I asked Brian what qualities distinguish preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers.
… integrity
I asked what distinguishes him, why his customers choose him over competitors.
. . . integrity, they care deeply about their customers! “I don’t want people to work for money. I want them to work for accomplishment and satisfaction. Money is a by-product.”
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
. . . humanity slipping from a society of integrity. Too much compromise, too much expeditiousness.
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… my mother. I miss her every day. She was about doing it right, being honest, leading by example. And N.Eldon Tanner, a former Pres. at TransCanada Corporation. I met him through our church. I got to watch him in action. And a summer job at Happy Valley Esso where I learned how to sell, earning commission on sales of air filters and fan belts.
I asked Brian how he sees Calgary business, from a car dealer’s perspective over the next 90 days and over the next 5 years?
. . . he deferred to his managers as ‘better ones to talk to about that’ after spending more than 2 hours telling me how good things have been for a long time
Work life balance?
… we live in Mayfair and have our summer home 20 minute away in Chestermere. We travel a fair bit, mostly to California and Utah – 6 of those grandchildren live in the U.S.
What are you reading?
… my Book of Mormon every day, the Old Testament (I’m cramming for finals). I never read fiction. Driven, autobiography of Larry H. Miller.
His ride?
… I really like my wife’s car. A 2008 Solara convertible. My primary vehicle is a Highlander. I’d rather drive a used Toyota than a new anything else. (He also admits to a collection – not a large one, 7 prized vehicles, each with a story. All vintage Toyotas.)