Chair Greg Stahl is pleased to announce the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta (MDA) recipients of the 2024 Dealer of Excellence awards: Tim Beach (Charlesglen Toyota - Calgary) and Pat Quinlan (Sun City Ford – Medicine Hat).

“Both Tim and Pat bring a positive attitude into work every day,” said Stahl. “Making the environment a place people want to come into work but also a place people want to shop is extremely important.”

Grit, hard work, and keeping things fun are common denominators for Tim and Pat. Each has been instrumental in their dealerships’ growth and innovation. Both award winners credit the incredible support they have received from mentors, colleagues, and family over the years.

Tim’s career in the car industry began in 1991 when, at 20 years old, he started as a salesman at Charlesglen Toyota which then went on to be his first and only full-time employment. With 33 years of experience, his journey highlights the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a deep passion for the automotive business. Early on, Tim learned that cars are more than just vehicles—they hold stories of adventure and memories, and this perspective shaped his approach to running a dealership.

Now the General Manager and Dealer Principal at Charlesglen Toyota in Calgary, Alberta, Tim reflects on the dealership’s growth. The original location was small, holding only four or five cars, but in 2011, they expanded to a facility that is over 200,000-square-feet. This move allowed them to enhance customer service and expand their inventory.

For Tim, the highlight of his day is making someone’s day a little better. It's not just about closing deals but about how we can help someone out and make their day or their week a little less stressful. This relational approach has been essential to his success over the years.

Tim’s community involvement is also a cornerstone of his work. Every day, whether it’s a small occasion or something big, there’s always a reason to celebrate. They make a point to celebrate National Pirate Day or the first day of fall – anything and everything to mark a milestone and continue the cheerful atmosphere for both customers and staff. The dealership supports the local foodbank, United Way, Alberta Cancer Foundation, and a lot of local sports team. Teams are encouraged to submit videos explaining why they need funding, and the dealership will happily support them.

Dealer awards hold special meaning for Tim, as they reflect recognition from his peers in the industry. He believes this acknowledgment validates the effort and dedication he pours into his role. Tim is extremely grateful for the unwavering and support and mentorship he has received from his two business partners, Glen Richardson and Glen Rumpel.

Tim's advice? “Find happiness—make it fun.” He believes in creating an enjoyable environment for both customers and staff, which he sees as the key to long-term success. Outside of work, Tim has five children and one of his sons has followed in his footsteps, selling cars and continuing the family tradition.

In 1992, at 25 years old, Pat stepped onto the sales floor of a Mercury dealership, marking the beginning of a 30-year career in the automotive industry. After six years with Mercury and several positions across four different Ford dealerships, he found himself in Medicine Hat, where he became the Managing Partner and Director of Sun City Ford in 2016.

Having bought the dealership on October 31, 2016, he inherited a group of staff who were eager to start a new journey under strong leadership. Over the past eight years, he has been blessed with a resilient, committed team, making day-to-day operations seamless. His experience in sales taught him three important lessons about running a dealership: first, build strong relationships with the people you serve; second, differentiate yourself through consistency; and third, don’t take yourself too seriously—stay focused on your employees and customers.

One of his proudest achievements has been winning the Ford Canada President's Award each year since 2020.

He believes that the greatest responsibility as a business owner is giving back to the community. Whether it's sponsoring local youth sports, helping British Army trainees get new jackets, or working with the local food bank, his dealership is always looking for ways to make a difference. One initiative particularly close to his heart is the Hero of the Week, where locals nominate individuals for their community service, with winners receiving recognition and a gift card to enjoy dinner out in the community.

For him, success comes down to a positive attitude and a great team. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish with the right people,” he says, grateful for his staff’s dedication. Outside of work, he remains devoted to his family, and thanks his wife for her unwavering patience through his long workweeks.

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 Association 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 Stahl.