Every year, the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) recognizes the member businesses and individuals who have gone beyond the expected in their commitment to the industry and the Association.
The ARA’s Entrepreneur of the Year award is conferred on a member who has a passion for the automotive industry, an understanding of best business practices, and a compelling vision for the industry’s future.
Nominees for this award are typically characterized by their forward-thinking attitude, meticulous planning skills, positive interpersonal skills, positive community influence, solid ethics and integrity, and relentless desire for self-improvement.
Identifying this year’s winner presented a challenge for the ARA board. With two exceptional nominations, the board found itself in a deadlock, resulting in two tied votes. Given the outstanding contributions of both nominees, the board decided to honour both individuals at the association’s Members Retreat and Gala Fundraiser, held in Osoyoos, B.C., September 29-30, 2023. Unfortunately, Walter Morse could not attend in person.
WALTER MORSE
High Caliber Auto Collision and Repair, Creston, B.C.
Walter Morse’s journey into the industry began with his family’s business as a teenager. His varied experience includes roles in auto recycling, towing, and working at different collision shops before establishing his own in 2008.
While expressing his gratitude for the ARA’s Entrepreneur of the Year award in an interview prior to Members Retreat and Gala Fundraiser, Morse said: “I am very humble about being nominated. I do love and enjoy our industry—I am passionate about it.” He credited his success to the collective effort of his staff: “I always wanted to give back to my employees. It’s the people in the building that make [the success of the business] happen every day.”
In 2020, Morse joined the ARA’s Certified Collision Repair (CCR) program to elevate his shop’s standards. “We as business owners in the collision industry need to meet those standards and evolve past them. This has given us the opportunity to achieve professionalism and give customers a great experience starting from the first contact,” said Morse.
To stay at the forefront of industry, Morse has broadened his shop’s offerings, updated equipment, enhanced its paint and cleaning methods, and integrated a computerized management system.
Morse is also invested in continuous learning, evident from his collaborations with DRIVE (a top automotive, collision, and truck repair consulting and training group), and PPG’s Green Belt Training (a program that teaches the proven science behind process improvement and the implementation of practical solutions for driving best-in-class performance at collision centres).
Morse has also become part of the QA group and the Western PPG group to improve shop culture around continuous improvement. Morse is also growing his staff by implementing a fast lane to provide his apprentices with an opportunity to complete work on vehicles with support.
Most recently, Morse has started collaboration with KaizenHub, a program for continuous improvement. ■
STEVE CAMPBELL
Super L'Auto Recyclers, Chilliwack, B.C.
With a legacy dating back to 1989, Steve Campbell’s commitment to the automotive world is obvious. Starting in the industry at age 12 and subsequently stepping into his father’s shoes, Campbell now serves as the company’s vice president.
Both Campbell generations have actively contributed to the association over the past three decades, particularly in liaison roles with ICBC and other committees.
Campbell holds himself and others in the industry to the highest standards and leads by example. His facility is a gold member in the Automotive Recyclers Environmental Association (AREA) and holds one of the highest environmental scores of the entire industry.
Furthermore, Campbell and his employees have all completed their training requirements for the ARA Recycler Certification and EVfriendly programs.
Campbell’s devotion is not limited to business. He is actively involved in community service, especially with local schools.
Campbell is highly respected among his peers for his dedication and contributions to the automotive industry.
While expressing his gratitude for the ARA’s Entrepreneur of the Year award, Campbell said: “A big thanks to Brad Campbell, Shelly Campbell, Lori Campbell, Stacy Gill, and the best crew around this business, including Robert Mott, Joe Martin, Russ Booth, Steve Hofley, and Fraser Dreger. You all play a huge role in our company.”
Having been in the industry for 35 years, Campbell sees this award as a tribute to his father’s foundational work that paved the way for today’s success. ■