Matt and Christine LaFontaine commit $50,000 to establish the Matt LaFontaine Automotive Endowed Scholarship
The LaFontaine’s business philosophy is quite simple, they believe in hard work and integrity with everything that they do. Their goal of opening up their own dealership business was to take all of the great lessons they learned over their years in the business in lower Michigan and create an organization that both employees and customers could be proud of. “Our goal is to help get as many people as we can to places they might not be able to or believe they are unable to reach on their own. Teach them to dream bigger, to provide a great life for themselves and their families. Showing people the power of just being nice, dependable, and someone that their customers and teammates can depend on each and every day is a powerful lesson. “Make it Great, Make it Matter” is our slogan, and we strive to uphold that with everything we do.” Matt LaFontaine
“Being a part of helping others in partnership with Kirtland Community College is an opportunity that makes us very proud, especially in the field of skilled trades. We both know this is one of the most rewarding sectors in the United States and the programs that Kirtland has committed to are some of the best in the country and we are very excited to watch this grow.”
“We are committed to higher learning and have a passion for preserving one of the most important fields, skilled trades. Our country as we know it today was built by men and women in skilled trades, and we believe now more than ever the next generation of men and women will help us continue to innovate for our future. We are committed to Kirtland’s success and as we strive to do each and every day in our dealerships – Make it Great and Make it Matter”.
Matt and Christine are current owners of Matt LaFontaine Automotive Group established in May of 2016 and consists of three locations. Matt LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC in Grayling, Matt LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Grayling, and a third location, Matt LaFontaine Ford in Charlevoix.
In appreciation of their generous donation, Kirtland will be naming the Automotive Technology building in their honor and it will be known as the Matt LaFontaine Automotive Technology Center.