Patrick Priestner, Innovator Laureate
AutoCanada Income Fund (20 franchised dealerships in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario)
Represented brands: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Hyundai, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru
The key to his success
Gathering together a strong and efficient management team.
Background
Founder and CEO of AutoCanada Income Fund in Edmonton, Patrick Priestner completed two semesters at university before taking a year off to put a little money aside working as a car salesman. He became the best salesman in Alberta and, in 1975, one of the top ten Chrysler salesmen. He was promoted to the position of sales manager and general sales manager at Chinook Chrysler at the age of 20. He then became general manager and partner at Oxford Dodge in London, Ontario. In 1993 he was named president and dealer principal of Canada One Auto Group Ltd. In 2006 he initiated the AutoCanada Income Fund. He has also worked as vice-president of the Alberta Dealers Association Advertising Council and chairman of the Dealer Council DaimlerChrysler - Western Region.
His view
This recognition and nomination as finalist is a great honour for me. What is even more gratifying is meeting my esteemed colleagues and friends under such extraordinary circumstances, after three decades in the industry.
Harry Mertin
Mertin Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd., Mertin Hyundai, Mertin Chevrolet Cadillac Ltd. - Chilliwack, BC
The key to his success
His goal is to make his companies a place where employees enjoy working and people enjoy doing business. Both are essential to satisfaction and success, whether you are an employee, a client or a businessperson.
Background
Harry Mertin acquired his Pontiac Buick GMC franchise 19 years ago after working three years as general manager under the late Dick Irwin and his son, Rick, and ten years in various positions at General Motors. He attributes a large part of his success to them, as well as his nomination in two categories. The Hyundai franchise, which he has been managing for the past three years, benefited from the performance and reputation of the GM franchise.
His view
An ambassador always has the opportunity to give back to the community and the industry. That being said, being an ambassador is a team effort. No one can personally take credit for the recognition. I would never have been able to receive this award if my management team and my family hadn't believed in me, supported me and followed my lead.
AutoCanada Income Fund (20 franchised dealerships in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario)
Represented brands: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Hyundai, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru
The key to his success
Gathering together a strong and efficient management team.
Background
Founder and CEO of AutoCanada Income Fund in Edmonton, Patrick Priestner completed two semesters at university before taking a year off to put a little money aside working as a car salesman. He became the best salesman in Alberta and, in 1975, one of the top ten Chrysler salesmen. He was promoted to the position of sales manager and general sales manager at Chinook Chrysler at the age of 20. He then became general manager and partner at Oxford Dodge in London, Ontario. In 1993 he was named president and dealer principal of Canada One Auto Group Ltd. In 2006 he initiated the AutoCanada Income Fund. He has also worked as vice-president of the Alberta Dealers Association Advertising Council and chairman of the Dealer Council DaimlerChrysler - Western Region.
His view
This recognition and nomination as finalist is a great honour for me. What is even more gratifying is meeting my esteemed colleagues and friends under such extraordinary circumstances, after three decades in the industry.
Harry Mertin
Mertin Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd., Mertin Hyundai, Mertin Chevrolet Cadillac Ltd. - Chilliwack, BC
The key to his success
His goal is to make his companies a place where employees enjoy working and people enjoy doing business. Both are essential to satisfaction and success, whether you are an employee, a client or a businessperson.
Background
Harry Mertin acquired his Pontiac Buick GMC franchise 19 years ago after working three years as general manager under the late Dick Irwin and his son, Rick, and ten years in various positions at General Motors. He attributes a large part of his success to them, as well as his nomination in two categories. The Hyundai franchise, which he has been managing for the past three years, benefited from the performance and reputation of the GM franchise.
His view
An ambassador always has the opportunity to give back to the community and the industry. That being said, being an ambassador is a team effort. No one can personally take credit for the recognition. I would never have been able to receive this award if my management team and my family hadn't believed in me, supported me and followed my lead.