Kelowna Chrysler in the News

At Kelowna Chrysler, Talent and Innovation Drive Business Forward 

BY MIKE STRAUS 

A local auto dealership is gear- ing up for further success after a record-breaking year. 

From the outside, Kelowna Chrysler may look like any other new car dealership. But both na- tionwide and in Kelowna, Chrysler is making major strides in the consumer auto market—and the brand’s growth in the Okanagan is the result of strong customer service and top talent. 

Managing director Scott Amis says that now, with Kelowna Chrysler in its 41st year in business, the brand is making big moves. That larger consumer base he’s seeing more demand for vehicle modi- fications. In response to this growing trend, Kelowna Chrysler has launched KCD Customs, a custom auto shop that tailors vehicles to consumer specifications. 

“KCD Customs started off as a pet project by Justin Freeberg, our build manager. We prefer to call him an Imagineer. He takes the engineering background of our factory-approved components and imagines what the vehicle should look like. He actually builds the specs for us.” 

Amis notes that one major challenge in running a customs shop is warranty coverage. KCD Customs has modified 100 vehicles—each one an entirely unique creation. For Amis and Kelowna Chrysler, though, growth isn’t just about boosting sales and offering new services. It’s also about giving back. 

“Lots of charities don’t have the funds to get radio time, so last year we signed a package of radio spots. Instead of using them for our own purposes, we gave our spots to the BCSCPCA, the Canadian Cancer Foundation, and the Rotary Club.” 

 It’s clear that for Amis, attracting and training talent is the key to success. 

“I hire nice people,” he says, “and give them the technical skills. Most of our competitors train monthly—we train daily. We don’t sell 1,500 vehicles a year. We focus on one guest experience at a time and repeat it 1,500 times.” 

  

“2014 was a record year for national sales,” he says. “For the first time in history we’ve outsold Ford Motor Company. We’ve finished Q1 of 2015 as the number one namplate in Canada.

Progress Magazine

Capital Newa April 29 2015