Hamilton, Ontario -- October 15, 2012 -- When CARSTAR President & CEO Sam Mercanti had the vision of creating the CARSTAR network in Canada, he knew that he needed the right group of franchise partners to help develop CARSTAR into the company that it is today. Domenic and Rosanna Lucarelli and Sam and Rosa Saputo were part of this initial group, and their pioneering vision has resulted in a nationally recognized brand with over 160 locations from coast to coast.

This last month, Domenic Lucarelli, Sam Saputo, Sam Mercanti and Larry Jefferies put pen to paper once again; re-signing commitments to CARSTAR for another twenty years.

From left: Joseph Lucarelli, Domenic Lucarelli, Teresa Lucarelli, Rosanna Lucarelli, Larry Jefferies, Michael Macaluso, Domenic Lucarelli, Sam Mercanti and Lisa Mercanti-Ladd.

Originally starting their careers as employees of Mercanti in the 1980s, both Lucarelli and Saputo had aspirations of being their own boss; eventually opening their own locations in Ancaster and Stoney Creek, Ont. Recognizing their talent, work ethic and desire to succeed, Mercanti reached out to both Lucarelli and Saputo, and in June of 1992 signed the first two locations to the CARSTAR Automotive Canada franchise network. Their wives Rosa Saputo and Rosanna Lucarelli were instrumental in the development of their businesses over the years. 

With sales of over $2 million in both locations, the keys are about to be handed over to a new generation as Sam Saputo’s two sons, Paul and Joe will take over operations at CARSTAR Ancaster, while Domenic Lucarelli will eventually be passing on the keys to his son Joseph.

From left: Larry Jefferies, Michael Macaluso, Dennis Concordia, Lisa Mercanti-Ladd, Sam Mercanti, Sam Saputo, Rosa Saputo, Joseph Saputo and Paul Saputo.

Lisa Mercanti-Ladd, CARSTAR’s VP Marketing & Client Services commented said, “We are really looking forward to working with both generations of owners and maintaining the great reputations that they have earned over the years. These families have worked to stay ahead of the future needs of customers and insurance partners and share in our values of integrity and loyalty. We are truly excited for our future development.”

In 2012, CARSTAR was recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. For more information, please visit carstar.ca.