Northstar Motors: 50 years in business

Derek Spring talks about the past 50 years at Northstar Motors in Cranbrook.

Derek Spring bought the dealership from his parents in 1996. — Photo courtesy Northstar Motors

Northstar Motors in Cranbrook, B.C., is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1965 in the downtown area, it moved to its current location along Highway 95 in 1996, four years after owner Derek Spring purchased the dealership from his parents.
At the time, Spring had no intention of staying in Cranbrook long term. However, as he looks back over his career in the Kootenays, he couldn’t be happier about where he and his family wound up.

What personal character trait has contributed most to your success?

It’s integrity. We were born and raised here, we live in the community, and it’s very important for us to be able to go downtown and be proud of the way we do business in Cranbrook. Our slogan is “A tradition of trust,” and that holds true in everything we do.

What was your first job, and what was one thing you learned from it?

When I graduated from the University of Calgary, my brother was running the dealership. My wife and I moved back to Cranbrook and I began working in the parts and service departments, where I stayed for seven years before I went into sales. That allowed me to see how the business worked at a grassroots level and gave me a strong understanding of the business as a whole.

This business is far more complicated than you might think. It actually involves five different departments: new and used sales, service, parts and the body shop, and each one has its own unique aspects. I think the biggest thing I learned working in parts and service is customer service, because it’s such a huge aspect of the job. We see 20 times more customers in the parts and service department than we do on the sales floor, so it’s a great place to get to know our customers and their needs.

What aspect of running a business has surprised you most, and why?

The biggest thing that has surprised me is how loyal my employees are and how much they care. I’ve been very, very fortunate here. We’ve had very little turnover. I’ve worked alongside some of these guys for 25 to 28 years. Also the way the community embraces you. We are a small community, so we give back a lot. We are very active in giving back to the community. In doing that, I think the community gives back to us. It’s reciprocal.

What’s the best part of living and working in the Kootenays?

The best part is the people you come in contact with. We’re so fortunate to live where we do. I don’t think we, my wife and I, take it for granted ever. I enjoy coming to work every day and spending time with our employees and our customers. I don’t think you could find a better place to do business than here in the Kootenays.

Describe your perfect day.

Coming to work and having everything flow smoothly. Sometimes in our business, that’s difficult. People are here to make a major purchase; we’re dealing with breakdowns and parts availability and so on. You want every day to be perfect, and you want the people who work here to make sure they’re handling things just the right way way.

It’s not easy, though, because no one’s perfect, but we do our best to make sure we look after people to the best of our ability. It’s a difficult business, and it’s not as clear-cut as everyone thinks. And when you try to base it on trust and integrity; well, that takes it to a whole different level.