By Jordan Arseneault
Toronto, Ontario — December 21, 2018 — Working in collision repair is more than just a job for Star Motors manager Jason Tanguay, it’s a life-long passion.
“As a kid I always had the desire to drive. I would beg family members to let me drive the tractor out in the fields. When camping with family, my father would have me sit on his lap and steer the truck as we drove around the camp ground. It was during those years I developed a passion for vehicles,” Tanguay said.
As Tanguay grew older his affection for the automotive industry grew with him.
At the age of sixteen Tanguay wanted nothing more than to get his hands on a vehicle of his own. Luckily for the aspiring collision repairer, he wouldn’t have to wait long. That very year Tanguay and his friend Joey purchased two Honda Preludes from a neighbour. Joey’s father, a mechanic at the time, had the tools necessary for the two young men to get their hands dirty and feel what it was like to fix a vehicle for the first time. The opportunity wasn’t just a dream come true for Tanguay, but also the beginning of what would blossom into a successful career in collision repair. “You can just imagine, two sixteen-year-olds grinding rust and slapping on Bondo with no real clue what we were doing, and whether or not we were doing it right. We worked on those cars day and night, using parts from one car to build up the other,” he said.
In high school Tanguay excelled in shop class, reaffirming his belief that the automotive trade was what he was born to do.
Under the tutelage of a high school teacher by the name of Mr. Walker, Tanguay learned the fundamentals of fixing vehicles, but more importantly, he gained the confidence necessary to move forward into a career.
“He believed I could be nothing but successful as long as I put in the effort and determination. He is a big reason I am where I am today,” Tanguay said.
Becoming a collision centre manager for the luxury Mercedes dealership Star Motors in Ottawa wasn’t an overnight accomplishment. After high school he immediately began working in the trades. He started out sweeping floors, before making his way up to washing cars. From there Tanguay moved to prepping cars for body repairs and painting, before becoming an appraiser and production manager. At the age of 22 he received his collision repair Licence. Tanguay’s journey to Star Motors was long and grueling, but one the Ottawa resident wouldn’t change for the world.
“Learning and advancing has always been my goal. Management allows me to be a part of every department. It allows me to be a team leader and influence how and why we do things. Every day I constantly deal with something new and learn something new and that, to me, is what keeps me fascinated and pleased with this role,” he said. Tanguay’s past experiences in the shop have certainly come in handy, not only in acquiring his position at Star Motors, but also helping him excel in the role.
Just over one month into his new position, Tanguay has already impressed many within the shop, including Justin Desrosiers, a body technician at Star Motors, who graduated a refinishing program alongside Tanguay at Algonquin College.
“Having a guy in charge who knows what’s going on is a huge asset for the guys on the floor,” said Desrosiers.
“He’s a former licensed autobody mechanic who knows how to paint a car and how to fix a car, so when it comes to on-the-floor experience, Jason can relate a little better because he knows what we’re doing.”
What might appear like a life time of work for some, is just the beginning for Tanguay. Now, at 34 years-of-age and firmly established on the management side of the industry, Tanguay is focused on soaking up as much information as he can from those who came before him.
“I look forward to learning a lot from Dan Drouin our fixed operations manager and Yves Laberge our vice president and general manager,” Tanguay said.
“These two gentlemen are great leaders who have not only been in the business many years, but have also been successful. Both are astounding people who support me and my growth 100 percent.”
Despite the early success that has led to his current position, Tanguay’s outlook hasn’t changed one bit. In fact, he still maintains the same passion he developed for the industry riding around on a tractor some 30 years ago. “If you are open minded and are not scared to get your hands dirty, this career can be truly rewarding,” Tanguay said.
“There’s never a dull moment.”
