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Pierre Caron, 39
Car-On Auto Sales, President and owner
Biggest achievement: Within 18 months, grew Car-On from a two-employee operation with annual sales of $900,000 to 13 employees and $2.1 million in sales, now Ottawa's largest independent pre-owned dealership.
Best skill: The ability to place myself in my customer's shoes and treat the client in the manner I would expect to be treated.
Most admired businessperson: Rheal Caron, my father, for his steadfast desire to excel, despite all obstacles thrown at him.
Biggest business lesson learned: In 1991, a challenging account asked me to provide him with a product that, at the time, wasn't offered by our company. My response was, "We can't offer that solution to you", to which he replied, "You didn't listen to my question. I, the client, want you, the supplier, to provide me with this solution. Go back to your organization and present a solution to me. Give me a price and I'll decide whether I am prepared to pay for it." After much internal pressure and negotiation we came up with a solution that we presented to him at a fair price with a generous profit. The customer purchased our product and became one of our strongest business allies. You must always appreciate your customer's position and constantly broaden your scope while not losing sight of your core business objectives. In short, never accept no for an answer. There is always a solution, it may not seem feasible at first, but you must explore the option.
Favourite charity: Country Cares Challenge for CHEO.
Professional recognition that would mean the most: Used car dealerships are often frowned on and stereotyped. I would like people to recognize and appreciate that not all pre-owned dealerships have the same business ethics and standards. I would be thrilled to chair a board in an industry other than my own to interact with other businesspeople.
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