2023 DEALER OF EXCELLENCE WINNERTodd Richardson |
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Lexus of Royal Oak / Calgary
Todd Richardson stepped into the family auto business when he was 14 years old, he sold his dad’s old truck, in two days for $1,200. “It gave me a taste of what selling is like,” says Richardson. After high school, he attended the Automotive Business School of Canada in Barrie, ON, where he earned a business diploma. He started at Charlesglen Toyota in 1991 and held several positions including inventory control, financial services, and then sales management. During this time he attended the NADA dealer management program. He served as General Manager at Charlesglen for 14 years.
In 2008, Richardson was awarded Calgary’s second Lexus dealership – Lexus of Royal Oak – which was built in the Northwest Auto Mall in Calgary. Richardson created a truly luxurious guest experience, rooted in service excellence – the cornerstone of his dealership. He believes his success has come from having a supportive wife of 31 years by his side, Natasha, and the long term service-oriented team that provide the family environment that guests always comment on. “That’s what makes people come back – the way they make them feel,” notes Richardson.
Today, Richardson is the dealer and managing partner of Lexus of Royal Oak, and associated with Charlesglen Toyota, and Fifth Ave Volkswagen.
Of his early lessons in the auto industry he says, “Something that I often carry around from the business lessons throughout the years is – the sale is not the end of the transaction, but beginning of an obligation. I also believe it doesn’t matter who’s right, it’s what’s right. Whether with a guest or teammate, as long as we keep these sayings top of mind, we’ll always make the right decision.”
“Getting an opportunity to own and run a dealership has been a dream come true,” says Richardson. “And to get the respect of your peers for what you’ve done, what more can you ask for?”