Partner with a Purpose – Kyle’s Story

In 2021, Kyle Mountsier, a community partner of Vehicles for Change, joined the Automotive State of the Union (ASOTU). The organization emerged after automotive marketing expert Paul Daly founded it in response to the uncertainty and disruption caused by the COVID-19 shutdown in early 2020.

From the very beginning, ASOTU focused on more than surviving the crisis. Instead, its vision brought together a growing community of automotive professionals determined not only to adapt but also to collaborate and thrive long after the pandemic.

As Kyle became more involved in the industry, his path into this larger mission shifted. A colleague, Jonathan Collegio at the National Automobile Dealers Association, introduced him to Vehicles for Change. Because Jonathan knew Kyle was becoming active in the Baltimore and DC regions, he encouraged the connection. Soon after, Kyle explored the Vehicles for Change website, and the mission immediately resonated. In particular, the organization’s focus on lifting individuals into automotive careers while serving the community aligned perfectly with what Kyle and his team were building through ASOTU | More Than Cars.

For Kyle, the work of Vehicles for Change carries deep personal meaning. Rather than viewing transportation simply as mobility, he sees it as opportunity and freedom. “When I see VFC enabling transformation through transportation, it gets me pumped,” Kyle said. Having met people on both sides of the impact, including technicians and vehicle recipients, he has witnessed the change firsthand.

That connection became even more powerful in 2024, when Kyle supported Vehicles for Change at ASOTU CON. Each year, ASOTU hosts the conference to bring automotive professionals together for keynotes, panels, and networking. At the same time, the event emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and community-building while exploring the future of automotive retail.

During the conference, the team awarded two vehicles—one in partnership with the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association and another during a main session. In one especially memorable moment, Kyle watched a mother’s children excitedly climb over their family’s newly awarded car. As he took in the scene, the joy on the children’s faces and the emotion in their mother’s eyes made the impact unmistakable. In that instant, transportation reshaped their lives.

Beyond individual moments, Kyle most admires the generational impact Vehicles for Change creates. When parents gain the tools to change their circumstances, they also shift the future for their children. As a result, the ripple effects extend through families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. For Kyle, that kind of change carries immeasurable value.

Earlier in his journey, Kyle interviewed a technician who completed the Vehicles for Change Full Circle Auto Training program and later stepped into a leadership role. During their conversation, the technician shared how his children now looked up to him with pride. The joy in his voice lingered, reminding Kyle that Vehicles for Change offers far more than vehicles—it creates opportunity and builds hope.

Because of these experiences, Kyle continues to feel inspired every time he interacts with the organization. “Every time I interact with VFC, I find myself smiling more,” he said. Looking ahead, Kyle and his team plan to give away even more vehicles alongside Vehicles for Change and local dealers. With their industry connections, they hope to help expand the mission beyond its current reach and into communities nationwide.

And finally, on a lighter note, Kyle still remembers his first car, a 1993 Mercury Topaz with a white exterior and blue interior. His first drive took him straight to work. After all, as Kyle likes to say, “You’ve got to pay for what you drive!”