Lee Harkins - President and CEO
Lee began his career in the automotive industry as a parts truck driver and worked his way up through the ranks to parts manager, service manager, and service director to become one of the most desired management consultants in the industry. He brings 24 years of performance coaching and consulting experience, along with 10 years of retail management experience to our company. His client list reads like the "who's who" of the auto industry from manufacturers to individual dealerships. His innovative approach to the enhanced performance of his clients has earned him a well-respected reputation. Lee is an innovative performance enhancement coach, implementation coach and speaker. Lee has been a featured speaker at the NADA national convention for the past 8 years. |
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Dave Vaden - Executive Vice President
Dave has over 30 years experience in the automotive industry, with 12 years as a performance enhancement coach and implementation coach. Dave is a recognized speaker for many manufacturers and independent performance enhancement groups. His thought provoking presentations skills keep his audiences wanting more. He delivers with a touch of humor and plenty of "real world" experience. Dave's enthusiasm and passion for helping his clients improve their business earns him a busy travel schedule. |
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Rick Yanac - Executive Director
Rick is a management professional with over 25 years of experience working both sides of the management fence as a Parts Manager, and Service Director for many years, and also as a highly accomplished Management Consultant. |
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Charlie Waters - Division Manager
Charlie began his automotive career as a Technician in a Ford dealership in 1973. After 4 years, he became a Service Advisor and after another 4 years was promoted to Service Manager. He served in the Service Manager role for 6 years before being promoted to Parts & Service Director. Charlie served as Parts & Service Director for a total of 17 years, 12 years at the original dealership which became one of the largest Ford dealerships in Florida. He spent 5 more combined years at two other dealerships. During his dealership tenure, Charlie served on the Ford Service Manager’s Advisory Committee, and was highly recognized for his accomplishments in business growth and customer satisfaction. From 2003 until 2006, Charlie decided to learn more about the independent auto repair world, so he bought and operated a Goodyear Service Center. Charlie has also spent over 3 years as a Consultant/Trainer working in all brand dealerships ranging in size from 6-60 Technicians. Charlie brings a high level of expertise and enthusiasm to the M5™ Team. |
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Brian Hammerman - Division Manager
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Tim Harkins - Brand Manager
Tim studied Graphic Design in college and then moved on to founding a successful hobby website that evolved into the the largest of it's kind in North America. Since that time Tim worked for the largest telecommunications company in he US as a Support Supervisor. He now oversees most of M5's technology needs including our website, newsletter, video production, photography and graphics, and IT support for the entire staff. When an issue comes up Tim can "figure it out", as the team often says. |
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Jim Richter - Consultant / Coach
Jim is a management professional with over 40 years of experience working with Importers, Distributors, and Dealers in North America and Europe. Jim started with Volvo, moved onto Renault and then BMW when it was taken over from the Distributor. He was responsible for Fixed Operations Business Development for the private Mazda Distributor in the 1990’s and has extensive experience training District Managers as well as dealership personnel. He has been writing for Dealer Magazine since 2004 specializing in Parts Management. He has been in the Coaching/Consulting business since 1999 working in the Automotive, Power Sports, and Marine industries. |
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Bruce Gamble - Consultant / Coach
Bruce began his career sweeping the floors of Birmingham dealerships in 1968. In a short time Bruce moved through the ranks in parts and service and served in almost every position in the Fixed Operations Departments, including Fixed Operations Director. After serving 19 years in retail and 8 years as a Director, Bruce joined a consulting and training firm where he specialized in both service and parts consulting. Bruce has done work for nearly every product line. He has worked with many import manufacturers developing training and improvement strategies. |
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Jack Maddock - Consultant / Coach
Jack has been a professional consultant serving dealer clients in automotive and heavy truck dealerships for over 16 years. His expertise is in the Fixed Operations areas, assisting clients to maximize their success in their mechanical service, body repair, and parts department operations. He has worked for several nationally known and highly respected consulting firms such as Keith Ely & Associates, NCM Associates, MSX International, and Automotive Service Consultants. He is highly effective in the areas of profitability, productivity, expense control, process design/implementation, and selling skills. Prior to beginning his consulting career, he worked in dealerships for 25 years where he served as Fixed Operations Director and managed shops with staffs of up to 50 employees. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and has received numerous awards and national recognition for his performance both as a consultant and as a dealership director/manager. |
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Tom Walsh - Consultant / Coach
Tom began his retail automotive career as a porter at the largest Oldsmobile dealer in the US. During his time there, he advanced to dispatching, service writer and service cashier. Tom spent the next 9 years in both the fixed and sales side of the retail automotive business. In 1978, Tom went to work for Oldsmobile Division of General Motors. His 30 year career with GM was filled with a variety of field sales positions. The last 3 years were spent as a GM Service Development Manager. It was this job that not only gave him the most satisfaction, but also made him want to pursue a new career as a consultant/coach for M5 Management Services. Tom brings to M5 a vast knowledge of the automotive industry, and a passion for helping his clients. |
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Elizabeth Helsel - Consultant / Coach |
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Keith Joy - Consultant / Coach |
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Mike Diaz - Consultant / Coach |
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Joe Kacala - Consultant / Coach |
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Lisa Dennis - Executive Assistant
Lisa has over 24 years experience in accounting and office management. She managed her family business for 8 years and has spent the last 3 years as Accounting Manager in the automotive consulting industry. She is a team player and always willing to go the extra mile to get the task at hand accomplished. She and her family reside in the Birmingham area. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family at their lake home. |
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Chris Castillo - Lead Software Developer
Chris, a Florida-born, Alabama-raised 24 year old has 11 years of web and graphic design experience and five years of web application and software development experience. |
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Evan Washington - Software Developer
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