Driven to Excel: 2026 MDA Dealer of Excellence

November 5, 2026

Chair Jordon Romeril is pleased to announce the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta (MDA) recipients of the 2026 Dealer of Excellence awards: Scott Held (Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West - Edmonton) and Mike Webb (Webb’s Ford – Vermilion).

“Both Scott and Mike are fantastic additions to the MDA Dealer of Excellence,” said MDA President Gerald Wood. “They perform at an incredibly high level, day in day out, while making sure that their communities are supported in multiple ways.”

Teamwork and the importance of community involvement are also common denominators for Mike and Paul. Each has been instrumental in their dealerships’ growth and innovation. Both award winners credit the incredible support they have received over the years from mentors, colleagues, and family.

Scott’s career in the automotive industry began in 1991, when, at just 16 years old, he took his first job as a lot attendant. At the time, he never imagined that a part-time job would become the beginning of a lifelong career.

His sights were originally set on becoming a CPA, following in his father’s footsteps. But while completing his studies, he began selling cars part-time to earn some extra money. It didn’t take long for him to discover that he had a natural passion for the automotive business — and, just as importantly, that accounting wasn’t for him.

Scott began to lean in to the automotive industry, pursuing opportunities that would allow him to grow and build a career he genuinely enjoyed. He was willing to relocate for those opportunities, and that willingness helped accelerate his career.

By the age of 30, Scott had lived and worked in eight different Canadian cities, eventually bringing him to Edmonton.

His early experiences taught him the value of good management. What to do and what not to do. Consistency and fairness are key to keeping a dealership successful. For Scott, the best part of his day comes at the end when he reads the reports to see how many cars were sold.

For Scott, success is also about giving back. “We always make it a priority to be involved,” he says. The dealership supports the causes that matter most to its employees and their families, from sponsoring children’s hockey teams to supporting the Kids with Cancer Society. Scott and his family committed to donating $100,000 over five years, while also making sure their children were involved so they could “get a sense of what our dollars are doing.”

Being nominated for the Dealer of Excellence awards is a meaningful recognition for Scott, particularly in an industry he describes as highly competitive. “Being recognized by people who are titans in the industry is an honour.” But he is quick to share the credit, recognizing the leadership of General Manager Brandan Hebert and the hard work of the entire team at Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  He also gives credit and appreciation to his long term “business partner and mentor” Jim McManes.

He says that more than other industries, this one really is a meritocracy. If you are willing to hold yourself accountable and put in the work, you will be rewarded.

Now, Scott calls West Edmonton home, where he lives with his wife, Katie, and their three big dogs. His children have followed their own paths into the industry — “of their own choosing!” he adds — with his daughter Brittany working as a Finance Manager and his son Tyler completing his studies at Georgian College Automotive School.

What began with a teenager taking a part-time job has become a career built on hard work, leadership, community and a genuine love for the automotive business.

The Webb family business began in 1933, when Mike’s grandfather started a machinery business. Automobiles were added in 1946, and today, Mike represents the third generation of the family to carry the business forward.

Mike’s own path took him away from the dealership for a time. After working in the family business as a teenager, he graduated and moved into the oilfield. In 2008, with a young family, he returned to the family business.

He started in fixed operations, working in parts and at the service counter, with the eventual goal of becoming Dealer Principal. Today, Mike is Dealer Principal of the Ford dealerships in Vermilion and Wainwright.

Throughout his dealership career, Mike has served on various Ford Dealer Round Table Committees. He currently serves as Alberta Co-Chair of the Ford Dealer Advertising Association and has also served several terms on the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta board.

One of the biggest lessons Mike learned from his family was the importance of looking after customers. He remembers his father going into the dealership late at night to get parts for anyone who needed them. At the time, the Ford and machinery stores were still under the same roof.

“As a ‘Webb,’ you’re the face of the franchise. Everyone knows it,” Mike says. “I have high expectations of myself as a business owner and as a community member.”

Those community connections are among the things Mike enjoys most about the dealership. Many customers have become like extended family, while long-time employees bring their own deep connections to Vermilion, Wainwright, and the surrounding area.

Community involvement has always been part of the Webb family philosophy. Mike has volunteered as a firefighter, served on the Minor Hockey executive, and remains an active member of both the Rotary and the Elks Clubs.

Webb’s Ford and the Webb’s Group of Companies contribute both time and financial support to many local community organizations. The Food Bank, Santa’s Anonymous, Minor Hockey, Senior Hockey, Minor Ball, the Curling Club, Golf Club, the museum and local schools are among the organizations they support on an ongoing basis.

“We try to lead by example by giving back to the community,” he says.

For Mike, dealer awards were never something he thought much about, but he is grateful for the nomination and appreciates being recognized for the work he does.

“It is flattering. It is a validation of the things I work at.”

Looking ahead, Mike sees his role as protecting the family legacy for the next generation to carry forward.

“My focus is to keep the business strong.”

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