AMBASSADORSHIP
For extraordinary service to the community and the industry
Nav Bhatia, Rexdale Hyundai, Toronto, ON
Advice to others: 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. Your motivation each day should be: your employees and all of their family members; each customer that walks through your doors; and the impact you can have on those in your community.
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 and listen to their stories, which inspire me every single time.
Brian Garland, Cariboo Auto Group, Williams Lake, BC
Advice to others: I would encourage young people to interview dealers in their community and ask them about personnel development and training opportunities offered. Ask the prospective employer if you can be part of the team. If your ultimate desire is to become a dealer yourself someday, energy and dedication can get you there.
What I like most about the business: Our industry is vast in the number of people we work with on a regular basis. I love the variety of people and have become very close, personal friends with many of them over the years — from all areas of our country.
Mike Stollery, AutoIQ Network, Barrie, ON
Advice to others: I would recommend that anyone who is passionate about pursuing a career in our industry, seriously consider investigating an education from the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC). There is actually no better way to get started. The ABSC, at Georgian College offers numerous educational pathways associated directly with our industry. It is the only school of its kind in our country!
What I like most about the business: In addition to the relationships, what I love most about our business is that it is always evolving. Staying current with (and ahead of) technology, is one of the biggest opportunities we have today.
Sébastien Thibeault, Hyundai Jean-Roch Thibeault, Baie-Saint-Paul, QC
Advice to others: First of all, they must be determined, have the will, be passionate, enjoy teamwork and surround themselves with people with the same philosophy. A dose of compassion is another major asset. A great thirst for learning is necessary, because the automotive industry is in constant evolution and is constantly in research and development.
What I like most about the business: I am always doing research and development, being at the forefront and an innovator with the latest technologies to improve the quality of our employees’ work.
BUSINESS INNOVATION
For initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business for new car and truck dealers
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. There are many different mediums for learning, including performance groups, industry specific training and conferences. Take every opportunity to learn what the business offers.
What I like most about the business: There are many aspects of the automotive retail business that I love, but overall I enjoy the fast paced environment and variety the industry offers. With all of the different departments within a dealership, each with its own challenges and opportunities, it’s enough to keep a guy engaged.
Gilles Lachapelle, Hamel Honda, Saint-Eustache, QC
Advice to others: Integrity towards our employees, customers, and success stems first from the stability of our teams year after year. I always say: “When you think it’s impossible, possibility begins to see the light of day.” Success is a question of perseverance and consistency. A single percent of doubt equates to failure, so be sure to have well-trained people that also believe in what they are doing.
What I like most about the business: Every day is a new challenge, and I have the pleasure of seeing people step out of their comfort zone to achieve their goals.
Michelle Melendy, Western Auto Group, Corner Brook, NL
Advice to others: The advice I would give to people starting out in this business is to be open to new and innovative ways of doing things. Know your strengths and identify opportunities for growth. In the automotive industry there are lots of great mentors who are willing to help if you seek them out.
What I like most about the business: The automotive business is exciting, challenging, continually changing and complex. There are many metrics to monitor, but it ultimately comes down to how you deal with and treat people — both customers and staff. Essentially, the staff are my customers, but they are also like family to me. It gives me great satisfaction to witness and be part of their development.
Amin Tejani, Weins Auto Group, Markham, ON
Advice to others: I will share some advice my father gave 30 years ago, when I applied for a sales position at this company. He said “Amin, the sky’s the limit.” I never really knew at the time what that meant, but it always stuck with me. So put your seatbelt on and enjoy the ride — there’s nothing like the automotive retail business and where you want to go is truly up to you!
What I like most about the business: Being in the retail car business brings you many challenges — so it’s never boring. It’s fast paced, it’s evolving, and it’s a lot of fun. I love working with people, associates and customers, especially the younger generation — they make you want to learn more.
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.
Sonia Koller, Otto’s Subaru, Ottawa, ON
Advice to others: Each and every one of us has a unique gift; discover what your gift is. Learn everything there is to learn, commit fully and give everything you have, every day. This will set you apart. If you approach your career with passion and integrity, support the people you work with, and truly care about your clients, you will achieve great things.
What I like most about the business: It is an ever-changing, complex, challenging, and exciting business; there is never a dull moment! The automotive industry allows us the opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of the people we serve, the people we work with and the community we operate within. Every day is a different day! I also love the beautiful cars!
Francesco Policaro, Porsche Centre Oakville, Oakville, ON
Advice to others: I’m fortunate enough to mentor some tremendous young talent entering the industry. The advice I give them is to start with a strong foundation by completing a post-secondary program in business administration at either the university level or at college.
What I like most about the business: It’s difficult to select one thing that I love the most. I really enjoy the people I work with. Customers, colleagues, employees, manufacturing partners, and community ambassadors. I love the product and innovation in design and technology that propels mankind forward, too, but the biggest joys come from being able to fulfill childhood dreams for our customers.
Adam Toner, Township, Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC, Summerside, PE
Advice to others: Keep the faith and stick with it. If you’re driven, smart, and willing to put the work in, this business has endless opportunities. The majority of young people grow up not giving the retail automotive industry much thought, and I think that sort of makes it the world’s best kept secret. There is no other business like it.
What I like most about the business: The business moves fast, it’s constantly changing, and no matter how much technology affects things in the future, the car business, one way or the other, will forever be a people business.
