NADA’s director of Program Development, Michael Fullam, passed away on July 8 after a fight against cancer. Fullam started his time at NADA in 2016 as an NADA Academy instructor where, in addition to teaching dealership operations courses, he crafted NADA’s first in-house leadership course that became an integral component of the Professional Series curriculum. As director of Program Development, he also established strategic skills courses, including Championship Coaching and Change Management.
“Mike was an engaging and devoted leader who will be sorely missed by his colleagues and those students whose lives he touched over the years,” said Steve Park, NADA senior vice president of Dealership Operations. “He was a true advocate of dealership operations education and led his team and students with genuine sincerity and compassion.”
Fullam was born in 1956 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and grew up in Radnor, Penn. After high school, he attended Georgetown University for three years, earning varsity letters in soccer and lacrosse, before receiving his bachelor's degree from Villanova University.
Following college, Fullam worked in corporate training and education, spending 32 years working for Chrysler. He took a pause from his time at Chrysler to earn a Master's degree in Education from the Pennsylvania State University.
An avid musician, Fullam played guitar and bass, sang and wrote songs. He was a member of the Nashville Songwriters' Association and the Gospel Music Association, having recently released his own Christian music album.
Fullam is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, five siblings and nine nieces and nephews.
Fullam’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his coworkers and students. Here are just a few examples of the thousands of lives he touched while at NADA.
“Mike was great to work with. Very willing to help when needed and really helped me to gain a greater understanding of the financial statement and the importance of it in the dealership.”
- Blair, Assistant General Manager
“Mike was absolutely engaging. This class taught me real life, real time, and immediately usable info.”
- Ed, Sales Manager
“This is by far the most interesting and best class I have ever taken. I feel very fortunate to have attended this course taught by Mike!”
- Michael, General Manager
“The information presented was helpful in more ways than one. I did not have an expectation for what I would learn, rather I came with an open mind, and have learned quite a lot. Big thanks to Mike!”
- Jamie, Dealer Principal
“I wanted say how much I enjoyed being taught by you personally, Mike. We've known each other a long time, but you are one the few instructors that I've been in the presence of, that has kept us engaged with some challenging material, all while helping us make sense of what was needed to be taught and will result in better business practices for me and my company as well.”
- Ron, Dealer Principal
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Condolences may be made by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.
