturally I would want a
family member to have the same job satisfaction as I do,” said Rene.
“I sat across from Rene and she still introduced me to her sister!”
said Jason, married to Candice seven years. “It’s a solid industry with
numerous opportunities for every personality,” said Candice.
Lori Scott (L) and her sister Donna Heckathorn (R) followed
in the footsteps of their mother Evelyn Curtian. Though Evelyn
retired after 30 years in fleet, she still consults for PHH Arval.
“When you have a bad day, family is more sympathetic,” said
Evelyn. “I know I can always rely on one of them,” said Lori.
“Mom has a great reputation here. It’s very challenging because we has some really big shoes to follow,” said Donna.
AUTOMOTIVE FLEET / May 2008
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‘Married to the Job’
“My wife can really appreciate what I
go through every day at work because
she is there experiencing the same
thing,” said Mark Ackerman (LeasePlan). “It’s nice to have someone know
what your work is all about,” said Lisa.
Steve Eggert was at GE Fleet Services 20
years before wife Jeanne. “Fleet is a relationship business. We like interaction and
gravitate to those like us,” said Steve. “It’s
easy to connect with people here and
begin relationships,” said Jeanne.
“It’s a rewarding industry,” said Josh
Grove, who has worked with wife Julie
at Donlen more than eight years. “It’s
nice to have someone who completely
understands what you do and how you
do it,” said Julie.
Miguel & Donna Izaguirre have been at
LeasePlan for 19 years. “This industry
is part of our life together,” said Miguel.
“It is the norm for us,” said Donna, who
feels fleet offers growth and stability.
Paul Ciccarelli (Donlen) has always had
a passion for the industry, and his wife
Cheryl was excited to join him. “We can
talk business and know what the other is
really talking about,” said Paul.
“Fleet is like a good product you will
always recommend,” said Slawek Cepiel
(Donlen). “Working together has definitely strengthened our relationship,”
said Cepiel’s wife, Mila Stryjecka.
‘Sibling Harmony’
Sisters Jackie Harris (L) & Kim Sweeney
are account consultants for PHH Arval.
“The business continues to change
and we are able to share our knowledge and experiences,” said Jackie.
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AUTOMOTIVE FLEET / May 2008
“PHH Arval was my first ‘real’ job,” said
Michelle Paetow (L), who was recruited
by sister Linda Wagner. “I am so happy to
have my sister working here,” said Linda.
Merchants’ Robert (inset) and Gary
Singer “work together for a common
goal,” said Gary. “Together we can succeed in such a way that individually we
cannot,” said his brother, Robert.
‘The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far’
“I’m fortunate to have a daughter successfully involved in today’s industry,”
said Dan Wills, Loren Auto Group. “The
fleet industry started as a family business and continues to be an accepting environment for relatives to work
together,” said Elizabeth Wills (Donlen).
Dave Lodding (Donlen) and son Matt are
exactly 17 years apart in fleet. “This is a
great industry that offers opportunities
if you have the drive and desire,” said
Dave (R). “Working with a family member
towards a common goal provides additional motivation,” said Matt.
Mark (L) & Adam Orth enjoy working at GE Fleet
Services together. “My son sees the passion others and myself have for the business,” said Mark.
“This industry requires knowledge and passion,
something family members can relate to prior
to working together,” said Adam.
Jill Reichow (L) attributes her career in
fleet to mother Joyce, who has been at
GE Fleet Services for 28 years. “There
are so many places to go within fleet,”
said Jill. “This is an exciting industry all
age groups can relate to,” said Joyce.
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AUTOMOTIVE FLEET / May 2008
Stephanie Kell (L) and aunt Karen
Wardell are out-of-stock buyers at GE
Fleet Services. “Stephanie is a hard
worker, but makes work a lot of fun,”
said Karen. “I feel I have someone I can
go to who is always supporting me,”
said Stephanie.
Pam Buchanan (R) has been in fleet 30 years. Her daughter J’Nai
joined her at GE Fleet Services four years ago. “I am delighted to
have my daughter at GE and see her grow in the industry,” said
Pam. “Her knowledge of the fleet business has really helped me
grow and learn at the company,” said J’Nai.
“It’s nice to go to my mother to keep
me updated with work-related changes,”
said Rhonda Sundblad (R), who works
with mother Kathy Heishman in national
accounts at Donlen. “It’s an interesting
business,” said Heishman.
“Learning the business and the company as a whole” is a great experience
LeasePlan’s Felicia Thurmon (L) can
share with daughter Alicia Palmer. “I enjoy it,” said Alicia. “It gives us a chance
to learn from each other.”