Today, we may be closer to an answer. We met this morning with Fixed Operations Manager, Fred Bartholomew and four of his managers from several of their dealerships, to see if there might be employment opportunities for our members. The conversation centered on Gettel’s business needs, and where the Academy might fit in to meeting those needs. It turns out, there are several potential opportunities for us to explore.

We think that our culture is unique in the business world, so it’s thrilling when we meet likeminded professionals who share our focus on kindness and service. Our visitors checked the boxes! When we met after their member-led tour, they were all smiles. One noted how happy our members seem to be.  Another commented on how smoothly the teams run, with members taking ownership of the projects they’re working on. They really seemed to get us!

There’s still work to be done. Those who know us well know that we are slow and thoughtful in our approach to building relationships. When we commit to something, we take that commitment seriously. The next step will be for us to tour several of their dealerships and see some of the potential jobs in action. Before we move forward, we will make sure that we can meet their needs effectively. Beginnings are exciting, and we approach the new year with hopeful optimism.

Pictured above are (left to right) Diane Beimann, Fred Bartholomew, Lou DeLong, Charley Rahe, Wendy Hernandez and Academy member Aaron Collmer.

We had a little surprise for him. Members Kevin Luckner and Ian Churchill presented him with an engraved clock with our words of gratitude, each of them taking a moment to share their recovery story and add their own personal words of gratitude. Ian concluded by inviting him to lunch and saying “you are one of us now.” We couldn’t be happier to add another seat at our table.

Pictured above are (left to right) Kevin Luckner, James Gettel and Ian Churchill.

We are honored to announced that Gettel Automotive Group has become our newest corporate sponsor. We would like to thank Chief Marketing Officer David Kelly and Public Relations Director Ellen Walther for spending the morning with us and learning more about the Academy. As they toured each of our teams – Culinary Arts, Business & Technology and Arts & Communications – it was clear that they “get us” by how engaged and inquisitive they were with members and staff. We share similar values of service, respect and quality. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Gettel Automotive president, Mr. Jim Gettel, and his team in the coming years.

In the photo above, Academy member Ian Churchill and our director, William McKeever, receive the check from the Gettel Foundation. Their generous $10,000 donation will take us even farther down the road to success, as it will be matched 1:1 by the Toyota Corporation! Wow! Their commitment to partner with the Academy as a corporate sponsor will definitely help drive our mission forward!