The Board
Mike Columbus
President
Passionate about heart-based selling, Mike Columbus is dedicated to changing the culture of sales organizations one-by-one. Currently, he serves as a thought leader, speaker, and top salesperson at the Haselwood Autoplex in Bremerton, Washington.
Mike started his sales career selling shoes in a small town in New Jersey. He earned a business degree from Wilmington University in Delaware. Now he enjoys spending time with his wife in the Pacific Northwest.
Gratitude & Thanks from Mike
It is with gratitude that I take this opportunity to thank those that helped me launch this endeavor. David Gandel and Jeremy Clark, my managers at the Honda store for helping me get the concept refined. West Hills Autoplex owner Rick Wiler and Rob Colon for approving the proposal and allowing it to move forward with Haselwood Auto Group. Not to mention the customers that continue to trust me with the selection and purchase of a vehicle which makes all this possible.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the community leaders that have given their input into this idea and agreed to continue to support this initiative as Board Members. [Meet them below!]
On May 24, 2021, the Board members met to approve the corporate bylaws. At this meeting, I, Mike Columbus, was appointed President of Mike’s Rides for Lives.
On June 23, 2021, Mike’s Rides for Lives, became a fully recognized Washington State nonprofit corporation.
This Board is charged with one mission, which is to assure that Mike’s Rides for Lives remains ethical and beyond reproach in all its dealings with contributors and recipients of the car giveaway.
In conclusion, Mike’s Rides for Lives is a wonderful opportunity for the AutoPlex to further demonstrate our care for those in our community and will enable me to give back in a way I never thought possible.
Gary Zambor
Vice President
Vice President and Branch Manager of 1st Security Bank Poulsbo, President of the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce, Naval Undersea Museum Board of Director, and Freemason.
Gary has been instrumental in filing all the necessary paperwork to legally establish Mike’s Rides for lives and serves as the Vice President.
Julie Cooper
Vice President
Licensed Sales Manager, Fairway Mortgage. 37-year career in mortgage, President Kitsap Friends of Children’s Hospital Guild, mom, and grandma.
Julie has a generous heart and understands fully the vision of Mike’s Rides for Lives. She also serves as Vice President and will help assure the vision continues throughout the years.
Susan Fezer
treasurer
CPA for 25 years, with a heart for nonprofits and experienced with IRS filings for them.
Susan will assure that Mike’s Rides for Lives is compliant and maintains financial responsibility especially towards its contributors. Susan serves as Mike’s Rides for Lives as Treasurer.
Micki Peak
Selection committee chairperson
Executive Director for Business Network International (BNI), Pacific Northwest (PNW). A BNI member and director for 18 years. Secretary of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce since 2016.
Micki is a master networker and connector in the PNW. She will maintain the ethical standards Mike’s Rides for Lives mandates and is overseeing the Selection Committee.
Suzanne Theros
volunteer
Licensed supplemental insurance representative with AFLAC.
With years of experience of helping the community in time of need and crisis, Suzanne is a Volunteer for the board and will be assisting Micki Peak on the Selection Committee.
GET INVOLVED
Pitch In!
Ready to join us?
Give today! Your generosity is what makes all this possible.
Your contributions are fully tax-deductible. A tax credit letter will be provided for donations over $250.
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EIN: 86-2306262
DONATIONS
Online donations coming soon.
For now, donations in cash can be made directly to Mike Columbus, designated for Mike's Rides. Find Mike @ Google Maps
Checks can be made out to Mike's Rides for Lives, Inc. and given in person to Mike Columbus, or mailed to:
2309 Cherish Pl. SW
Port Orchard, WA 98366-7801.
Or, call (302) 932-7296 for more info.
Have a car you'd like to donate?
Please contact Mike Columbus directly at (302) 932-7296.