Handsfree US Leadership Team

Michael Lampe, Director and Co-Owner: Michael started The Hands Free Company in the USA in 2007 along with Scott Cassell and Matthew Johnson, while seeing a tremendous opportunity in the fleet management and vehicle installation markets. Prior to starting The Hands Free Company, Michael has over 15 years experience as a Controller and Chief Financial Officer for numerous private organizations, with an emphasis in transportation. This experience has allowed him to help grow The Hands Free Company to one of the best telematics and fleet installation companies in the country. Michael holds a degree in Finance from Truman State University and an MBA from Webster University. In his role as Company Director, Michael oversees all aspects of The Hands Free Company’s operations including Administration, HR, Accounting and Finance.

Chris Baumgartner, General Manager: In his position of general manager, Chris manages all of the day to day operations and client relationships for The Hands Free Company. He is the original General Manager of The Hands Free Company brought on in 2007 and has achieved a number of key strategic accounts. Chris has extensive entrepreneurial experience after six years of owning multiple restaurants. Since then, his primary career focus has revolved around outside sales, sales management and assisting in the growth of sales and operations of emerging businesses. Chris holds a degree in Business Administration from University of Kansas.

Claudia Russell, Director of Sales and Marketing: Claudia brings a record of success and over 18 years of professional sales and management experience with her to The Hands Free Company. In her prior positions, Claudia has been responsible for leading nationwide sales teams. She also has extensive experience in operations, new company expansion and market growth. Claudia holds a degree in Corporate Communications from Lindenwood University and received her MBA from Webster University. In her new position, Claudia will be responsible for leading the sales and marketing for The Hands Free Company nationally.

Richard Frykman, Technical Sales Manager: A former investment banker of 12 years, Richard has an outstanding track record of growing businesses that provide services based on new technologies that are breaking from late development stage to universal market acceptance in highly competitive, rapidly changing markets. In recent years, his primary focus has been within the commercial vehicle telematics arena where he has assisted many organizations with Strategic Business Planning and Strategic Marketing Management including Portman Security Systems (the world's second largest manufacturer of automotive aftermarket security systems) and Telefonica O2.

Richard has extensive international experience having lived and worked in many countries - 18 years of which he has been based in the Far East. Richard speaks Mandarin Chinese, holds an MBA from Henley Management College, UK, is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and is a Supervisor to the Board of Directors for the International British Chambers of Commerce. In his role, Richard is responsible for managing the technical support area for The Hands Free Company Telematics Solutions.