The Humberview Group trains its people to a degree that is seldom seen in the retail automotive industry. The result is a team with a deep and abiding understanding of our mission and customer-focused culture, and an unswerving commitment to our values.

We say it simply and we mean it. We Put People First. We believe that if our Team Members’ experience is world class, then our customers’ experience will also meet that standard.

Click on a profile to read more about our team.

John Walkinshaw brings deep roots in the town of Orangeville to his role as General Manager of HG’s Honda dealership. A 30-year resident in the area, John’s community involvement includes 15 years on the board of YFC, which operates the youth drop-in centre in Orangeville. John also volunteers and serves in various capacities with the Orangeville Baptist Church.

Twenty-three years of local automotive experience equip John with the knowledge and experience necessary to lead the team at The Humberview Group’s Orangeville dealership.

“The Humberview Group’s Values and culture are a natural fit for a close-knit community like Orangeville. It’s exciting to represent great companies, Honda and HG, in a great place to live.”

When Rick Howitt assumed leadership of Humberview Trucks in 2004, he brought with him 29 years experience in the commercial truck business, starting as a Truck Technician and holding virtually every management position available, as well as owning and operating his own business.

Rick completed the Richard Ivey School of Business Executive Program. With Rick at the helm, Humberview Trucks’ growth has been significant both in terms of the number of businesses it serves and the products on offer. Originally a medium-duty GMC franchise, Humberview Trucks was well-served by its relationship with Isuzu when General Motors exited that sector in 2009. Humberview Trucks also represents Workhorse and Nissan Commercial.

“Humberview Trucks is unique in HG because we serve commercial rather than retail customers. Our Team Members have successfully imported HG’s Values and customer-centred philosophies to a B2B environment.”

Cathie Clark grew up in the family’s dealership business before obtaining a B.A. from the University of Western Ontario. Considering a teaching career, Cathie also holds a B.Ed. from Trent University.

Entrepreneurial by nature, Cathie chose to join Autopark, where she honed her skills selling vehicles before moving into F&I and sales management. Today, Cathie is Autopark Burlington’s General Manager as well as Director of Brand Management of the three Autopark stores.

Something of a pioneer among the growing number of women assuming leadership roles in the retail automotive sector, Cathie is often called upon to speak publicly about various auto sector issues and initiatives.

Jon Payne’s entire career has been spent in the automotive industry. In 2006, he moved to Avenue Nissan from Westwood Chevrolet when that dealership closed to make room in The Humberview Group for Applewood Chevrolet Cadillac.

From Business Manager to Sales Manager to General Manager, Jon has successfully met all leadership challenges over his 20 plus years with The Humberview Group. Jon and his wife, Anita, live in Ajax where they are raising 3 children. Jon’s summer pursuit is golf. In the winter, he and his wife are avid curlers.

“I am fortunate to be one of the many people who have been able to pursue a rewarding career with HG. Starting out in the General Motors world and now working with Nissan Canada has given me a wide perspective and the opportunity to share ideas across platforms.”

In almost 25 years in the retail automotive and commerical (medium-duty) sectors, Roger Ryall has held almost every position that can be filled in a dealership. He began his career as a Car Jockey, was a Service Advisor and a Service Manager,  then moved over to Variable Operations (Sales) Management, ultimately leading a number of dealerships as General Manager.

Roger has taken an equity position as Managing Partner, Humberview Motors Inc., and leads Humbeview Buick GMC, Humberview Chevrolet, Humberview Collision Centre, Humberview Trucks, and Humberview Wholesale.

Roger holds an Automotive Marketing and Business Adminstration Diploma from Georgian College.

Lee Wittick was a Sales Manager at Applewood when he left in 1999 for a General Manager opportunity with a Saturn Saab dealership, which he grew to a top three position in Canada. After successfully launching and operating TradeTracker Inc., a software company, Lee returned to Applewood as General Manager in 2007. Lee has recently taken an equity in Applewood as Managing Partner.

Lee Wittick’s leadership is inspirational, inclusive, and innovative. He is a graduate of the Canadian Automotive Institute and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northwood University. Lee and his wife, Marnie, live in Oakville with their two children. Lee bikes, skis, and plays hockey with the Applewood Blazers, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. He and his family pursue as many outdoor and athletic activities as they can find time for.

Over his 25 years with leading Toyota dealerships in positions of increasing responsibility, Pat Barnes built the reputation and relationships needed to be accepted as a franchisee by Toyota Canada.

When the opportunity to acquire the Toyota dealership in Goderich came up, Pat partnered with The Humberview Group. A long-time resident of Toronto, Pat nevertheless pulled up roots and relocated to Goderich, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Huron.

Pat is a licensed Technician by background and, unlike most of the operating partners and leaders who make up HG’s executive group, the bulk of his experience is in fixed operations (Service). This expertise makes Pat a valuable addition to The Humberview Group.

Collectively, Autopark Superstores, with locations in Burlington, Barrie, and Brampton, are among the largest pre-owned vehicle retailers in Ontario.

Jeff Bridge opened the first Autopark retailer in 1997 and grew the business to its dominant postion today. In 2011, Jeff and Autopark Superstores joined The Humberview Group of companies.

Jeff’s decision to align with The Humberview Group represents something of a return to his roots. Before striking out on his own to establish Autopark, Jeff began his automotive career with Humberview Chevrolet in 1984 as a wholesale buyer and went on to found Humberview Wholesale, which remains an important part of the “One Humberview” operation.

Ken Laird purchased the VW and Audi dealerships from the company’s founder in 2006, after working in the business for 19 years, the last six as General Manager.

In 2000, Ken graduated from Harvard University’s Owner-President Management Program. A volunteer hockey coach since 1999, Ken coaches the Agincourt Canadians in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Ken and his wife, Lynn, have 2  children. Lynn works in the business with Ken.

“In 2011, I entered into a strategic partnership with John Esplen’s Humberview Group to ensure the continued growth of the Volkswagen and Audi brands in the GTA and our dealerships. The partnership is working well at all levels not least because our visions are very similar.”