For the second consecutive year, I was honoured with an invitation to the CADA Summit and the Canadian International AutoShow VIP night. When I first attended these events last year, I was wide-eyed and newly immersed in my consulting, writing and teaching career. It was a formative experience.
After a full year working more closely with dealers, OEMs and industry partners across Canada, this return felt different.
The handshakes came easier. The smiles were familiar. The sense of awe at simply being in the room with so many accomplished people was replaced by something deeper — gratitude. Automotive retail in Canada is a special sector, not just because of its economic footprint, but because of the people who show up for it.
OEM leaders, dealers, financial partners, suppliers and advocates gathering with a shared purpose. Alignment is not always simple in this business, especially in turbulent times, but the Summit and the show’s VIP night were reminders of what is possible when the industry comes together.
A handful of individuals stood out for me this year.
Amy Fleming, President & CEO, Mazda Canada
I’ve been a quiet admirer of the brand since managing a Mazda store in Edmonton prior to the pandemic. More recently, through work with the Clarify Group on the annual CADA Dealer Satisfaction Index, the distinct culture of Mazda in Canada has become even clearer. The company’s recognition by winning another DSI Award this year reflects sustained effort and leadership, and it was rewarding to see that acknowledged publicly.
Michael Wyant and Brent Ravelle
Michael Wyant, Chief Operating Officer, The Wyant Group
Michael and I worked closely together in Saskatoon for more than a decade. We shared the challenges of launching new brands in that market and, over time, built a lasting friendship. Seeing him wearing his newly-earned CADA Laureate jacket was a proud moment. The recognition speaks not only to operational success, but to his longstanding commitment to dealership people.
Tim Reuss and Bruce Rosen, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association
My first encounter with Tim Reuss was in a classroom at Georgian College, where he served as lead instructor in the Dealership Management program while also leading CADA. That combination of academic engagement and national advocacy says much about his approach. In recent years, his leadership through a series of industry disruptions has been significant for Canadian dealers.
Through research collaborations, I’ve also come to appreciate Bruce Rosen’s role as Executive Director of Industry Relations. His experience and steady advocacy reflect a deep understanding of the business and its evolving pressures.
Sebrina Westbrooke, Program Manager, Automotive Business School of Canada (Georgian College)
At the CIAS VIP night, Sebrina seemed to be everywhere — connecting people, checking in with graduates and industry partners, and championing the next generation of leaders. Her influence on dealership career development in Canada is substantial. The continued growth and international reach of Georgian’s programs is no accident.
Silvia Carfora, President & CEO, Weis Group
My first interaction with the Weis Group was more than 15 years ago, during a brand standards evaluation at a new Porsche dealership in Saskatoon. Since then, the firm’s reputation for discipline in design, operations and brand integrity has only strengthened. Silvia’s leadership reflects the increasing sophistication of dealership facilities and customer experience across North America.
Laurance Yap, Manager of Retail Marketing, Pfaff Automotive Partners / Lithia
Laurance is widely known as one of the most knowledgeable automotive enthusiasts in the country. What is less visible is the work ethic behind that passion. At the Auto Show, it was evident in the execution of several high-end brand displays. Attention to detail matters in retail, and it was on full display.
Events like the CADA Summit and the CIAS VIP night inevitably feature awards, speeches and formal programming. Those elements are important. But for me, the enduring takeaway was more personal.
What these gatherings reinforced is that the strength of Canadian automotive retail lies in its leadership bench — in the educators training future managers, the advocates representing dealer interests, the executives steering national brands and the operators building strong local businesses.
It’s the people who continue to make the difference.
