2025 TDOY Nominee

Michael LaFontaine is one of a select group of 49 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 108^th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 25, 2025.

The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. LaFontaine was chosen to represent the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition — one of only 49 auto dealers nominated for the 56^th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide.

“At the heart of our success is a deep-rooted family philosophy, where personal connections are valued just as much as the vehicles we sell,” nominee LaFontaine said. “We believe in delivering more than just a transaction; we provide a personalized, memorable experience that fosters lasting relationships.”

LaFontaine launched his retail automotive career selling Volkswagens and Peugeots in the 1960s, solidifying his passion for the industry and laying the foundation for his future. In 1980, after years of hard work and dedication to learning the ins and outs of the business, he had the opportunity to purchase his own store.

With his beloved late wife, Maureen, LaFontaine founded his first dealership, a Toyota store in Dearborn, Michigan. “It was a risky move as we mortgaged our home to purchase the dealership in a challenging market dominated by Ford,” he said.

The two persevered through grit, determination, and by maintaining a hometown feel while delivering exceptional service, which became a hallmark of his company. They even personally visited homes in the dealership’s neighborhood to introduce themselves, promote their business, and try to change negative perceptions traditionally assigned to car salespeople.

Over the years, more dealerships were acquired and the company greatly expanded. Today, LaFontaine Automotive Group includes more than 55 retail franchises, 10 collision centers, and 41 retail locations across Michigan, employing more than 2,800 people.

“When you look back at our group’s history and growth, a lot of it has been done with small country stores,” LaFontaine said. “We seem to have a knack for taking a small operation, keeping that hometown feel, and expanding on it through our unique LaFontaine approach. As we continue to grow, we don’t do it for today, we do it for the future and to better serve our customers.”

And that legacy will be carried on by his family, as three of his children, Ryan (CEO), Kelley (vice president), and Christie (service manager), are the next generation to shepherd the auto group into the future.

As a recognized industry leader, LaFontaine has been a staunch advocate for his fellow dealers and has served on numerous dealer councils for the automakers he represents, providing real-time feedback and unique perspectives.

“My goal was to be sure the dealer voice was heard,” he said. “This collaboration was crucial in shaping policies and programs that aligned with the realities of day-to-day dealership operations.”

LaFontaine’s philanthropic efforts reflect his mission to value relationships over transactions. “We strive to create real, tangible change in people’s lives by helping to build strong, healthier communities and by supporting those who may not have had the same opportunities,” he said.

To that end, his grassroots marketing team works with each individual dealership to bring free events for families, fundraising opportunities for schools, and support for local charities directly to the community.

One important initiative is the U CAN-CER VIVE Foundation, a nonprofit created by two of LaFontaine’s children, Ryan and Kelley, to provide funding for cancer research. Since 2016, the group has raised more than $5 million for cancer research grants in the state of Michigan.

LaFontaine Automotive Group is active in more than 60 chambers of commerce, as well as Rotary Clubs, business associations, and more. The company donates to numerous organizations throughout Michigan and sponsors a variety of local events. A few of the many organizations the company supports through donations or volunteering include the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Angels of Hope, FOCUS Detroit, Suite Dreams Project, and Last Day Dog Rescue, to name a few.

LaFontaine was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by James Fackler, executive vice president of the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association. LaFontaine and his late wife, Maureen, have four children.