AMBASSADORSHIP
For extraordinary service to the community and the industry
Duane Rath
Motor Hub Auto Group, Truro, NS
Most important success factor:
The key factors for my success have certainly been my two great business partners. Initially, that was Jack Babineau and for the last 20 years my partner has been John MacNeil. Selling is not my strength, and, in both cases, they were strong in that area. That allowed me to focus on my strengths. The strong employee team we have built is also the best and have made it much easier to compete in the auto retail space.
What I like most about the business:
The auto retail business is very dynamic and that always keeps me interested in the business. My stock advice for young businesspeople is to not worry so much about exactly mapping out your next 10 or 20 years in the business. I sometimes find people get locked into their plan and then they don’t follow a certain direction when opportunity presents itself. I have found some of the best things I have done were in an unexpected direction. So have a plan, but be open to other opportunities.
Brent Ravelle
Ravelle Auto Group, Listowel, ON
Most important success factor:
The most important factor that led to my success in the automotive business was the strong influence of my family from a young age. My father, a technician who later retired as a service manager, provided a firsthand look into the industry. My mother’s strong spirit and hard work allowed me to grow up understanding anything was possible. As a first-generation dealer, I was inspired by both their hard work and tenacity to do the right things. Later, the unwavering support of my wife provided me with the stability and encouragement needed to navigate the challenges of the industry. My education at The Automotive Business School of Canada and later Northwood University equipped me with the essential skills and knowledge, further fueling my intense desire to succeed as a dealer. This combination of family influence, personal support, and specialized education was crucial in shaping my journey to success.
What I like most about the business:
I am energized by the daily challenges of the automotive retail business along with the variety of those challenges. I love working to make a business successful with and for the people around me, including employees and their families. It’s rewarding to have the opportunity to drive change within the industry and our community, to influence someone’s life and career, watching them grow and prosper, and to provide new opportunities to those who work hard.
Kevin Sharfe
Sherwood Chevrolet, Saskatoon, SK
Most important success factor:
I am very lucky to have had an exceptional role model in my dad, Sherwood Sharfe. Quite simply, he was the ultimate role model. Seeing what he accomplished throughout his career as a dealer by watching him work, problem solve, and bearing witness to the respect he earned among his peers and in the greater community has inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I am guided by his uncompromising business ethics, and I am inspired by his accomplishments. Legacy is a strong word, but I aspire to continue what he started. Without a doubt, modeling my dad’s career path as a dealer has been the most influential factor that fueled my success in automotive retail.
What I like most about the business:
Retail automotive is complicated. It’s layered with collegial dynamics, customer experiences, manufacturer expectations / relationships, and profit-driven objectives. I love the challenge of being a leader who inspires managers and other leaders to manage these complexities: without making 100+ people feel threatened, while inspiring them to succeed. I also love that it can provide the privilege and opportunity of being generous with one’s time and finances in a positive and meaningful way.
Robert Verwey
Owasco Auto Group, Whitby, ON
Most important success factor:
The most important factor that led to my success in the automotive retail business is a combination of dedication, passion for cars, and strong people skills. The most valuable asset in a dealership is its people, and ensuring everyone is aligned towards success is crucial. I’ve been fortunate to have the guidance of exceptional individuals, including those at VW and Audi, fellow dealers, and members of TADA. Without a great team, success is impossible. Staying on top of trends, such as effective marketing strategies and building long-lasting relationships with customers and suppliers, has also been key. Attending NADA annually helps me stay updated on the latest industry advancements. By consistently delivering exceptional service to both co-workers and customers and committing to providing honest value and direction, we’ve achieved success. And most importantly, I truly love what I do.
What I like most about the business:
What I love most about the automotive retail business is the dynamic environment and the opportunity to see coworkers grow, stay with us for decades, and eventually retire. I cherish the relationships with cars, people, and organizations like TADA and CADA. Despite the tough days, the chance to give back and continuously improve keeps me passionate. Celebrating milestones, like retiring our fifth coworker of over 40 years, is incredibly rewarding.
BUSINESS INNOVATION
For initiatives that significantly enhance performance and broaden the business scope for dealers
John Brushett
Moncton Honda, Moncton, NB
Most important success factor:
The most important factor in my success in the automotive retail business would quite simply be “Drive.” I didn’t come from a privileged background and had no post-secondary education when I started in the business some 40 years ago. I did, however, have an insatiable drive to learn, succeed and be in full control of my own career destiny. I always endeavoured to outwork those around me to get “noticed” so I could advance my career goals. In 1991, I secured an equity buyout position as Dealer Principal of Moncton Honda. Now my Drive took on another dimension, as I not only had to outwork my competitors in my market but I needed to drive myself to become a business innovator. I tasked myself with embracing a world of change that would navigate my dealership to always be on the cutting edge. I have tried to pass on this Drive to my management team and my children. Indeed, it is the single most important ingredient to any success in life, whether it be business or personal.
What I like most about the business:
There are so many things that contribute to my love of the business it is hard to pinpoint one. Allowing me to provide a great life for me and my family and the fulfillment of being able to give back to my community in meaningful ways are just a few of the things I truly love about the auto business. The inclusive opportunity this business provides, delivers an equal opportunity to anyone who has the drive and entrepreneurial spirit to push themselves to be the best that they can be knowing that the only limits to success are those you put upon yourself. It is one of the last bastions of pure entrepreneurial business, where a young person armed with passionate vision and drive can propel themselves to limitless success in the industry!
Mark Hicks
Sherwood Ford, Sherwood Park, AB
Most important success factor:
In the automotive retail business, success hinges on a blend of daily productive habits, innovative thinking and ongoing presence. Our team is dedicated to cultivating a committed and dependable workforce, unified by a common vision and shared goals. This collective drive is a cornerstone of our success. We approach our operation like a competitive sports team, where relentless competition fuels our consistency and determination. Every team member is engaged and motivated, embracing adaptability and innovation. We reward outstanding performance at all levels, ensuring a culture of excellence. Customer service is paramount, and we have made it a priority to provide exceptional service to every person who contacts us, in whatever manner they choose. This has required us to invest heavily in staff training, facility improvements, and process refinement to create that customer-friendly experience. Leveraging analytics is essential for optimizing performance and profitability. We believe that systems, not just goals, drive success. A reminder on my desk states, “You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.” Embracing this mindset has been pivotal in our journey.
What I like most about the business:
I absolutely love the automotive retail business for the daily opportunities it offers to interact with customers and staff. This industry is about people, and it is their positivity and willingness to tackle any challenge that make it so special. Each day requires focus and brings fresh, exciting opportunities to sharpen my mind while strengthening team and customer relationships. I thrive on the challenges of fierce competition, knowing that personal dedication, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic can create meaningful results for myself, our staff, and my family. Witnessing the transformative impact of our success on the lives of our employees over the decades is immensely rewarding. There’s nothing quite like building something truly great together.
Mathieu Spinelli
Groupe Spinelli, Montréal, QC
Most important success factor:
Spinelli has set itself apart in the automotive industry by adopting innovative approaches that move away from traditional dealership models, prioritizing excellence and loyalty in its interactions with clients, suppliers, and manufacturers. Since 1922, we have fostered an inclusive environment, building lasting relationships and ensuring everyone feels valued. This commitment extends to our employees, whose well-being and satisfaction are integral to our success. By maintaining a supportive workplace, we attract and retain individuals passionate about customer service. Our dedication to quality and respect in all our business relationships has strengthened our reputation, affirming Spinelli as a trusted brand throughout the years.
What I like most about the business:
What excites me most about the automotive retail business is the chance to provide top-quality products that meet our customers’ specific needs in a welcoming environment. Assisting someone in selecting a vehicle, often their second-largest investment after a home, and providing stellar service fuels my team’s passion. We thrive on guiding customers through this significant decision, ensuring the perfect fit for their lifestyle and desires. This commitment cements our role as trusted partners in the dynamic automotive industry.
Michael Wyant
Wyant Auto Group, Saskatoon, SK
Most important success factor:
Having and executing a strategic growth plan was important, but more than that, it’s the details within the business that we continue to manage towards our objectives. None of our company’s success happens without building and surrounding ourselves with an incredible team of people, to help our group move forward. Having a growth strategy, exceptional leadership, a high level of collaboration, and operating with a set of company values that empower our people to be successful and build their careers with the Wyant Group, are key for us. We are always learning and will always be students of this business.
What I like most about the business:
My favourite part of this business will always be the people. Whether it’s our OEMs, customers, or employee group (or my family members), it’s an incredible platform to connect with people in an industry that’s ever changing, and we are all so passionate about. The most important thing we have is our reputation. Understand your own values, and never compromise them, or your integrity, for anything. Do what’s right, not what’s easy, as hard work and good people will be rewarded in our industry.
RETAIL OPERATIONS
For outstanding achievement within an individual dealership
Annie Laliberté
Beauport Hyundai (membre du Groupe Daigle), Québec, QC
Most important success factor:
My curiosity and desire to learn is what drives me forward. I have invested in ongoing training, but the main factor that contributed the most to my success in the automotive retail industry is how I execute on my plans. Some other key factors for success are involving your management, listening, training, organizational skills, continuous improvement, internal relations and communications. These all involve the human element, which is the most important for me. I work hard to ensure that everyone involved in a new process or initiative is satisfied with the outcome. That’s where I invest a lot of my energy, to help achieve the highest quality result.
What I like most about the business:
What I love most about vehicle retailing is providing satisfaction to our customers and employees. A satisfied customer is proof that our policies and procedures are effective, and more importantly, that they are followed by our staff. When our employees are satisfied, they can then ensure the happiness of our customers. Ultimately my goal is to create a healthy human ecosystem to ensure the success of our retail business.
Steve Marshall
Steve Marshall Motors, Campbell River, BC
Most important success factor:
There are only two key areas that I have focused on in my career. First, how we treat our staff is the utmost of importance because if we treat them like family, they will take care of us. Second, treat our precious clients like we’d like to be treated — like a family.
What I like most about the business:
I would have to say that what I love the most about the auto retail business is that it is never boring. The business changes daily and to be successful we need to adapt our business practices at the same pace. That is what gets me out of bed every day and has kept me motivated and engaged for the past 58 years. During my career there have been many opportunities to try other things, I’ve witnessed many dealer friends migrate to other careers and they have all regretted their decisions.
Daniel Matthews
Volkswagen St. John’s, St. John’s, NL
Most important success factor:
Never letting go of the vision we have for our businesses, and finding the best people that align with that same vision. People are the reason we succeed, we have the best people. We all collectively believe in the same goal, we communicate on an extremely high level with one another. In the end it provides a strong management unit who can provide clear goals with the dealership team, providing consistent service to all who choose to do business with us. The key to our success is the people who work in the store, empowering them to power us forward, or as we say, “outmanage to outperform.”
What I like most about the business:
I thrive working towards an outcome that sets a very high standard. Whether this is working with employees to break down barriers, build new processes or set new targets — working on these goals is what gets you to greatness, and I love working towards objectives that make our people better, and make us better as a whole.
Eric O’Sullivan
Sherwood Park Chevrolet, Sherwood Park, AB
Most important success factor:
When I began selling cars about 20 years ago, I was excited to learn that you could excel in this industry the right way: by working hard, with integrity and building trust with the consumer. Fast forward a few years and I was equally as excited when I recognized that these same fundamentals applied in management. What I realized was that growing a strong business culture required foundations of relationships, connection and trust with your employees. When you demonstrate these things, employees work extremely hard for you and together achieve unprecedented success. When employees are loved and cared for, they will return that same care and respect to each customer, as well as their fellow employees. We have so many incredible stories surrounding our staff and customers that have helped create such a rewarding growth culture for us, I am truly proud of each and every one.
What I like most about the business:
I absolutely love the fact that automotive retail has no limitations on who can be successful in it, and I think that’s part of what makes it so special. There are so many layers of success in our business, the industry creates a unique opportunity for anyone who begins an automotive journey. I truly love watching and being a small part of life changing goals that get achieved for many people month after month.
