By Jeff Sanford
Pickering, Ontario — November 17, 2015 — GTA region retailer NAPA CMAX Pickering is the recipient of this year’s Bellemore Award.
The staff at the NAPA/CMAX Pickering store were feeling good about the win when contacted by Collision Repair magazine. Steve Neil works inside sales at the store, answered the phone and quickly pointed out that, “This is the second year for us. Back-to-back! It’s the first time that’s been done in Canada.”
The award was created to honour the memory of Denis Bellemore, former CMAX Vice-President for Paint and Body Equipment. Mr. Bellemore passed away in tragic circumstances in 2009 at the age of 50. The award is designed to recognize and promote operational excellence at the 45 NAPA CMAX stores across Canada.
Neil credits the strong performance to the workplace culture. But he also credits two strong years of business. “We’ve brought in a lot of new auto body business of the last couple of years,” says Neil.
Matt Griffiths, a new outside sales rep joined NAPA CMAX Pickering Team in 2013, and has managed to bring over a few of his clients which have had a very positive impact. “Matt has brought us a lot of business. He came over from a competitor. His clients wanted to stay with him,” says Neil.
The staff at the NAPA CMAX Pickering store are collecting congratulations from other NAPA CMAX stores in the province, including those of Brampton, London, Newmarket and Kitchener. “I’ve been asking Bruce for a couple months now if we won it again. He was keeping quiet,” says Neil with a chuckle. “It’s great. It’s nice to get the recognition.”
The team here all understand and appreciate that it is a very special award.
Bruce Tokiwa, regional manager, Ontario region, with NAPA CMAX & Paint and Body Supply , said the award recognized “exemplary teamwork, combined with a commitment to customer service and growth” at the NAPA CMAX Pickering location. According to Tokiwa the company considers “sales volume, as well as both gross and net profit increases over the budgeted objective” in the granting of the award. Former winners include CMAX Ottawa (2012); CMAX Quebec (2011) and CMAX Brampton (2010).
According to Matt, “The NAPA CMAX Pickering store has a very professional team. I cannot praise this professionalism highly enough, the customer service is exemplary, and they manage this while retaining a personal touch that customers appreciate. Receiving the Dennis Bellemore Award two years running is proof of their commitment to excellent service, and I feel very fortunate to have joined such a team…let’s hope this year’s hard work nails the hat trick!”
When asked to comment on the Bellemore Award win, Store Manager Dave Doweck said “There is no question that our repeat in receiving the award is a result of the dedicated CMAX staff and our delivery team. Their commitment to Customer Service and the support we get from our Senior Management group are key factors to our success. I am proud to be associated with such a fine group of professionals.”
The entire NAPA CMAX Pickering Team was recognized for their customer service. The members of the NAPA CMAX Pickering Team include:
· Dave Doweck – NAPA CMAX Store Manager
· Matt Griffiths – NAPA CMAX Sales Representative
· Steve Neil – NAPA CMAX Sr. Counter/Inside Sales
· Martin Marberger – NAPA CMAX Counter/Stock Support
· Kevin Jimmo – NAPA CMAX Sr. Counter Support
