Columnist Chuck Seguin hasn’t missed an issue in the magazine’s 20 year history
First off, let me congratulate Publisher Niel Hiscox, Senior Editor Todd Phillips, and Linda Nadon, Business Development Manager, on achieving this incredible milestone!
With other print-based publications facing headwinds, Niel, Todd, and Linda have used their entrepreneurial skills to successfully develop a unique formula for success.
I take great pride in saying that I have been fortunate to write a column in every issue of Canadian auto dealer since its inception 20 years ago, including the prototype issue.
I was asked to write for the “Aspects of Ownership” column, focusing on the issues and opportunities facing dealer principals. Over the years, the magazine has developed into the premier dealer magazine in Canada, covering all things automotive retail in Canada and beyond.
Our journey started when I first met Niel and Todd when they worked together at CLB Media in Aurora.
It was there that Niel first imagined and developed Canadian auto dealer. Shortly after, the two left CLB Media and founded Universus Media, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The last 20 years have seen many ups and downs in the Canadian automotive industry. Usually more macroeconomic in nature, periodic challenges affected most industries and consumers equally.
I am thinking of the Enron scandal in 2001, followed by the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, the 2014 downturn, the 2019 slowdown that was closely followed by the unprecedented COVID-19 economic implications in 2020 and 2021.
Through all of this, Canadian auto dealer kept dealers informed and attempted to guide them on their individual paths forward.
Throughout this entire period, speculation ran rampant — mostly from industry outsiders and new technology-based entrants — that dealerships would be eliminated.
Canadian auto dealer did not buy into this narrative and, as such, has consistently supported the dealer model.
This total commitment led to Universus’ new product development in video, OEM training support, international affiliations, CADA Summit and CADEX and CCAM conferences, and most recently the formation of the consultancy firm Clarify Group. All of these initiatives are laser-focused on supporting the dealership model.
Universus is very active in delivering messages to dealers through their involvement with dealer association conferences.
Helping CADA and provincial associations host successful gatherings for their members has been a priority for Universus.
The development of the wildly successful CADA Laureate program and the inception of the CADA Summit put Canadian auto dealers on the map, and Canadian auto dealer helped promote and support these uniquely Canadian initiatives.
This all started under the vision of former CADA President and CEO Richard Gauthier and was eagerly continued and expanded by his successors, John White and now Tim Reuss. Today, the CADA Summit is the premier auto and truck dealer event in Canada.
Canadian auto dealer has also been active with coverage of industry conferences.
For example, NADA is the largest and most significant gathering impacting auto dealers across North America. Having attended NADA for 25 years, I can comfortably say that Canadian auto dealer’s coverage opened the path for Canadian dealers to attend NADA, especially for dealer groups.
The development of the wildly successful CADA Laureate program and the inception of the CADA Summit put Canadian auto dealers on the map, and Canadian auto dealer helped promote and support these uniquely Canadian initiatives.
Regular readers will know that my columns have focused on ownership and management succession, dealership valuations, buy-sell pros and cons, manager capability, periodic observations of key issues, OEM relations, etc.
These topics helped Canadian auto dealer attract readership and regular sponsorship. More importantly, my participation in the early days of Canadian auto dealer helped attract top-quality contributors to round out the regular columns and cover all issues of interest to Canadian automobile dealers.
The events of 2025 continue to present challenges and opportunities, and the magazine has really stepped up its coverage.
Although the implications have not fully worked their way through our industry, the recent U.S. tariffs and the “Built in USA” initiative could have lasting effects on all of our businesses.
Every single vehicle manufacturer is looking to successfully navigate their way to success in the North American theatre. This will have a lasting impact on the Canadian industry and, as a result, Canadian automobile dealerships could be in for exciting new opportunities and challenges.
Additionally, a great opportunity exists for auto retailers as new entrants look to Canada. The magazine’s recent issue highlighted CADA’s investigative trip into China, which Publisher Niel Hiscox was part of.
Where the Canadian market is headed is anyone’s guess, but you can take Canadian auto dealer’s continued coverage to the bank.
On their 20th anniversary, I want to congratulate Niel, Todd, Linda, and their whole team on this incredible accomplishment.
Little did we imagine 20 years ago that Universus would evolve into what it is today. The journey is not over, and I look forward to contributing to Canadian auto dealer as long as they will have me.
We are living in interesting times, and the future is going to be exciting!
Editor’s note: A special thanks to Chuck for not only writing his insightful column for 20 years, but for also usually being the first columnist to submit each issue. A true professional!
