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TADA President Brings a Passion for Cars and People to His New Role as Wheels Columnist
My name is Paul Stern and I am the newly-appointed president of the Toronto Automobile Dealers? Association (TADA). Over the next 12 months, I will be representing the interests of the 335 new car dealers located throughout the GTA. It?s an honour and privilege to serve the dealers in this capacity.
One of the many roles of my new position is writing this weekly column about automotive issues, as they relate to new car dealers and consumers. My predecessors in this position (Dominic Mesiano, Craig Riley and Ken Shaw Jr.) have provided Wheels readers with a unique perspective into the world of automotive retailing in this province. Their columns have been insightful, thought-provoking, engaging - and sometimes controversial.
I hope to maintain that tradition over the next year. As a guest columnist in Canada?s largest circulation newspaper, my goal is to provide readers with timely and relevant information about our industry. The car industry is highly competitive, and it?s changing all the time. Of course, I welcome your feedback on any automotive-related issues ? perhaps you?ll agree with my views, perhaps not.
How did I become president of the TADA? Well, my journey began when I emigrated from Brazil to Canada in 1970, with very little English and three years of high school under my belt. Eventually, I earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) degree in chemistry from U of T. My family encouraged me to become a doctor or an accountant, but my passion for people and business led me into an entirely different direction.
During my mid-twenties, I founded a chain of successful retail clothing stores in Toronto. After five years, I sold the business and found myself semi-retired in my late twenties.
Almost by accident, I soon found myself in the car business, and I immediately loved it. My first job was in sales at Elgin Ford (Canada?s largest Ford store at one time). After a few years working in sales and management at several dealerships, which provided excellent training for my eventual role as a dealer principal, it was time to strike out on my own.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, I bought and sold several auto dealerships in the GTA. Today, I am the proud owner of a Chrysler franchise and my passion for the car industry is a constant source of inspiration and fulfillment in my life. A few years ago, I was invited by the TADA?s board of directors to lend my assistance and expertise to that organization, and I gladly accepted. My involvement with the TADA culminates with my role as president for 2005/2006.
What has been the attraction of the auto industry for me all these years? I have a passion for cars. I remember my first car, a red hot, fully-equipped Ford Pinto. I enjoy the fast-pace of this industry, too, with so many advancements in vehicle design and the emergence of new technologies.
I also love the people in our industry. The automotive industry is a microcosm of Canadian society, employing people from various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. From the service technicians and advisors to the sales professionals and administrative staff, the auto industry employs some of the brightest and most talented men and women. It?s a great pleasure working within this multicultural mosaic, in one of the greatest cities in the world.
Do I have a life outside of the car business? Absolutely. I am a married father of two teenage sons. I love spending time with family, exploring different cultures and cuisines, traveling, exercising, and enjoying a second cup of coffee with friends.
Although Canada (and the car business) has been good to me, I still have big dreams for the future. I want to help raise the stature of our industry by celebrating excellence and achievement at all levels, and by promoting the car business as a great profession in which to work.
I want to encourage young people to pursue life-long careers in the car business. As a young man, I had the choice of following my degree, but I followed my heart into the auto business instead. As a result, I have discovered countless opportunities, and I have achieved tremendous job satisfaction, success and status. The car industry is crying out for the next generation of young people who want to be part of this dynamic and ever-changing field.
Finally, our industry, like most other industries, is affected by a number of economic and political conditions. When interest rates are low, job markets are healthy and taxation is moderate, our industry stands a better chance to thrive and prosper.
In my capacity as president of the TADA, I will support government initiatives that help to fuel economic growth and ease the tax burden of average Canadians. If Canadians have more disposable income in their pockets, they have greater purchasing power. This is good for the economy, in general, and the auto industry, in particular.
Over the next year, I hope to provide Wheels readers with fresh ideas and useful information about the automotive retailing industry. Happy reading!
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Paul Stern is President of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association and is a new-car dealer in Toronto. E-mail comments to president@tada.ca
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