In June of 2015, I was hired by the McManes Automotive group at Eastside Dodge in Calgary as a Parts Advisor. When I started at Eastside, I had one year of Dealership experience and six years of experience working in the aftermarket industry. My goal was always to work my way up in the industry, so shortly after starting, I began taking on more work. I asked if I could help management with any tasks until I learned a lot of the tasks performed by senior employees. Two years later, September of 2017, the training received to complete these tasks evolved into a position as Assistant Parts Manager.

As Assistant Manager, I was given the opportunity to run four physical parts inventories and coordinate the installation of all accessory installs through the dealership. I continued to ask for extra tasks, learning more skills required of a manager. In April of 2021, I was promoted to Parts Manager at Eastside Dodge. With the training and guidance I was given over the past six years, the transition was smooth as I already had many of the tools required to succeed in this position.

The people are what makes the McManes Automotive Group a great place to work. Jim McManes (President of the McManes Automotive Group) often walks around the departments to talk to the staff. It is great to see someone in his position interact with the employees and care about how they are doing. There is always something going on at Eastside Dodge to build team spirit, from bowling and golf to Stampede parties and Christmas parties. I must say, it is great to be appreciated and made to feel like you are a valuable member of the team.

Eastside Dodge is an amazing company to work for and proof of this is reflected in my having witnessed two employees celebrating 30 year anniversaries. With the right drive and dedication, anything is possible with the McManes Automotive Group. 

–Gerrett Bryant