New owners at GM dealership in Kenora
Myron Love
KENORA, ONT. – For car buyers in Kenora, there is a new player in town. And Walt Morris is looking forward to bringing the same level of success to his newly acquired Kantola Motors as he has achieved with Winnipeg Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, which has been the top-selling Chrysler dealer in Manitoba 10 years in a row.
Morris, who is associated with the McManus Group of Companies, purchased the 40-year-old Kenora General Motors store from the Kantola family. The deal was finalized Aug 1. Financial details were not disclosed.
“The Kantola family did an awesome job building up the business,” Morris says.
“The store has an outstanding reputation for sales and service which we look forward to maintaining.”
Morris describes his new store – now known as Kenora Chevrolet Buick GMC – as a medium-sized dealership with a staff of about 30. The previous owners had invested in the latest corporate image facility upgrades a few years ago so no major changes to the facility are planned.
“There are always little things that need to be done,” he adds.
Morris notes that several Kantola family members are remaining as part of the business, including general sales manager, Rod Kantola. The only staff change has been the appointment of Brendan Morris, Walt Morris’ son, as sales manager.
Brendan has been in auto sales for the past 13 years. He had been working at Winnipeg Dodge Chrysler in management since 2012.
The official rebranding of the store took place on Sept. 2, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a charity barbecue fundraiser on behalf of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board’s Breakfast Program.
