The CAFE Calgary Awards Gala in March featured excellent presentations from this year’s two finalists, Kaizen Automotive Group and Nick’s Woodcraft. Following the presentations, the 2015 FEYA recipient, Kaizen Automotive Group, was announced by our judges. CAFE Calgary FEYA recipients are also eligible to be considered for the national CAFE Family Enterprise of the Year Awards.
Kaizen Automotive Group 2015 FEYA Award Recipient
“Most of our family, including in-law spouses, are involved in some capacity in the business and that is a valuable and overwhelming positive,” she says with enthusiasm. “There’s not much sibling rivalry because we are spread out in the various dealerships and not on top of each other all day. Besides, we talk four or five times a day about issues, business and strategy. “A key aspect of a family business is also an important aspect of our success: communication. We’re transparent. We’re not playing head games and it’s all about the business. And when we have our group management meetings, we’re careful to check our egos at the door.” Father Rick Romeril, who started in the Calgary auto sales, rental and leasing business some 35 years ago, is active as the Kaizen Automotive Group president. As his VP daughter explains, “My father looks after the ‘the big picture.’”
Seated: Rick Romeril Standing (L to R): Kristin Romeril, Jeff Romeril, Nate Clarke, Kyle Romeril
“There are definitely positives and some challenges about managing a family-owned business,” admits the upbeat and personable Kristin Romeril, general manager of Sunridge Nissan and vice president, operations import, of the Kaizen Automotive Group, the family business that consists of CMP Auto, Shaw GMC, Sunridge Nissan, Country Hills Hyundai, Strathmore Ford, Okotoks GM, Okotoks Nissan and Summit Truck Rentals, Summit Fleet Management and Summit Leasing.
“Most importantly, our family business is a great way for me to keep in contact with my four children and their spouses. They are solidly grounded and genuinely terrific people. I love them, I enjoy them and I completely trust them to do what is best for our company,” the father, father-in-law and the president says with pride. “Of course I realize that family businesses have positives and challenges. In our business it’s always about the customer experience. But we approach everything pragmatically. We know and respect each other. We make sure things don’t get emotional and we keep the lines of communication open. “Communications, relationships and rules are the most important aspects of a family business. And it applies to all staff, including family. Rules without relationships equal rebellion.”