About the ARA

Our Mission

Create an environment where B.C. automotive professionals can invest, innovate, and thrive, so they keep B.C. moving and drive a vibrant B.C. economy.

Our Vision

The ARA is the central trusted body cultivating an environment that secures a vibrant future for the B.C. automotive service industry.

Our History

The ARA was formed in 1951 to serve as the voice of the British Columbia automotive service industry. Learn more »

What We Do

01.

Industry Advocacy

The ARA represents the automotive service industry in British Columbia by working with the government and stakeholders in ways that help entrepreneurs grow and thrive.

02.

Group Health Insurance

The ARA boasts Canada’s longest running (since 1952) and most stable association group benefits plan. Because it is self-administered, our priority is working for YOU, not the insurance company.

03.

Industry Intelligence

The ARA gathers industry and market condition data, government policy information, and a plethora of other information relevant to the B.C. automotive industry, to help entrepreneurs grow and thrive.

04.

Development & Training

The ARA’s training website provides unique online courses. The ARA also works with external educators to provide the training necessary for businesses to remain viable in today’s automotive service industry.

05.

Supplier Discounts

The ARA’s buying power gives members special pricing on a wide range of products and services offered by our supplier partners. These savings can pay for your ARA membership many times over.

06.

Business Excellence

Participation in our industry certification programs demonstrates your commitment to business excellence, and customer service, and meeting and exceeding industry standards.

To learn more about specific ARA divisions, select a division from the list here.

Why Join the ARA?

If your business is in the automotive service industry, you should be a member of the ARA.

When you join the ARA, you become a member of our buyers’ group, which provides the opportunity to save money on things like our employee benefits program, business and home insurance, group RRSP plan, credit card processing, office supplies, uniforms, coveralls and work wear, collection services, and much more. These savings go directly to your bottom line, and they can pay for your ARA membership many times over.

As the steward of the health of the industry, the ARA is the voice, representing you and all your peers with government and all stakeholders. Even if you do nothing else, by being a member you are supporting the industry that supports you.

The ARA is the hub connecting you with others who matter, from your peers to industry experts, the government, training providers, other associations, and suppliers. Division meetings, industry conferences, training, and social events are examples of networking opportunities for ARA members.

The ARA boasts a dedicated staff of 14 professionals with multiple areas of specialization to serve members. Add to that the expertise of our many industry volunteers, and you have the best of the best at your disposal. We can help you with practically everything you need to succeed.

Sponsorship opportunities, promotional materials, advertising in our publications, trade shows, industry events, webinars, and our preferred supplier programs are but a few examples of how the ARA can help you promote your products and services.

License & lien searches, lien registrations, ICBC damage checks, CarProof, collections, forms, signs, decals, and more…these are among the products and services the ARA provides to members at special rates.

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Some Numbers

The ARA is the largest association of its kind in Canada.

1 +
Active Members
100 +
Years Strong
1
Sector Divisions
1 +
Group Plan Members

Our Board of Directors

Ron Tremblay

Chair
After completing his AST apprenticeship, Ron went into business with his father, Fred Tremblay, in 1984, operating The Garage, in Vancouver. Service, cars, and mentoring are Ron's life, along with his passion for yachting around the B.C. coast. He also uses his considerable energy and expertise to give back to the industry and the community.

Rick Hatswell

1st Vice Chair
Rick was "born" into the family business, Craftsman Collision, progressing from detailer to journeman auto body technician and shop manager, and eventually to the head office, as general manager. Currently, Rick is the CEO, responsible for overall operations and sales development.

Gary Martens

Secretary-Treasurer
Gary is a CPA who is now semi-retired. He continues to maintain a small accounting and consulting practice but enjoys spending as much time as possible on the golf course as well as working on his cars and motorcycles. He is thrilled to be associated with the ARA.

Ed Hendricks

Past Chair
Ed has been associated with the ARA since 1993, having served as president of the association and chair of the Licensed Motor Dealers division. During his tenure as president, working alongside the late Bob Clarke, the ARA grew from 4 to 7 divisions and membership reached close to 1500 members.

Mitchell Martin

Director
Mitchell is owner-operator of Mitchell's Towing in North Vancouver and is recognized as a leader in promoting operator safety and professionalism in the towing and recovery industry. His family-owned business employs fully-certified staff with more than 80 years of combined towing experience.

Cam Leslie

Director
Cam is a senior partner and sales manager with All-West Glass in Prince George. He is a journeyman Auto Glass Technician and has been an active member of the ARA for many years. Cam has a deep appreciation for the association and believes together, we create a stronger, more resilient industry. Cam is chair of the Auto Glass Division.

Jim LeBrun

Director
Owner of Powerhouse Recycled Auto & Truck Parts, in Cumberland, on Vancouver Island, Jim has worked in the auto recycling industry for more than 30 years. He is a passionate advocate for the industry, actively promoting the benefits of "green, recycled parts" and serving as chair of the ARA's B.C. Auto Recyclers Division.

Wade Bartok

Director
Based in North Vancouver, Wade is the owner of CSN Elite, CSN Elite Xpress and OK Tire North Shore. He is currently Vice Chair of the Collision Repair Division, serving on that committee since 2005.

Scott Waddle

Director
Scott started precision Auto Service in 1997. He participates in many regional and national automotive industry training and business organizations. He is a director of the Langley Chamber of Commerce. His award winning business is also very involved with the community.

Nairn McKenna

Director
Nairn is the dealer principal at Company of Cars Auto Sales in Vancouver. He joined the ARA in 2009, served on the executive committee of the Licensed Motor Dealers division since 2011, and was appointed to the ARA board of directors in 2013. As well, Nairn is one of two representatives of the ARA on the board of the Motor Vehicle Sales Authority.