ANNOUNCEMENTS
Driven to Excel
November 2, 2022
Todd Ducharme and Paul Valentine Named Alberta Dealers of Excellence
The MDA extends congratulations from dealers across the province to our 2022 Alberta Dealer of Excellence award winners, Paul Valentine, Valentine Auto Group in Calgary, and Todd Ducharme, Westlock Motors in Westlock, in the metro and non-metro categories respectively.
“Paul and Todd have achieved success by demonstrating exceptional commitment to their customers, staff, industry and communities in which they do business,” says Gerald Wood, MDA president. “They are fine examples of the many excellent auto dealers we are fortunate to have as members.”
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Paul is a third-generation auto dealer who not only followed in his father’s footsteps in business, but also in his service on the MDA board, his extensive philanthropic endeavours and even as winner of the MDA Dealer of Excellence award (Ted Valentine won the honour in 1984). The Valentine Group operates three Calgary dealerships that all post nation leading customer satisfaction ratings: Valentine Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover Royal Oak and Volvo Cars Royal Oak. With community service as its core value, the Valentine group donates at least 10% of its earnings to charity and community groups. “Our business is a tool to improve the lives of everyone around us—from our staff and their families to our customers and the community. That’s why we are in business,” says Paul. |
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Dealer principal of Westlock Motors and Grizzly Motors (Barrhead), which are under the Davis Auto Group umbrella, Todd Ducharme began his career as a sales consultant at Scougall Motors in Fort Macleod. He was promoted to sales manager and five years later, he moved to Lethbridge as the pre-owned manager at Davis GMC Buick. Within one year, Todd’s goal of becoming a general manager and dealer principal of his own store became a reality when Davis presented him the opportunity of that role with Westlock Motors in 1996. In 2004, he also became dealer principal of Grizzly Motors. Todd relishes being an auto dealer, “The auto business is forever changing, and you get to meet so many interesting people—within the industry and the customers we serve.” Whether it’s his community or his industry, Todd has demonstrated exceptional service, giving his time and financial support to several local organizations as well as serving as MDA chair in 2019-2020. |
The MDA awards the Dealer of Excellence annually to one metro dealer from Calgary or Edmonton and one non-metro dealer from the rest of the province. The award criteria are business acumen, community involvement and association/industry involvement. The award candidates are nominated by members and the winners are selected by a panel of past award recipients. “It is this peer recognition, from those who would often be considered competitors, that makes this award so meaningful,” adds Gerald Wood.
For profiles of individual award winners, click here.