The story of Carlyle Motor Products, which celebrates 25 years in business this week, is forever linked to the story of its owner, Garnet Goud. Garnet comes from a family that had strong ties to cars, indeed his dad was a car enthusiast who restored antique vehicles, so it was not too surprising that Garnet got the car bug at a young age. As he reflects on it now, he admits it was his childhood ambition to sell cars.
He got his chance to fulfill that ambition by working with Glen McMillan. Glen owned McMillan Motors in Kipling, and for three years Garnet was a salesperson for the dealership. However, at age 23, the opportunity came up for Garnet to form a partnership to start Â鶹ÊÓƵ Park Ford/Mercury in Carlyle, he took the chance and spent three years there as a part owner and sales professional.
In 1986 Garnet's partner bought him out, and immediately Garnet began looking for another automotive business, initially thinking he would have to re-locate as he was still starting out and only 26 years old. Then his former boss stepped up to the plate, and Glen McMillan suggested that if Garnet wanted to buy Moose Mountain Pontiac/Buick, he'd go into partnership with him. The deal was settled, and Carlyle Motor Products was formed.
That was 25 years ago, and today the dealership is still a thriving and viable business, dominating the north east corner of Hwy.9 and Hwy.13. Garnet bought Glen's shares back in the late 1980s, and has watched over the successful development of the business ever since. He happily attributes his success to the partnership and mentorship of Glen, "He was an awesome mentor and business partner" Garnet admits. The two are still closely connected through involvement with Moose Mountain Church of Christ.
The example and assistance and help that Glen gave also heavily influenced Garnet in his own business growth. Over the years he has helped start 14 businesses in a variety of industries and locations, passing on the entrepreneurial experience and expertise, as well as providing capital until he is bought out of the endeavours by his protégés. In addition to Carlyle Motor Products he is also the owner of four Ford dealerships, located in Carlyle, Esterhazy, Virden and Roblin.
Despite other opportunities, Garnet and his wife, Shelby, have maintained Carlyle as their home. Garnet says "Â鶹ÊÓƵeast Saskatchewan is a wonderful place to be in business and raise a family," and clearly he means it, as several businesses in the area owe their existence to his influence and assistance.
So what has made Carlyle Motor Products such a success? Garnet attributes it to the incredible staff he's been blessed with through the years, and the very loyal customer base. He explained that some families have been buying cars there every year for a quarter of a century. Such loyalty does not come by accident, it`s the result of great service from the sales people, and tremendous professionalism from the service and parts departments, too.
Despite the challenges that General Motors experienced a few years ago, when they closed around 40 percent of their dealerships, Garnet says he`s still proud to represent the GM brand, and reflects that their current products are the best the manufacturer has ever made, from entry-level right through to the top end SUVs that have taken over from the once-popular minivans.
Over the years Carlyle Motor Products has sold around 500 to 700 new and used vehicles a year, making the grand total well over 12,000 units sold in the history of the business. It was this superb volume, combined with the location and market share that allowed the dealership to survive the cuts, allowing it to continue to offer its customers the leaner and stronger GM range.
Garnet and his staff thank current and past customers for their support, and the dealership is committed to great service both now and into the future.
Congratulations to all the good folks at Carlyle Motor Products for a job well done for 25 years.
