The Employee of the Year Award recognizes employees that best exemplify hard work and dedication to their job and are voted on by their peers. One award is handed out each year at each of our West Coast Dealerships.

WINNERS

Gary Finnsson (Vehicle Clerk, West Coast KIA) Gary started with West Coast Auto Group in March of 2015. He filled in as a vehicle clerk at West Coast Toyota and has since become a our permanent vehicle clerk at West Coast KIA. Gary has been a huge asset to the entire Auto Group with his accounting background and has been instrumental in helping us during sick leave for one of our employees. Gary and his son Eric along with their dog Cody, reside in Maple Ridge. In his spare time, Gary loves playing foosball, volleyball and travelling to outdoor concerts. Gary’s coworkers said he always goes above and beyond, that works very hard every day and is always friendly and willing to help others.

Thomas Byrne (Sales Person, West Coast Nissan) Thomas joined West Coast Nissan in March 2016 as a Product Advisor. Everyday Thomas takes care of our customers with exceptional Service and knowledge. Thomas is an employee that doesn’t just help our customers but also helps our staff. It is a pleasure to have Thomas working for us. A few words come to mind when we think of Thomas is he loves to work and give exceptional customer service, helpful and reliable. The reason’s Thomas’ co-workers gave for voting him employee of the year were, “brings enthusiasm to the work place., He is so helpful and always helps other departments., Creates a positive work environment., Makes sure customers are taken care of., Comes to work whenever he is needed with a smile.” Thomas lives in Pitt Meadows and during his down time he enjoys travelling and going out with the boys.

Gillian Zaharko (Receptionist, West Coast Toyota) Gillian started with West Coast Toyota as a receptionist in September of 2016. She always is so helpful and cheerful. She’s always busy with other jobs and has a keen interest in fashion and hair. She also enjoys child care and Disney tattoos. Her coworkers said that Gillian is a ray of sunshine and welcomes customers warmly, always works very hard and is there to help her co-workers, goes the extra mile.

Brent Williams (Sales Manager, West Coast Ford Lincoln) Brent started with West Coast Ford Lincoln in March 2013 as a Product Advisor. In 2015, he moved to a Financial Services Manager at our West Coast Nissan location and in 2016 transferred to Ford’s Financial Services Office. In November of this year, Brent moved into his current position as a Sales Manager. Brent goes that extra mile to assist our sales staff and is an extremely organized employee. He always has a pleasant demeaner and never backs down to a challenge. Brent is always willing to take on more work. Brent lives in Maple Ridge and when he is not at work, he enjoys spending time on the slow pitch field, is involved with the Rocky Point Sailing Club and loves politics. The reason’s Brent’s co-workers gave for voting him employee of the year were, “Dedicated and a very hard worker., Friendly and extremely helpful and genuinely cares., Always looking out for the best interest of both the customers and staff. Is always there when you need him.

Stuart Norum (Detailer, West Coast Detail and Accessory Centre) Stu started with West Coast in 2007. During that time he has become one of our main detailers and is the go to guy for all of the tough jobs. Stu and his girlfriend Ashley have 2 children. When he’s not working or spending time with his family you’ll find Stu camping and 4x4ing usually up at Stave Lake. His coworkers says that Stu’s dedication and good work is second to none, he has great attention to detail (pardon the pun) and he’s an all-around hard worker and team player.

Jean Sleiman (Assistant Sales Manager, West Coast Mazda) Jean started with us as a salesperson in 2007 and has since worked his way up to become Assistant Sales Manager and is an integral part of the management of sales teams. Jean was recently married to Eryn and they have a young son Theo. When not spending time with his family or at work, Jean can be found at the local Starbucks. Jean’s fellow employees voted him as employee of the year because he is fun to work with and puts a smile on your face, he’s a very loyal employee and treats everyone with respect and just an all-around great guy.

Pictured from left to right: Michelle Jones-Ruppel (Dealer Principal), Gary Finnsson (KIA), Thomas Byrne (Nissan), Gillian Zaharko (Toyota), Brent Williams (Ford Lincoln), Stuart Norum (Detail & Accessory), Jean Sleiman (Mazda), Scott Jones (Dealer Principal)