Meet Jason Dale, newly-hired Executive Director of the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC). Dale had only been on the job for about a week when Canadian auto dealer paid him a visit to get his sense of the program and his vision for leading in the months and years ahead.
“It’s a phenomenal team here,” said Dale. “I’m very excited to get started. I am very big on the co-op program and want to see it expand more across Canada.”
Dale started in the industry almost 30 years ago on the bench “turning wrenches” as a technician. “I was just passionate about vehicles,” said Dale. He worked in a small shop for a few years, then moved to a dealership and moved his way up through the industry. “I am blessed that I came through the fixed operations side. To know that side of the business really helped my career,” said Dale.
Dale was most recently General Manager of Pfaff Volkswagen but he also held leadership positions with Chrysler, BMW (through the Quinn Automotive Group) and Pfaff in new and used car sales and operations, leasing, and parts and service.
“One of the biggest challenges the automotive industry faces is recruitment and employee retention,” said Dale. “I do see a huge opportunity to work to connect the industry and students here. They are knowledgeable, they are skilled and they are ready to go.”
Dale started in the industry almost 30 years ago on the bench “turning wrenches” as a technician.
Dale said he’s been really impressed at how interconnected the auto industry is with the ABSC and how much the various stakeholders support students. “The aftermarket industry is involved, as is CADA, TADA, OMVIC, and other industry partners,” he said, adding that he’s excited to work with these industry partners and the ABSC board members.
He has been a part-time faculty member of the ABSC in the Automotive Dealership Management (AUDM) graduate certificate program since 2015 and also graduated from the program. “I have taken the AUDM course and it’s an incredible course focused on Canadian dealers and on the Canadian industry,” he said. “We are excited to keep pushing that program, it’s amazing.”
“This combination of industry connections and academic experience is exactly what we were seeking for this important leadership position,” said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, President and CEO of Georgian College in a news release announcing his hiring. “Jason has built a well-deserved industry reputation for leading successful teams and providing exemplary customer service and will bring these important abilities in support of our students and partners. As a key member of faculty, he is already an ambassador for the ABSC, Georgian and our students,” she added.
His responsibilities also extend to include leading full- and part-time ABSC academic programming with a dedicated team composed of faculty staff, and ensuring the continued success of the Georgian College Auto Show. He’s also hoping the students will let him display his 1965 Mustang convertible in the classic car showcase this year.
