After 30 years of business serving multiple generations of local families, Jim Wilson has sold his Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership in West Orillia.
“I got a phone call last October from some people who said they were interested,” Wilson explained. “We had a conversation, and it became quite interesting.”
Wilson says selling the business wasn’t on his radar, but the offer made to him by Canada One Auto in December was one he couldn’t refuse.
Wilson, who sold his first car 49 years ago at his father's New Liskeard dealership, hopes people will remember him and his team as good marketers, promoters, employers, and community-minded people.
“We treated our staff and customers fairly, and I think the longevity of our staff proves that,” he said. “There are five people who started with me in 1992 who are still there. I think we have over 12 people who have been there for over 20 years.”
Wilson sold his North Bay Honda store back in 1991. Since moving to Orillia to open the GM dealership in May of 1992, it has served multiple generations of families in the Orillia area, he said with pride.
“It was the (GM) franchise that brought me to Orillia,” he said. “I knew very little about Orillia other than I knew it was bound to be a growing community. The OPP Headquarters had just been announced and there were rumours about a casino, so it made it exciting.”
Over time, the “Silverado Sheriff” became an Orillia staple. Wilson has sponsored countless sports teams and tournaments over the years. He has also been a proud donor to and supporter of community organizations such as The Sharing Place Food Centre.
“I’ve had several people say things over the last few days about how we’ve done things to enhance their lives or their situation and it’s quite touching,” he said. “We didn’t do it for recognition, we did it because it was the right thing to do.”
The 64-year-old says he will take some time to be with his children and grandchildren before deciding what’s next for him. As for the business, Canada One Auto Group out of Edmonton, Alberta, will retain all dealership and service department staff.
“Everybody’s job is safe,” Wilson said. “Some of those people have been with me so long they know my next thought and they can finish my sentences.”
The west Orillia dealership was one of the first major players to move over to the ever-growing West Ridge neighbourhood. The 26,000-square-foot building was constructed in 2006 and became the new home of Wilson's dealership that had been located on Memorial Avenue across from McDonalds.
Wilson’s legacy will continue to be attached to the business as One Auto Group plans to keep the Jim Wilson Chevrolet Buick GMC name.
