Cast your mind back to the year 1967. Canada was celebrating its centennial as a country. The Beatles ruled the airwaves. And the Volkswagen Beetle was fast becoming the iconic automobile of its day.
Back in December, 1967, a 27-year-old Gary Cowell opened his very first dealership, Cowell Volkswagen, near the corner of No. 3 Road and Westminster Highway and just up the street, a newly built Richmond Hospital, a single tower then, was finishing its first full year of operation.
While Gary is still involved at a strategic level, his sons, Rand and Ryan, are now involved, handling the automotive and real estate development, respectively.
“What a different city it is now. So much has changed,” says Rand Cowell.
“I remember going to the dealership as kids,” says Ryan. “Back then it was a quiet place with all sorts of ditches everywhere, with horses roaming in fields.”
Today, Cowell Auto Group is Richmond’s oldest operating new car dealership, owning not only Cowell Volkswagen, but Audi of Richmond, Jaguar Richmond, and Land Rover of Richmond, all located in the Richmond Auto Mall, employing nearly 250 people.
“We always grew up around cars and talking about cars,” says Rand. “I love cars, but what I really love is the combination of people and cars here at our family business. We are really focused on building relationships based on trust for the long term. That’s very rewarding.”
Today, that focus on relationships extends to Cowell Auto Group’s Community giving, as well. A generous sponsor of Richmond Hospital Foundation, Cowell Auto Group has contributed to this year’s record-breaking golf tournament, as well as Community Cares Month throughout September and the 17th Starlight Gala in October to raise funds for new medical equipment and improvements to hospital facilities.
“Health is important. People may forget about having a hospital here…until you need it. Then it’s really important,” says Ryan, who speaks highly of Richmond Hospital and the care the expert team here provides.
“In terms of philanthropy and giving, we’ve been very fortunate,” he says. “Both of our parents have great values. They passed those along to us and we’re working with our children now to share those values, as well,” says Ryan. “From a business perspective we want to continue to be in a leadership role in what we do and at the same time give back to the community”
“We have a strong culture here focused on caring,” says Rand. “We want to do things that make a difference. We’re encouraging people and employees to get out there and give. And if others get inspired by our own actions, even better. The more we can get people engaged, the better it will be for all.”
