Toronto, Ontario — Last Friday, longtime BASF representative Cameron Lavender officially hung up his coat and retired from the automotive aftermarket.
Prior to his retirement, Cam served as the Business Development Manager at BASF Canada—but he has worked at the company for more than 23 years, occupying a spectrum of different roles.
“BASF is a great company, steeped in history and very good to work for. The relationships, training and support I have received from them are second to none. When you look at all of the areas of focus that need to be addressed to be a global player, they are a global leader with a great team environment and great people,” he told Collision Repair Magazine.
Cam’s experience in the automotive industry isn’t exclusive to BASF alone. He has completed the AutoBody and Collision Damage Repairer Red Seal 301B and has worked at various shops. His first steps in the industry was in a detailing and polishing position at Cliffs Motors dealership, but he began working for BASF in 1998; first as a TSR for eastern Ontario and later as an account manager for the same region.
From there, he moved into a business development manager role for various regions in Canada, primarily Ontario and Manitoba, where he’s remained for the last six years of his career with BASF.
“I have worked with customers and distributors in all provinces except P.E.I.,” beamed Cam.
Combined with his experience at BASF Lavender has worked a total of 36 years in the industry.
After a long and successful career, Cam says he is ready to retire.
“I have been planning this for a number of years and had discussions with my manager and executive management at BASF. The timing was correct as there is just my wife and me, and we felt it was the right choice for us and our extended family,” he said.
Cam’s wife, Tanya, retired from the automotive industry four years ago, where she worked as a finance manager for 20 plus years. She has a baking business centred on maple syrup desserts, while Lavender and his brother own part of a family homestead, complete with an operational maple sugar bush.
“Plus, I love to garden and work in the woods at the farm and on our sawmill as well. There are so many things to keep me busy and at a different pace and thought process,” he said. “I have been planning to retire for a number of years and had discussions with my manager and executive management at BASF. The timing was correct as there is just my wife and me, and we felt it was the right choice for us and our extended family.”
Join Collision Repair magazine in thanking Cam for his dedication to the Canadian automotive aftermarket. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours, Cam!
