Business Innovation
for initiatives that significantly enhanced
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Steve Chipman
Birchwood Automotive Group
Brands represented: BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover Lexus, MINI, Nissan, Toyota, Volvo |
Background:Steve Chipman's father, Robert, started the business as Birchwood Motors in 1964. Steve started working there part-time as a lot attendant when he was 14. After careers as a teacher and a lawyer, he returned to the business in 1994 when it expanded operations and he has been President and CEO since 2003. The group now has 9 separate dealerships representing 14 brands, as well as 2 collision centres and an independent leasing company. "I am very proud of the accomplishments of our team," he says. "This nomination is really about their efforts. We value continuous improvement. Our team members have worked hard to embrace change and develop new processes. We all know that we have lots of room for growth and we have to get better. Our focus on team member growth, process improvement and engaging our teams in goal setting has enabled us to look back and see all the positive changes we have made and to look forward to the exciting possibilities ahead." |
Judge's Comments:Steve Chipman and the Birchwood Auto Group really distinguished themselves in this category. Their broad-based strategic planning program is exceptionally innovative. Their internal training programs and their unique internship program with the Asper School of Business is unique and valuable. Especially impressive is their very innovative growth of the IT Function in the business (and beyond). And they have really set themselves apart by their creation of Winnipeg’s first AutoMall concept. Among other indications of success, this has resulted in being the first automotive company to be one of the Financial Posts "50 Best Managed Companies" in Canada, numerous accolades for the dealership, as well as individual awards for team members. |
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