Photo provided of David McQuilkin
After more than 35 years in the Ford and Lincoln business, David McQuilkin is preparing to learn a new way of doing things.
McQuilkin, Dealer Principal and President of Milton Ford Lincoln, has acquired nearby Milton Nissan, adding a second franchise as he looks to expand his business in the growing community west of Toronto.
A CADA Laureate finalist in the Business Innovation in 2025 and Retail Operations categories in 2026, McQuilkin said the acquisition was driven by his confidence in Milton and the opportunity to build a small dealership group within the community.
“Number one, Milton is just a fabulous town,” said McQuilkin in an interview with Canadian auto dealer.
He pointed to the town’s population growth, favourable demographics and above-average household incomes as reasons for expanding locally rather than looking elsewhere.
“I think there’s an opportunity to have a mini group within that community,” said McQuilkin, adding that strong customer service and word-of-mouth referrals can benefit both dealerships.
He also sees Nissan’s product lineup as a good complement to Ford and Lincoln, particularly for price-conscious consumers.
“It’s got great quality vehicles that are affordable,” said McQuilkin. “Affordability is the number one concern in the Ontario market.”
The acquisition didn’t happen overnight. McQuilkin said he had approached Milton Nissan’s previous owners, Tim Hoogaars and Peter Herrmann, several times over the past few years about buying the dealership.
“For whatever reason the stars aligned,” said McQuilkin.
He added that the owners had operated the dealership for more than 20 years, building relationships with employees and customers that made the decision to sell an emotional one.
“They’re good dealers, and whenever you sell a store it’s very emotional.”
He said the owners wanted to ensure the dealership would be sold to someone who would look after the employees and maintain its reputation in the community.
“They didn’t need to sell, but I think they liked how we looked after our staff and how we went to market,” said McQuilkin.
He said the Nissan store already enjoys above-average customer satisfaction and market share, giving him a solid foundation on which to build. Still, after spending most of his career with Ford and Lincoln, McQuilkin acknowledged there will be a learning curve.
“I’ve only known the Ford way. I need to take my time and understand the Nissan way,” said McQuilkin.
The acquisition also comes as the next generation of the McQuilkin family becomes more involved in the business.
His son, Luke, became General Manager of Milton Ford Lincoln last year after joining the dealership about four years ago. A Queen’s University graduate and Chartered Professional Accountant, Luke previously worked in investment banking before deciding to join his father in automotive retail.
Another son, Connor, previously spent a year selling vehicles at Milton Ford Lincoln, where McQuilkin said he became the dealership’s second-leading salesperson. Connor subsequently pursued a teaching career and spent three and a half years in Australia. He is expected to return to Canada and may also join the family business.
McQuilkin said having his sons involved provided added motivation to expand, creating opportunities for the next generation while helping secure the family’s future in automotive retail. He also believes the business has provided Luke with something beyond career advancement: a better balance between work and family life.
“When he’s got to go to his kids’ T-ball games, he can be there,” said McQuilkin.
While the family connection is important, he said there are also sound business reasons for operating multiple dealerships.
“It’s just good business to diversify and to spread your wings with other brands, and offer a complete product lineup,” said McQuilkin.
He hasn’t decided whether to establish a dealership group under the McQuilkin or Milton name, but he is already considering further expansion. Another franchise in Milton has caught his attention, and he hopes to pursue that opportunity.
“It’s the right time to expand with a different brand in the right town,” said McQuilkin.
For McQuilkin, the Nissan acquisition represents another chapter in a career he once tried to leave behind. He retired in 2018, but soon discovered retirement wasn’t for him. He returned to automotive retail with the purchase of Milton Ford Lincoln in 2019. He laughed when asked whether having his sons involved might finally give him more time to play golf.
“People say car dealers never retire, they’re just always in the background,” said McQuilkin.
“Someone said to me, ‘Dave, you’re the kind of guy that enjoys the climb versus the view from the top,’ and I think there’s some truth to that. To grow something and create positive change is really rewarding.”
