Dan Minner
Toyota of North Austin
This is a kid and his mom who lived wherever they could find an empty room, ate government cheese, lived on food stamps and free lunches. This kid went to 12 different schools and often walked to a school outside of his own so he could eat on the summer free lunch program.
The kid is me, Dan Minner, and this is why I am a supporter of Kids’ Meals.
Holly Kaminga
Sterling McCall Honda
I love volunteering in almost any capacity, but my favorite is anything involving children. I love the opportunity to give back to the kids in my community who may not be as fortunate as their peers or those who find themselves in a situation with little to no support at home. I am a former board member and still an active volunteer with Parks Youth Ranch which is a homeless youth shelter in Fort Bend County. These kids don’t deserve the situation they have been put in by their families, and given the challenges that come with the teenage years, it is always good to know they have adults in their corner, looking out for them and hoping to see them smile. Family is at the heart of everything and sometimes family are the people that simply cross our path in life!
Deana Ismajli
Toyota of Anaheim
I believe it’s all about the journey. The time you walked, the time you crawled and the people you helped along the way. I believe we need to pour into our community and our youth to make the world a better place. We can make an impact whether we are volunteering, donating, or supporting small local businesses. I am always grateful for the people who helped me along my journey and all I want to do is pay it forward. I guess you can say my “why” is to make a positive impact on as many people as possible and put a smile on their face.
Lori Talanian
Director of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships
Helping those in need is something that has been a part of who I am for many years now. It’s not really something I talk about, but it’s always something I do. I find that giving to others is uplifting, not only for those who receive it, but for me, as well. I enjoy bringing happiness, relief, support, and much-needed joy to people and/or communities who really need it. I feel so fortunate to be in a position that affords me the ability to positively impact someone else’s less fortunate circumstances and, with that, hopefully they will find themselves in a better place as a result.
Chris Flood
Toyota of North Austin
When we (Bill Kolb, Jr. Subaru) first opened in 1998, the community rallied around us. They were a major contributor to our success. A quarter century later, the industry is much different but one thing that hasn’t changed is the support of our community. Now, we are long standing community members. How can we not reach out to those around us and offer help when it’s needed. How can we not offer the same level of support that was shown to us 25+ years ago. They were here for us, and we are here for them.
Joan Smith
Toyota of North Austin
Since a young age I have always been drawn to help others. I am the second oldest of 8 children and was taught and raised to give to others. I was a Girl Scout and volunteered to help the needy and elderly. I am also a mother of three boys. My 25-year-old son Gerard is severely autistic, so I am fully committed to help out with his much-needed community.
Lastly, I enjoy making others feel happy and special. I feel to be a successful leader you need to care about people!
Joel Reeves
Toyota of North Austin
The reason I work for Group 1 is because of my General Manager, Dan DeLeon. His desire to positively impact the community drew me to seek employment under him. In a year and a half, I have either witnessed or been involved in a lot of serious efforts around Lubbock. From supporting schools to providing the chance for families to enjoy events, none of this would be possible without Dan. I feel honored to be a part of the team at Gene Messer Ford of Lubbock and am thrilled to look towards 2024 with even more opportunities to give back.
Jasmin Salazar
Toyota of North Austin
Community involvement is a cause near and dear to my heart. I'm originally from Brownsville, TX, where helping each other is second nature, and I try to embody this spirit in our Austin community. I'm so grateful that I am able to work alongside community leaders and local nonprofit organizations representing Group 1 to make our area better for everyone. It's fulfilling to know we're making a difference together and pushing our community forward one step at a time.
