There is a new sheriff in town at Jim Wilson Chevrolet Buick GMC in west Orillia.
Last week, Jim Wilson, known as the Silverado Sheriff, announced that he had sold the popular dealership to Canada One Auto, which is owned by Pat Priestner. Dealership partner, Christopher Walters, will handle the day-to-day operations of the business.
Walters says Priestner became interested in buying the dealership because of Wilson’s heavy community involvement.
“He looks for places where he can support the local community,” he said. “Pat and his wife have a charitable foundation where we say, 'we give where we live'.”
Walters says Canada One Auto will be continuing the community partnerships that Wilson built over the years.
“We know Jim Wilson was a big supporter of local sports organizations ... We want to build off of that.”
Orillia is a fast-growing community that is accessible to other communities in Ontario, Walters says, adding that makes Orillia a prime place to own a business.
“General Motors has enjoyed a good market share in Orillia because people need their trucks here to work and live,” he said. “This is a white-hot market for this brand.”
Walters confirmed the dealership will keep the Jim Wilson name, at least for now.
“The Jim Wilson name means something in Orillia,” he said. “We don’t want to come in and upset the apple cart. We want to come in and have some continuity.”
Walters believes a time may come when the dealership is renamed Orillia Chevrolet Buick GMC, but the current plan is to keep Jim Wilson’s name attached to the business for years to come.
“We are respectful and appreciative of the footprint that already exists here,” he said.
Walters says all jobs are safe. He also said Canada One Auto plans to keep growing.
“Not a single person is losing their job as a result of the changeover in operations,” he said. “This is a good dealership with a very strong reputation. It would be foolish of anyone to come in and reorganize that.”
The staff is a little bit apprehensive with the change in ownership, Walters concedes.
“Change is always difficult,” he said. “I think they are worried about what will change, what will happen, what will change operationally and personnel wise…but for the most part they have been so welcoming and kind to me.”
Walters says the staff is also eager to learn about Canada One Auto, which owns 25 different dealerships across Canada.
“At the same time, we are excited to see what we can learn from the staff here at Jim Wilson,” he said. “Perhaps there will be some additional opportunities for staff to advance in their careers if they are open to moving around.”
Walters says customers can expect to receive the "same great service" at the dealership that was provided during Jim Wilson’s tenure.
“We want everybody to come on down in the same fashion as they always did,” he said. “There will be familiar faces, and in time, they will get to know me. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone.”
