GUELPH – A lot has changed over the past six decades, but Robinson Buick GMC has survived it all, thanks to strong family connections and a consistent approach to customer service.
This year marks the 60th anniversary for the Guelph-based auto dealership.
The original company, Robinson Pontiac Buick GMC, was opened in 1965 by Howard Robinson.
In 1975, the dealership moved to its current location at 875 Woodlawn Rd. W.
“We were the first ones in the Guelph Auto Mall,” president Ted Kohli told the Advertiser.
Ted has been with the company since October 1974, when he applied to be a salesperson.
“After a few interviews I was hired,” he said.
A promotion to assistant sales manager was in store 18 months later, and Ted climbed the ladder to be general sales manager another three-and-a-half years after that, a position he remained in until 2007.
Shortly after Robinson retired, Ted stepped up as a partner with Sam Hirani and Robinson’s daughter Cynthia.
The three partners joined in order to keep the business going, but ran into trouble in 2009.
Due to financial pressures, General Motors began closing more than 200 dealerships across Canada.
“Most of the dealers took the wind-down agreement and we chose not to and fought our case,” Ted said. “We were successful and won the franchise.”
Ted noted luck has been on his side since the start of his career.
“I had no knowledge of cars. I was 25 years old and I was in a new country,” he said.
“You might want to call it fate.”
He had experience as a mechanical engineer, but loved dealing with people, which prompted the move to selling.
Asked how the industry has changed, Ted said, “I don’t think selling product has changed.”
Being hands-on is the key to being a successful businessman, he explained, and that has been consistentthroughout his time with the company.
“Be a customer, put yourself in their shoes and treat them with passion and caring,” he added.
“Absentee ownerships in my books don’t work.”
Shiny new pickup trucks displayed inside the dealership waiting for new owners. Photo by Georgia York
Family ties
Partner roles changed again in 2017 when Cynthia Robinson stepped down and Ted’s son, Amit, stepped in.
Amit’s journey as a salesperson started in 1991, when he worked at the reception desk for his required high school volunteer hours. He joined the team full time in 1996.
“My goal wasn’t to be in this business,” Amit said. “I went to the University of Waterloo for science.”
He added, “The plan was to work the summer [at the dealership] and go back to school in September,” Amit said. “I never went back.”
Amit said he feels immense pride for the company and for his father.
“It just wouldn’t happen without him,” Amit said.
He and his dad agree that entering the building every day no longer feels like work.
“[If] you enjoy and also master what you do, then it becomes second nature,” Ted said.
“I feel blessed to be where I am today.”
As for the future, Ted isn’t leaving any time soon. He plans to stay on as president “as long as health allows me.”
