2022 DEALER OF EXCELLENCE WINNERTodd Ducharme |
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Westlock Motors / Westlock
In 1984, Todd Ducharme started his career working at Scougall Motors in Fort Macleod, “It was a great place to learn the auto business from two of the best: John Davis and Hank Arnoldussen. Starting as a sales consultant, 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, Ducharme’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, which he has led for over 25 years. In 2004, he also became dealer principal of Grizzly Motors in Barrhead. Ducharme 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.”
Since moving to Westlock in 1996, Ducharme has immersed himself in the community—everything from organizing a shinny hockey league and coaching minor sports to being a member of the Westlock Economic Development Board and the Rotary Club, for which he is currently president-elect.
Ducharme’s community commitment is mirrored at the dealership as well. Considering customers as “community colleagues,” Westlock Motors is an avid supporter of a myriad of local charities and community organizations.
Ducharme’s business philosophy of “developing opportunities through unparalleled relationships,” also extended to his fellow auto dealers when he served as MDA chair for the 2019-2020 term. This was part of a five-year commitment on the association executive, an experience he found very beneficial, “… by expanding my network of dealer and industry contacts and having contributed to an organization that works hard to represent and advocate for the betterment of customers buying new and used vehicles from franchised dealers.”
Ducharme was stunned to learn he had been named this year’s MDA Dealer of Excellence, “I was surprised and humbled for being chosen. It truly is an honour for me and our team,” he said. He credits his success to a positive attitude, a good work-family life balance and, as his mentor John Davis advised: “Surround yourself with good people.”