Meet Our Staff
We strive to revolutionize the Fixed Operations industry through our passion and enthusiasm. We help our clients prosper through strategic innovation and custom solutions for their improvement.
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.
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.
Dave Vaden – Executive Vice President
Dave has over 40 years experience in the automotive industry, with 17 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.
Dave has over 40 years experience in the automotive industry, with 17 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.
David Dietrich – Vice President
David Dietrich has been working in the automotive fixed operation field for his entire career. As a subject matter expert and trainer, David has been able to share his working knowledge of the automotive industry with both his clients and co-workers. Starting as a certified technician, moving to advisor, warranty administration, service manager, fixed operations manager, GM and owner operator of a dealership has allowed for a complete experience in dealership operations.Experiences include – consulting, interactive satellite training (Ford Motor Company), group seminars, dealership evaluations, 20 group presentations, training material development, and development of special operating techniques used by most of the automotive manufacturers today. His clients come from within the 50 states, as well as an international market. David has been able to prove that you can have the best customer service and be extremely profitable as well.Working with individual dealers as well as some of the largest consolidators in the industry as UAG, AutoNation, and Go Auto Group in Canada, David has up to date experiences in the current dealership environment that allows for the consideration of all possible opportunities. David has been part of the development of the “On the Lane Training” for service advisors, as well as program development and facilitation for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi. David has been the national service management trainer for Ford and Chrysler in the USA as well as Canada.
David Dietrich has been working in the automotive fixed operation field for his entire career. As a subject matter expert and trainer, David has been able to share his working knowledge of the automotive industry with both his clients and co-workers. Starting as a certified technician, moving to advisor, warranty administration, service manager, fixed operations manager, GM and owner operator of a dealership has allowed for a complete experience in dealership operations.Experiences include – consulting, interactive satellite training (Ford Motor Company), group seminars, dealership evaluations, 20 group presentations, training material development, and development of special operating techniques used by most of the automotive manufacturers today. His clients come from within the 50 states, as well as an international market. David has been able to prove that you can have the best customer service and be extremely profitable as well.Working with individual dealers as well as some of the largest consolidators in the industry as UAG, AutoNation, and Go Auto Group in Canada, David has up to date experiences in the current dealership environment that allows for the consideration of all possible opportunities. David has been part of the development of the “On the Lane Training” for service advisors, as well as program development and facilitation for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi. David has been the national service management trainer for Ford and Chrysler in the USA as well as Canada.
Lisa Dennis – Comptroller
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.
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.
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 the 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.
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 the 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.
Joe Carroll – Division Manager
Joe started in the automotive industry in a parts department while attending high school. He graduated Wyoming Tech and was hired as a technician helper at Sewell Cadillac in 1985. Joe has worked as a technician, shop foreman, service advisor, service manager, collision manager, and service director. Joe was the first manager at Sewell to be nominated and win the “Extra Mile” award as a manager. He has worked at Cadillac, Buick, Hyundai, GMC, Chevrolet, Infiniti, Porsche, VW, Audi, and Saturn dealerships. Joe was living in New Orleans when Katrina hit; he was the last to leave the dealership and one of the first one back to rebuild and re-staff. Despite several offers from other dealerships outside the state, he stayed to help others rebuild and get back on their feet. Joe brings 30 plus years of automotive experience to our team.
Joe started in the automotive industry in a parts department while attending high school. He graduated Wyoming Tech and was hired as a technician helper at Sewell Cadillac in 1985. Joe has worked as a technician, shop foreman, service advisor, service manager, collision manager, and service director. Joe was the first manager at Sewell to be nominated and win the “Extra Mile” award as a manager. He has worked at Cadillac, Buick, Hyundai, GMC, Chevrolet, Infiniti, Porsche, VW, Audi, and Saturn dealerships. Joe was living in New Orleans when Katrina hit; he was the last to leave the dealership and one of the first one back to rebuild and re-staff. Despite several offers from other dealerships outside the state, he stayed to help others rebuild and get back on their feet. Joe brings 30 plus years of automotive experience to our team.
Kemp Evans – Division Manager
Kemp began his career in the automotive industry in 1985 as a Technician Apprentice in a General Motors dealership where he was promoted to a Line Technician just one year later. Over the next 15 years he progressed as an ASE and GM Master Certified Technician. In 2000, he worked as a Service Consultant at Capitol Chevrolet in Nashville, TN where he received numerous awards for exceptional Customer Satisfaction and GM’s Mark of Excellence. In 2003, Kemp was promoted to Commercial Truck Service Manager where he spent the next four years developing a successful business that exceeded six million dollars annually in labor and parts sales. In 2007, Kemp was promoted to Service Manager and remained at the same dealership for the next three years becoming the most profitable Service Manager within their automotive group. In 2010, he took the position as Fixed Operations Director for a Chevrolet-Cadillac store in Clarksville, TN. During his time there he received multiple awards from General Motors for outstanding performance in numerous areas. After three years Kemp was recruited by one of the largest automotive groups in North America as their Fixed Operations Director at one the largest General Motors dealerships in middle Tennessee. He spent the next several years growing their business which became one of the most successful fixed operations departments in the region. What makes Kemp unique is that he has worked his way through every position of a Fixed Operations department and brings 31 years and a wide range of knowledge and experience to the M5 team. He resides in Pensacola Florida along with his wife, Corina and daughters, Isabelle and Charli.
Kemp began his career in the automotive industry in 1985 as a Technician Apprentice in a General Motors dealership where he was promoted to a Line Technician just one year later. Over the next 15 years he progressed as an ASE and GM Master Certified Technician. In 2000, he worked as a Service Consultant at Capitol Chevrolet in Nashville, TN where he received numerous awards for exceptional Customer Satisfaction and GM’s Mark of Excellence. In 2003, Kemp was promoted to Commercial Truck Service Manager where he spent the next four years developing a successful business that exceeded six million dollars annually in labor and parts sales. In 2007, Kemp was promoted to Service Manager and remained at the same dealership for the next three years becoming the most profitable Service Manager within their automotive group. In 2010, he took the position as Fixed Operations Director for a Chevrolet-Cadillac store in Clarksville, TN. During his time there he received multiple awards from General Motors for outstanding performance in numerous areas. After three years Kemp was recruited by one of the largest automotive groups in North America as their Fixed Operations Director at one the largest General Motors dealerships in middle Tennessee. He spent the next several years growing their business which became one of the most successful fixed operations departments in the region. What makes Kemp unique is that he has worked his way through every position of a Fixed Operations department and brings 31 years and a wide range of knowledge and experience to the M5 team. He resides in Pensacola Florida along with his wife, Corina and daughters, Isabelle and Charli.
Jeff LaMott – Division Manager
Jeff has spent his entire adult life in the car business. He began mounting tires for Montgomery Ward as a high school job and was eventually promoted to Service Advisor. It was there that he realized his passion for the business. In 1988 Jeff moved into his first dealership job as a Dispatcher for a large Chevrolet store in Burnsville Minnesota. It was there that he realized the effect that structure and organization could have on shop productivity. Since then, Jeff has held positions as Service Advisor, Service Manager, Service & Parts Director and Corporate Service Director. He was experience with Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW. Jeff served as President of the Twin Cities Service Managers Group in Minneapolis & St. Paul Minnesota, he served as Business & Education Committee Chair for Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) programs in both Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota, he worked on the Advisory Committee for Osseo High School’s Automotive Program and has been asked to speak multiple times for the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Automotive Program. Jeff lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis Minnesota with his wife Amie and three sons. Jeff enjoys riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, fishing, hunting and camping. Jeff brings over 30 years of Fixed Operations experience to the M5 team.
Jeff has spent his entire adult life in the car business. He began mounting tires for Montgomery Ward as a high school job and was eventually promoted to Service Advisor. It was there that he realized his passion for the business. In 1988 Jeff moved into his first dealership job as a Dispatcher for a large Chevrolet store in Burnsville Minnesota. It was there that he realized the effect that structure and organization could have on shop productivity. Since then, Jeff has held positions as Service Advisor, Service Manager, Service & Parts Director and Corporate Service Director. He was experience with Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW. Jeff served as President of the Twin Cities Service Managers Group in Minneapolis & St. Paul Minnesota, he served as Business & Education Committee Chair for Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) programs in both Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota, he worked on the Advisory Committee for Osseo High School’s Automotive Program and has been asked to speak multiple times for the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Automotive Program. Jeff lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis Minnesota with his wife Amie and three sons. Jeff enjoys riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, fishing, hunting and camping. Jeff brings over 30 years of Fixed Operations experience to the M5 team.
Adam Wright – OEM Project Manager
Adam began his career in the automotive industry as a file clerk in 1995 and worked his way up through the ranks. Spending time as a lot porter, assistant service advisor, service advisor and customer relations manager he has experienced all aspects of a dealership. Working through school while attending the University of Central Florida where he graduated summa cum laude earning a BSBA in Economics, a BSBA in Finance and a Masters in Business Administration he gained a thorough understanding of how a dealership runs. He also spent several years as a service manager for Cintas, bringing an expertise of the uniform industry to M5. Adam brings a high level of intensity and a broad spectrum of experience to the M5 team.
Adam began his career in the automotive industry as a file clerk in 1995 and worked his way up through the ranks. Spending time as a lot porter, assistant service advisor, service advisor and customer relations manager he has experienced all aspects of a dealership. Working through school while attending the University of Central Florida where he graduated summa cum laude earning a BSBA in Economics, a BSBA in Finance and a Masters in Business Administration he gained a thorough understanding of how a dealership runs. He also spent several years as a service manager for Cintas, bringing an expertise of the uniform industry to M5. Adam brings a high level of intensity and a broad spectrum of experience to the M5 team.
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.
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.
Julian Armijo – Consultant / Coach
Julian began in the automotive field in 1995 when he took a job as a call center phone tech for one of the largest aftermarket automotive retailers in the country while attending Devry University, Phoenix. After 2 years of working his way thru the ranks to call Center Manager and District Trainer he decided his career path was in management and the automotive industry fit the profile. He moved back to his home town of Albuquerque to be a Parts Counter Associate for the same company. Within a few months he was promoted again to management. After successfully stepping thru the management ladder and becoming one of the “fix it store manager” for the company he moved on thru to District Sales Manager positions both in Albuquerque and Phoenix. During a standard repair visit to a dealership he was offered a job as an advisor and accepted. But as it turns out he was once again promoted to management after 2 months of employment. After 1 year of growing the Quick Lane business over 300% he would spend the next seven years as Operations Manager and then the Service Manager of one of the largest Ford Dealers in the Phoenix Region. Julian is highly technical and enjoys teaching and helping others to achieve their goals.
Julian began in the automotive field in 1995 when he took a job as a call center phone tech for one of the largest aftermarket automotive retailers in the country while attending Devry University, Phoenix. After 2 years of working his way thru the ranks to call Center Manager and District Trainer he decided his career path was in management and the automotive industry fit the profile. He moved back to his home town of Albuquerque to be a Parts Counter Associate for the same company. Within a few months he was promoted again to management. After successfully stepping thru the management ladder and becoming one of the “fix it store manager” for the company he moved on thru to District Sales Manager positions both in Albuquerque and Phoenix. During a standard repair visit to a dealership he was offered a job as an advisor and accepted. But as it turns out he was once again promoted to management after 2 months of employment. After 1 year of growing the Quick Lane business over 300% he would spend the next seven years as Operations Manager and then the Service Manager of one of the largest Ford Dealers in the Phoenix Region. Julian is highly technical and enjoys teaching and helping others to achieve their goals.
Bill Durham – Consultant / Coach
Bill ‘s 39 year automotive career, after graduating NW Technical Institute, includes being an automotive technician for Honda, Nissan, and Mercedes, then multiple import models after becoming co-owner of an import repair shop. He moved into management at age 27 where he became a Toyota, BMW, and Subaru service manager, and a Buick/ GMC Parts and Service Director. Bill started the Arkansas Parts and Service Managers Club, belonged to The Gulf States Service Management Performance Group, and served on the National Dealer Fixed Operations Advisory Board. He has been recognized and received numerous awards for his top job performance in customer satisfaction and sales goals, while bolstering employee morale and promoting team building. He believes when employees and departments cooperate and work well together, more overall goals can be achieved. Bill and wife, Barbara, reside in Arkansas and have 2 adult children, Chelsea and Bradley, and 3 grandchildren. His other passions include mountain bike riding, and playing guitar and keyboard. In 2014 the Durham’s along with another family founded a non-profit organization called United We Dance NWA, which are free dances and yearly formal for adults with disabilities, that Bill is DJ of.
Bill ‘s 39 year automotive career, after graduating NW Technical Institute, includes being an automotive technician for Honda, Nissan, and Mercedes, then multiple import models after becoming co-owner of an import repair shop. He moved into management at age 27 where he became a Toyota, BMW, and Subaru service manager, and a Buick/ GMC Parts and Service Director. Bill started the Arkansas Parts and Service Managers Club, belonged to The Gulf States Service Management Performance Group, and served on the National Dealer Fixed Operations Advisory Board. He has been recognized and received numerous awards for his top job performance in customer satisfaction and sales goals, while bolstering employee morale and promoting team building. He believes when employees and departments cooperate and work well together, more overall goals can be achieved. Bill and wife, Barbara, reside in Arkansas and have 2 adult children, Chelsea and Bradley, and 3 grandchildren. His other passions include mountain bike riding, and playing guitar and keyboard. In 2014 the Durham’s along with another family founded a non-profit organization called United We Dance NWA, which are free dances and yearly formal for adults with disabilities, that Bill is DJ of.
Joe Keagy – Consultant / Coach
Joe has been an automotive industry professional for over 30 years. Joe started in the industry at the age of 20 as a Service Advisor for a large Automotive Group in Pennsylvania. There he earned top honors in CSI and built a large customer base by creating relationships and building trust with his customers. After ten years as an Advisor, Joe was promoted to Service Manager at the same store. At this store he developed advanced production techniques including but not limited to the four day workweek for both technicians and Advisors. This allowed for increased stall utilization and profits. Joe continued to grow his department for ten years until he decided to seek more challenges. Since then he has worked for two large dealer groups, excelling in the performance of each department. Joe is a graduate of NADA Dealer Academy and The Dale Carnegie Academy. Joe is looking forward to sharing his insight and best practices with you throughout evaluation, process improvement and training. Joe lives in the Philadelphia Suburbs with his wife of 25 years and two children. He enjoys Football and is an active Youth Leader in his church.
Joe has been an automotive industry professional for over 30 years. Joe started in the industry at the age of 20 as a Service Advisor for a large Automotive Group in Pennsylvania. There he earned top honors in CSI and built a large customer base by creating relationships and building trust with his customers. After ten years as an Advisor, Joe was promoted to Service Manager at the same store. At this store he developed advanced production techniques including but not limited to the four day workweek for both technicians and Advisors. This allowed for increased stall utilization and profits. Joe continued to grow his department for ten years until he decided to seek more challenges. Since then he has worked for two large dealer groups, excelling in the performance of each department. Joe is a graduate of NADA Dealer Academy and The Dale Carnegie Academy. Joe is looking forward to sharing his insight and best practices with you throughout evaluation, process improvement and training. Joe lives in the Philadelphia Suburbs with his wife of 25 years and two children. He enjoys Football and is an active Youth Leader in his church.
Mark Guido – Consultant / Coach
Mark began his career out of technical school in 1992. He was recruited by the Goodwrench Quiklube Plus program at an Oldsmobile dealership. He progressed to be Line Technician, Service Advisor, and eventually became a Service Manager at the age of 24. Mark worked in Florida for most of his career and oversaw 7 stores as their Fixed Operations Director. Eventually Mark went to manage a Toyota dealership where he was asked to help rebuild the dealerships Fixed Operation structure and culture. After the first year there, the dealership received the President’s Award, Service Excellence, Parts Excellence, and Customer Service Excellence awards from Toyota. Eventually the store received the Owner First Award for outstanding Service Department and the President’s Cabinet Award which is one of only 12 in the nation and highest recognition a Toyota store can receive. Mark credits this to his team and their hard work to achieve this honor. Mark now lives in Greensboro, NC with his wife Melissa and daughter Olivia. When at home he enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid cyclist and follows Formula 1 racing.
Mark began his career out of technical school in 1992. He was recruited by the Goodwrench Quiklube Plus program at an Oldsmobile dealership. He progressed to be Line Technician, Service Advisor, and eventually became a Service Manager at the age of 24. Mark worked in Florida for most of his career and oversaw 7 stores as their Fixed Operations Director. Eventually Mark went to manage a Toyota dealership where he was asked to help rebuild the dealerships Fixed Operation structure and culture. After the first year there, the dealership received the President’s Award, Service Excellence, Parts Excellence, and Customer Service Excellence awards from Toyota. Eventually the store received the Owner First Award for outstanding Service Department and the President’s Cabinet Award which is one of only 12 in the nation and highest recognition a Toyota store can receive. Mark credits this to his team and their hard work to achieve this honor. Mark now lives in Greensboro, NC with his wife Melissa and daughter Olivia. When at home he enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid cyclist and follows Formula 1 racing.
John Beel – Consultant / Coach
John began his career in an automotive dealership by washing cars in high school, then spent 7 years in the Navy as a Seabee and at the Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Illinois. Between his two tours with the Navy and attending college, he sold cars. After leaving the Navy, John worked as a contract supervisor with several large industrial cleaning and maintenance organizations for a number of years. He then went back to his roots in the automotive industry, applying his hands-on customer service approach and management skills in the position of Fixed Operations Director for the next 23 years with a multi-store dealer group. This group included Buick, GMC, Toyota, Scion, Nissan, Mazda and Hyundai. John has received many awards over the years for outstanding performance in Service, Parts and Customer Service. These awards were a direct reflection of his philosophy of “Just do the right thing”. He has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Service Managers, which has provided him the opportunity to engage with other managers to solve issues on a national level. John is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, resides in Port Orange, Florida with his wife of 33 years, and enjoys visits with his two adult children in Chicago and South Florida. John is also a scuba-diver, runner, and enjoys home improvement projects.
John began his career in an automotive dealership by washing cars in high school, then spent 7 years in the Navy as a Seabee and at the Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Illinois. Between his two tours with the Navy and attending college, he sold cars. After leaving the Navy, John worked as a contract supervisor with several large industrial cleaning and maintenance organizations for a number of years. He then went back to his roots in the automotive industry, applying his hands-on customer service approach and management skills in the position of Fixed Operations Director for the next 23 years with a multi-store dealer group. This group included Buick, GMC, Toyota, Scion, Nissan, Mazda and Hyundai. John has received many awards over the years for outstanding performance in Service, Parts and Customer Service. These awards were a direct reflection of his philosophy of “Just do the right thing”. He has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Service Managers, which has provided him the opportunity to engage with other managers to solve issues on a national level. John is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, resides in Port Orange, Florida with his wife of 33 years, and enjoys visits with his two adult children in Chicago and South Florida. John is also a scuba-diver, runner, and enjoys home improvement projects.
Marc Harris – Media Systems Manager / IT Director
Marc has been simplifying the process of building and maintaining websites for a wide range of clients since 1998. He made a transition from performing with country artists in the nineties, to building Keith Urban’s first website, producing an enhanced CD for Kenny Rogers and creating multimedia productions for DreamWorks Records. His solid start with digital media led to website design and consulting for businesses of all kinds. From Microsoft software partner Junction Solutions, to restaurants, real estate and the trucking industry, Marc enjoys learning the nuance of diverse companies and finding common denominators in design and functionality that create engaging digital media.
Marc has been simplifying the process of building and maintaining websites for a wide range of clients since 1998. He made a transition from performing with country artists in the nineties, to building Keith Urban’s first website, producing an enhanced CD for Kenny Rogers and creating multimedia productions for DreamWorks Records. His solid start with digital media led to website design and consulting for businesses of all kinds. From Microsoft software partner Junction Solutions, to restaurants, real estate and the trucking industry, Marc enjoys learning the nuance of diverse companies and finding common denominators in design and functionality that create engaging digital media.