Recognizing the best in the industry for 2018
Since 2005, the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) and iA-SAL, a leading provider of financial, consulting and training for new car and truck dealers in Canada, have partnered for the annual CADA Laureate Dealer Recognition Program.
The Laureate award, which is the highest honour bestowed upon Canadian dealers during the course of their careers, is awarded each year to only three out of Canada’s 3,200 plus new car dealers. The Laureate program is distinguished by a three-phase selection process that is administered by a third party. Each of the winning CADA Laureates is ultimately selected by the Ivey Business School at Western University.
Recognizing that dealers contribute to the automotive industry and communities in different ways, the CADA Laureate program has three different categories of awards. These include:
• Ambassadorship — For extraordinary service to the community and the industry;
• Innovation — For initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business;
• Retail Operations — For outstanding achievement within an individual dealership.
Each of the 2016 Laureate winners was recognized previously in a special edition of the June/July issue of Canadian auto dealer.
Here we pay homage to them once again with both their own personal statements and judge’s comments.
Those dealers that are bestowed with the title of CADA Laureate epitomize the spirit of the CADA Charter. The 2016 award-winners are no exception.
Mal Barber
Barber Motors Ltd.
Weyburn, Saskatchewan
Ambassadorship – For extraordinary service to the community and the industry
Brand represented:Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac.
Years in business: 55 years
Number of employees: More than 50
Background: Always preparing for the future leaves you open to new ideas and change. General Motors staff have been very helpful and encouraging over the years — from the call from the Zone Managers congratulating me on my first stock purchase in the business to our District Manager encouraging us to invest in new technology and systems. Mix a little fear with the desire to learn and you have a good combination.
Judge’s comments: In addition to outstanding corporate philanthropy and community sponsorships, Mal Barber brings exceptional private philanthropy and ambassadorship excellence. As an integral member of the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation he helped raise over $20 million for a new hospital. Through his Rotary Club connections Mal has also created a hygiene building improvement program in India.
Sponsor Comments: “Mal Barber has spearheaded the construction and renovation of hockey rinks, hospitals, swimming pools, community centres, and more. He has been President or Chair of more service organizations than most people ever join. Mal has been equally dedicated to his industry, serving SADA, CADA and General Motors in numerous capacities over many years. When CADA’s special committee created the Laureate award for Ambassadorship, they could have used Mal Barber as the prototype.” (Alnoor Jiwani — iA Dealer Services)
Jim McMcanes
McManes Auto Group
Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Redwater; Manitoba: Winnipeg; British Columbia: Kelowna, Kamloops; Richmond: Vancouver
Business Innovation – For initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business
Brand represented: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Kia, BMW/Mini, Fiat, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz.
Years in business: 31 years
Number of employees: Approx. 1,200
Background:My basic business philosophy of “Share the Wealth” is the most important factor that has led to my success in the auto business. My business model of equity partners follows my philosophy and has allowed me to attract and retain top performing people in our industry. Well paid employees and equity partners make for happy people. This environment is the basis of many satisfied customers which is the real reason for our success.
Judge’s comments: There are several innovations in the way Jim McManes operates that stood out as exceptional. First, his process to bring smart, young hardworking people into an ownership position is intriguing, and has fueled not only growth, but also opportunities for others. Innovation in in-house leasing, succession planning, and the “We Buy UR Ride” program all contribute to the group’s success.
Sponsor Comments: “Jim McManes is one of the pioneers of dealer groups in Canada. All of the dealerships are forecast and goal oriented, so they are always looking to the future. Centralized structures and services free up time for individual store managers while ensuring head office gets the information they need. Jim has found the right balance between dealership and head office functions to deliver strong performance while staying ahead of the curve on changes in the industry. ” (Sean O’Brien — iA Dealer Services)
Brian Lowes
Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Retail Operations – For outstanding achievement within an individual dealership
Brand represented: Mercedes-Benz
Years in business: 16 years
Number of employees: 90
Background: Determination has been the single biggest factor that has led to my success in the auto retail business. Limitless opportunities are only restricted by how hard individuals are willing to work or what they are willing to do to get to where they want to be. Be grateful for the opportunities that present themselves and work hard to be the best listener in the room.
Judge’s comments: Brian Lowes stands out in a field crowded with incredibly well run and profitable organizations. He has taken an underperforming dealership to number two in profitability in his performance group and won the Star Dealer award each year from 2015-2017. The dealership has clearly planned goals, outcomes and critical success factors examined from various perspectives — people, customer, operations and financial.
Sponsor Comments: “Brian Lowes is an exceptional operator. Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg leads in every aspect — with state of the art facilities; an AMG performance centre; an MB-certified collision centre; an apprenticeship program in sync with the local college; a parts department built around customer touch points; a leadership program for employee development…the list goes on. Brian brings a unique and refreshing approach to retail operations and it works. The sales numbers, financial results, awards and appointments are a reflection of Brian’s business acumen.” (Sean O’Brien — iA Dealer Services)
THE 2018 LAUREATE FINALISTS
Ambassadorship – For extraordinary service to the community and the industry
Roy Avis: West End Motors Inc. Fort Frances, ON
Advice to others: A young person going into the business should make sure he or she has support from their family. A person should take as much formal education as possible. This gives you the opportunity to become successful. How you apply yourself to meet the day to day challenges determines the level of success you will attain.
What I like most about the business: I love that every day brings a new challenge and this business does not stand still. It has given me the opportunity to meet individuals and families who may or may not become a customer. Also many of these people may and have become friends.
Nav Bhatia: Rexdale Hyundai Toronto, ON
Advice to others: I would tell them to not get discouraged. Like every business there will be ups and downs. Ride through the wave. More importantly give yourself a greater purpose to showing up each day than just sales and money.
What I like most about the business: The Automotive retail business has not only given to my family but it has also afforded me the ability to give to those less fortunate. People are what I love the most about the business. I meet different people each day, listen to their stories which inspire me every single time.
Peter Heppner: Preston Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd. Langley, BC
Advice to others: My advice for those starting out would be to not move around to different dealerships. Be patient, develop your clientele over time. Pursue your career goals within an organization or group rather than chasing the unknown. You will be rewarded.
What I like most about the business: Seeing the happiness in people’s faces when taking delivery of a vehicle is most gratifying! I also note that if there is something good happening in a community (fundraising, sports, charity, etc.), chances are a new vehicle dealer is playing a meaningful role.
Jamie Massie: Georgian Chevrolet Buick GMC Inc. Barrie, ON
Advice to others: My advice to young people entering this business is to go out and make a difference. Become involved in causes and businesses that they are passionate about.
What I like most about the business: It has been a humbling experience to be able to run such an important business in our community and have that business contribute to the existing growth that has been generated.
Business Innovation – For initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business
Aziz Ahamed: Destination Auto Group Burnaby, BC
Advice to others: The auto industry is challenging and there’s a lot of noise out there. Success comes with perseverance — an ability to rise above this noise. Take the time to get to know the people you work with, understand what they do, how they operate and what role they play in contributing to the overall guest experience.
What I like most about the business: I love this business for the opportunity to continuously innovate, delight our guests, and excite our associates. Although it is not without its challenges, our business is one I am very proud of and it gives me great satisfaction. Most of all, it keeps me connected and young-at-heart.
Mike Davis: Davis Auto Group Lethbridge, AB
Advice to others: If you are up for a challenge and want to grow, there is ample opportunity to do so in every department within a dealership. Take every opportunity to learn what the business offers.
What I like most about the business: With all of the different departments within a dealership, each with its own challenges and opportunities, it’s enough to keep a guy engaged.
Matthew Girvan: Girvan Auto Group Moncton, NB
Advice to others: The retail automotive industry still rewards strong work ethic, great attitudes and high performers with an opportunity to grow with and within the Dealership or Group. Listen, ask for as much training as possible, and find a mentor that will help you to learn and develop; as my father helped me.
What I like most about the business: I love watching team members grow and develop. Seeing them reach financial goals, take vacations, buying houses, or getting married and growing their family and knowing that the Dealership played a supportive role in those accomplishments is truly the reason I come to work each day.
Mike Stollery: SF Auto Group Barrie, ON
Advice to others: I would recommend anyone who is passionate about pursuing a career in our industry, seriously consider investigating an education from the Automotive Business School of Canada. I may be a little biased as chairman of the ABSC board; however there is actually no better way to get started.
What I like most about the business: Other than the relationships I mentioned earlier, the thing I love most about our business is that it is always evolving. I am also very fortunate to be a dealer who is passionate about cars and trucks (not just the business of selling and servicing cars and trucks).
Retail Operations – For outstanding achievement within an individual dealership
Art Angielski: Sherwood Park Toyota Sherwood Park, AB
Advice to others: Start at the bottom, learn the business, be patient. It is a great business but at the same it is very intricate, difficult and demanding. It changes quickly and is continuously evolving. Never stop learning, evolving and progressing.
What I like most about the business: The intricacies of the business, a dealership is multiple businesses working in conjunction. Developing relationships, strategies and processes for these businesses to not only work together but to work as one is very challenging but also exciting and rewarding.
Tim Davis: Davis GMC Buick (Medicine Hat) Ltd. Medicine Hat, AB
Advice to others: I would tell young people entering the business that the key to success in the retail automotive industry is all about building strong relationships. I would tell them that work is more fun when you have strong relationships and their careers will be far more rewarding if they focus on building those relationships.
What I like most about the business: To be surrounded by our team, our customers, and manufacturer partners as well as being involved with our community partners makes it really easy to go to work every day. It’s all about relationships for me so I’m very fortunate to go to work and build relationships every day.
Jean Gosselin: Lévis Chrysler Lévis, QC
Advice to others: My advice for dealerships would be to never lower the quality of how we greet, treat and service our customers. We need to deliver superior customer service to every customer who sets foot in our dealerships.
What I like most about the business: I love the overwhelming emotion we feel when we see a customer’s face light up with their new vehicle purchase. The delivery of a new vehicle is a special moment in the lives of our customers, and something worth celebrating and very special to be a part of.
Benoit Theetge: Circuit Acura Québec City, QC
Advice to others: The automotive industry will experience many changes in the years to come. We need to maintain an open mind to respond to those changes. We will also need to be extremely adaptable to survive and thrive.
What I like most about the business: Competing in our industry poses big challenges. The industry changes year after year, and we have to constantly search for new solutions to stay ahead of the game. We can’t just repeat what we did previously and expect continued success.
