Profile Gad Bitton
Name
Gad Bitton Home base
Montreal, Toronto and Miami Occupation
President and CEO of Holand Automotive Group Aircraft
along the way. Focusing on markets in Montreal and South Florida, Bitton has tapped into the niche of leasing to “snowbirds” – Canadians who head south for the winter and return once the weather warms up – and foreign nationals who live and work across these regions. His focus on client loyalty and service are qualities that Bitton shares with Bombardier Business Aircraft. He also knows it helps to have luxury brands whose reputations precede them, noting: “In terms of a North American mission aircraft like the Learjet 75, there is no better plane in the world.”
PHOTOS: BRIAN AREVALO (KARMA, LAMBORGHINI); MATHIEU LAFLAMME (ROLLS-ROYCE)
Changing Gears
Business isn’t set to slow down in 2018, either. This year, Bitton is bringing Karma’s luxury electric vehicles to Montreal, and the Group’s headquarters are relocating to a new spot on the city’s main thoroughfare. But Bitton didn’t always live life in the fast lane. When he was a child, his family immigrated from Morocco to Montreal where they were initially supported by the community. He says it was this time in his life, as well as his religious beliefs, that inspired him to lend support to those in need. “I had a very difficult upbringing, so I promised that I would give back to the community, if I ever succeeded.” Through the Gad and Sandra Bitton Family Foundation, they support causes ranging from the Canadian Red Cross to Federation CJA to Centraide, an organization that funds smaller charities and groups across Greater Montreal. Bitton says that, ultimately, charity isn’t just a part of their lives, it motivates the entire business: “I believe you only have what you give away, so I find it very gratifying to spend my time helping others.”
NORTH TO SOUTH From top: Holand’s fleet reads like a roll call of dream cars, including Karma, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce (pictured below); the interior and tail of Bitton’s Learjet 75.
Learjet 75
Favorite city New York. “And when I’m there, I eat at Mike’s Bistro in Midtown.” Top routes Although Bitton has f lown to Morocco and Russia on the Learjet, usually he travels between Montreal and Miami or Palm Beach. Mentors He doesn’t have one – he has three: “The president of the Bank of Montreal, Jacques Ménard, who taught me about corporate structure and the banking industry; Tom Nacos, who taught me perseverance; and my rabbi, who inspired me to become involved with philanthropy.” Life advice ”Never, never, never, never give up – keep on pushing.” The best part of flying “Being
able to get home on Fridays, relax on the Sabbath and enjoy time with family.”
EXPERIENCE
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