AS WELL AS BEING RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR EFFORTS, THESE ARE DEALERS THAT WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM
For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of conducting interviews with the newest group of CADA Laureates just after they’ve been told by the current CADA Chairman that they’ve won the prestigious award.
It’s always a fun interview, because the Laureates are proud, usually surprised, and without exception, they deflect some of the attention from themselves and heap praise on those around them who have helped them succeed. That speaks volumes about the quality of the individuals the judges from the Richard Ivey School of Business select each year.
I have also been on hand to greet them as they exit a limousine and enter the Canadian International AutoShow after their celebratory Laureate dinner each year, the time when they are presented with their distinctive Laureate jackets. It’s another fun interview, because they’re in the company of their fellow Laureate class, wearing their new jackets, and are in good spirits.
But apart from the celebrations, I’m always interested in talking to them about how they achieved their success, and the secret ingredients that helped set them apart from their peers. Whether they were selected in the category of ambassadorship, innovation or retail operations, these are excellent operators with lessons to share.
There are now 24 CADA Laureates from across Canada, from small dealerships, to large groups. They all have unique stories about how they got to where they are, and I would encourage you to reach out and get to know them.
In my interview with 2013 CADA Laureate Al MacPhee, from MacPhee Ford, he said he felt not only the honour, but also the responsibility of now being a Laureate. This meant conducting himself appropriately, but it also meant he has a responsibility to share and even mentor other dealers about the values all dealers should aspire to.
Ask any Laureate and they will be able to easily identify someone who helped influence them or shape their destiny along the way. I’ve now interviewed many of the Laureates, and I can tell you these are the types of people who have lots to share, and would be willing to share. These dealers are truly the class of the industry and also a tremendous resource.
