Women in the Driver’s Seat

Pamela Pearson, Director of Internal Operations, Sentes Automotive

DARCY NYBO, SIGNALS CONTRIBUTOR

In 2002, Pamela Pearson moved to the Okanagan from the Kootenays so she could attend UBCO to become a teacher. After graduating, she taught for a year, but something wasn’t quite right. In 2008 she realized that as much as teaching had been her dream, it wasn’t something she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

“My family suggested I try working in the automotive industry,” she said. “I was in my early 20s and applied at Kelowna Mercedes-Benz to be a finance manager. They said they couldn’t hire me for that position as I had no experience, but they were willing to interview me for a sales position, and if I proved myself, I could move into training for finance. After several interviews I was hired as the very first female sales consultant ever hired at the dealership.”

Pamela worked in sales for a short time, and although she did well—selling 12 cars in six weeks—she discovered that sales was also not what she wanted to do long term. That’s when she took matters into her own hands.

“I had a conversation with my boss, Adam Rich, and told him I felt wasn’t suited for this position….Sentes had recently acquired three new dealerships in the Okanagan (Penticton Honda, Penticton Hyundai and Vernon Nissan), so he asked me to work with him to help bring the dealerships together. I agreed,” she said.

“I did anything that anyone needed and learned a lot about the business and the company. Over time, my position evolved into what it is today, which is Director of Internal Operations. Basically, I do what I can to keep our dealerships across the Okanagan working as one organization—one team.”

Sentes Automotive consists of dealerships in six different locations, including three in Kelowna (Kelowna Mercedes-Benz, Lexus of Kelowna, and Kelowna Infiniti Nissan).

Pamela’s job includes community involvement and sponsorship.

“Among many other initiatives we’re involved with, the BC Cancer Foundation’s Discovery Luncheon is something we’ve been doing for nine years now,” she said. “Several years ago, Margot Sentes was diagnosed with breast cancer. And since we knew that cancer affected every one of our employees in one way or another, we made this our signature sponsorship initiative.”

The first year they donated $10,000, she recalls, adding that the fall lunch gala had a patient and doctor as the main speakers. This informational luncheon gave people a lot of exposure to the great work being done at BC Cancer–Kelowna.

“In our second year, they asked for someone to be part of the committee,” Pamela said. “I volunteered and we’ve continued to

donate $10,000-plus each year since then and have over 20 employees from across the group who attend each year.”

A couple of years later, Pamela was asked to chair the committee. “In 2019 we had a record number of participants at the event. Over 600 people attended and we raised over $370,000. That was then matched by the federal government. That adds up to almost three-quarters of a million dollars in one day!”

Since the advent of the COVID-19 crisis, Pamela and her committee have been trying to figure out how to host the event for 2020, settling on what will likely be a virtual event.

“The safety of our guests and the community is our top priority, so we’re exploring our options that fall within approved health protocols. Either way we’ll bring people together and make a big impact.”

Each year the event has a

“Sentes continues to work towards a culture where staff are part of the family, are just as involved in the community as the company is, and I can honestly say I look forward to going to work each day.”

specific fundraising focus. In 2019, it focused on genomics: the sequencing of genomes to advance the next generation of personalized treatments. “Thanks to research, BC Cancer is world-leading with its genomics program,” Pamela said. “Genomics allows scientists and clinicians to explore treatment options at the cellular level, finding the best possible solutions for – PAMELA PEARSON

each individual. It’s an incredibly exciting development for donors in our community to contribute to.”

Like many people, Pamela has been touched by cancer. “I am thrilled to say that my grandmother, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, has gone through treatment and is now cancer free. She is a testament to the fact that what is being done at BC Cancer–Kelowna is working. She is a success story and we’re happy to have more time with her.”

The power of genomic research is evident in many cases, she adds.

“There was a man who was showcasing symptoms of prostate cancer. After genomic analysis, it was discovered he carried breast cancer genes in his prostate region. This is what is truly exciting about the future of cancer care in BC and donors can keep the momentum.”

Thinking back on the path her life has taken, Pamela is grateful to work for Sentes.

“I love the leadership of the company and I enjoy being part of something bigger than myself. This company is progressive and isn’t stuck doing things the way things have always been done. They like to hear new ideas and perspectives, and how to do things more efficiently. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve learned how to adapt quickly and do what is best for our staff and our customers.”

When asked what she loved most about working there, she had this to say: “Sentes continues to work towards a culture where staff are part of the family, are just as involved in the community as the company is, and I can honestly say I look forward to going to work each day.”

Although the BC Cancer Foundation is the Sentes Group’s signature charity, below are a few of the other causes it has supported over the past year. It’s not surprising that the Sentes Group was recently awarded a Community Driver Award by the New Car Dealers Association of BC. . • Kelowna’s Gospel Mission • Penticton Secondary School Dry Grad • Okanagan Dream Rally • Penticton Snowflake Ball • BC Children’s Hospital • Balance School of Performing Arts • Starbright Children’s Development Centre • Local families through Boys & Girls Club • Mamas for Mamas • Penticton Excel – Centre for Exceptional Learning • Mackenzie Schwinghamer for 2022/2026

Olympics • South Okanagan Crime Stoppers • Girl Guides – fundraiser for trip to Europe • Kelowna Kidney Transplant Clinic • Penticton Pikes Swim Club • Osoyoos Ladies Amateur 2019 Open Tournament • Ride2Survive • 2019 Fundraising Golf Classic for Special

Olympics • JoeAnna’s House