CARSTAR Canada Announces Top Performing Franchise Partners at Inaugural Driven Brands Combined Canadian Conference

The celebration, Evolution 2023 was held at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal, Canada.

“Congratulations to all of our award winners who have set the standard for not only CARSTAR, but our industry,” said Sabrina Thing, chief operating officer, CARSTAR Canada. “Their accomplishments in overall performance, customer service, length of rental, marketing, philanthropy and commitment to excellence is incredible, and we are honoured to count them as CARSTAR franchise partners.”

• Franchisee of the Year: Joe Saputo, owner, CARSTAR Ancaster West Since joining the CARSTAR family in 2016, Joe has demonstrated exceptional dedication and co mmitment to success. With remarkable growth, increasing sales margins, Joe's facility is a shining example of excellence. His proactive approach to technician development and adaptability to the evolving collision industry landscape have set him apart. We are honored to recognize Joe Saputo as this year's well-deserved Franchisee of the Year!

• Rookie of the Year: Alan Shek and Brad Payne, owners, CARSTAR North Toronto Since joining the CARSTAR network in December 2021, they have demonstrated a remarkable dedication to embracing the latest advancements in collision repair, particularly in mobile electronics and performance car modifications. Leveraging their expertise in advanced automotive technologies, CARSTAR North Toronto quickly earned certifications for repairing Teslas, with approximately 50% of their repairs being on EVs. Their commitment to staying ahead of industry changes and providing exceptional customer service has made them well-deserved winners of the Rookie of the Year award!

• Ironman Award: Dan Jonsson and Skye Grexton, owners, CARSTAR Stonewall, CARSTAR Winnipeg Chevrier, CARSTAR Winnipeg Henderson, CARSTAR Winnipeg Fife, CARSTAR Winnipeg Saskatchewan, CARSTAR Winnipeg St. James (Macdonald), CARSTAR Gimli, and CARSTAR Dugald This well-deserved honor is presented to a CARSTAR franchise partner that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, loyalty, and perseverance in the face of adversity. As multi-store owners of nine facilities, they have shown outstanding commitment to the CARSTAR brand, embodying our values and sharing their invaluable industry knowledge and experience with the network. We are proud to have such dedicated and passionate franchisees like Dan Jonsson and Skye Grexton in Manitoba!

• Customer Experience Award: CARSTAR Toronto St. Clair and Owner Frank Abate The CARSTAR customer experience award recognizes excellence in customer care, and Frank Abate’s facility has truly excelled in providing exceptional service. This year's winner achieved an outstanding Google review rating, reflecting the high level of satisfaction their customers have experienced. Their commitment to delivering top-notch service and creating positive experiences has earned them this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to recognize CARSTAR Toronto St. Clair as our Customer Experience award winner!

• Length of Rental (LOR) Award: CARSTAR Miramichi and Owner Colin Manuel This award recognizes the facility with the shortest average rental car length, highlighting their commitment to efficiently returning customers to the road. CARSTAR Miramichi's outstanding processes and stellar team have led them to be a top performer in the network for the second year in a row, boasting an average LOR of 12.14 days – 5 days under the network average. Their dedication to customer service sets them apart, and we applaud their exceptional achievements!

• Marketing Award: The Fahey family, owners, CARSTAR Calgary McKnight, CARSTAR Calgary Bowness, and CARSTAR Airdrie The Fahey family, owners of CARSTAR Calgary McKnight and CARSTAR Calgary Bowness, won the CARSTAR Marketer of the Year award. Their active participation in local parades, hosting annual Soaps it Up car washes for cystic fibrosis, and dressing up to greet trick-or-treaters during Halloween exemplify their commitment to the community. We applaud the Fahey family for their outstanding marketing efforts and dedication to the CARSTAR brand!

• Vanguard Award: Sylvain Martel, owner, CARSTAR Anjou In an evolving collision industry, it takes exceptional leaders to navigate through customer demands, technological advancements, and market pressures. Sylvain and CARSTAR Anjou have consistently exemplified innovation and have become agents of change in our network. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, forward-thinking approach, and determination have elevated our entire CARSTAR family. We commend Sylvain and CARSTAR Anjou for their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and propelling us to new heights.

• Genesis Award: Peter Chavez, owner, CARSTAR LC Group (CARSTAR Waterdown, CARSTAR Hamilton Midtown, CARSTAR Cambridge, CARSTAR Hamilton Lockwood, CARSTAR Cambridge Appraisal, UniglassPlus Hamilton Lockwood, UniglassPlus Waterdown, and UniglassPlus Cambridge) The Genesis Award celebrates an owner who has exemplified the meaning of Evolution. The LC Group's commitment to evolution shines through their diversified services, offering both CARSTAR and UniglassPlus locations for a comprehensive auto service experience. Veterans in the Driven Brands Canada family for over 28 years, they've not only expanded their operations but also supported others around them. We're honored to recognize the LC Group, owners of CARSTAR Waterdown, CARSTAR Hamilton Midtown, CARSTAR Cambridge, CARSTAR Hamilton Lockwood, UniglassPlus Hamilton Lockwood, UniglassPlus Waterdown, and UniglassPlus Cambridge, as our Genesis award winner!

• Charity Award: Johnny Kloekes, owner of the CARSTAR Johnny K Group As a successful multi-store operator in the West, Johnny has earned a reputation for exceptional collision repairs and unwavering community support. Year after year, he and his team host events, car washes, and participate in community initiatives to raise valuable funds for important causes, including Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Johnny's true passion lies in bringing his team together to honor and thank them for their hard work. He is a true leader in his community and the industry. We're thrilled to recognize Johnny K as our Community Champion!