After more than four decades in the automotive industry, few people have witnessed change quite like this longtime Honda West team member. From the dealership’s earliest days operating out of tents to today’s modern facility, his career is a story of consistency, relationships, and quiet dedication.

We sat down to reflect on where it all began, how the industry has evolved, and what comes next. We hope you enjoy getting to know him a little better through his own words.

Don Bier (left) Micah Zandee-Hart (right) at Wheaton Honda West

Q: Do you remember your first day here?

A: Not perfectly—but I remember how different it was. I had just flown out from Ontario in early April, started work the next day, and I think the grand opening was right after that. When I arrived, there wasn’t even a building yet—just two red-and-white tents. One was for sales, the other for service and parts.

Q: That’s hard to imagine now. What did the team look like back then?

A: Small. Maybe six or seven people total. We had the owners, a general manager, one salesperson, me as a detailer, and a couple of people in service. There weren’t many cars either—maybe ten on the lot, if that.

Across the street, there was nothing. Just open land. We used to watch horses out there.

Q: How long did it take before the first building was up?

A: Not too long, actually. We were probably in the tents from April until the fall, so maybe five or six months before moving into the building.

Q: You started as a detailer. Did you always plan to move into parts?

A: No, I kind of fell into it. I detailed for about a year, and then a position opened up in parts. I figured I’d give it a try—and I ended up really enjoying it. It’s something different every day. New parts, new models, constant change.

Q: What’s your favourite Honda vehicle ever made? Is there a particular year you like?

A: The Prelude. I liked the concept of it—especially the hideaway headlights and the four-wheel steering. I just thought it was a really cool car.

Q: Was there a moment you realized this would be your long-term career?

A: Honestly, once I got here, I never really thought about leaving. I was happy. I moved out here for this job when I was 21, and I just stayed. I’ve been with my wife since I was 19, and I’ve been here 44 years—it’s just the way I am. I like stability.

Q: What’s changed the most in the industry since you started?

A: Technology, without a doubt. Back then, we used a microfiche to look up parts—basically a machine with slides you had to manually search through. Then you’d cross-reference everything in printed price books. Now it’s all digital. Faster, easier—but very different.

Q: What are you most proud of from your time here?

A: The relationships. With coworkers, customers, and people in the industry. Some of those connections go back 40 years. That kind of loyalty is rare now.

Q: After a long day in parts, how would you spend your time? What are your hobbies?

A: I enjoy cooking—especially making spaghetti sauce, meatballs, and lasagna. He also enjoys golf, although not seriously competitive.

Q: What will you miss the most when you retire?

A: The people. That’s the hardest part.

That’s why I didn’t want to just stop all at once. Winding down gives you time to adjust—to get used to not having somewhere to be every morning.

Q: And what are you looking forward to?

A: Slowing down. Relaxing. Maybe some golf, though I wouldn’t say I’m good at it. Just enjoying the time.

Q: What advice would you give someone starting in the automotive industry?

A: Be patient. Listen. Learn as much as you can.

And most importantly—be a team player. If you can’t work with people, it won’t work. Communication is everything.

When I became a manager, I always said I didn’t want to be the kind of manager I’d seen in the past. I wanted people to come to work because they wanted to—not because they had to.

Q: What’s one lesson that took you years to learn?

A: To slow down. I used to always be in a rush, trying to get everything done as fast as possible. Eventually, I learned to step back, take a breath, and really look at the situation.

Q: Looking back, would you change anything?

A: No. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Q: What do you think the future holds for Honda West?

A: I think it’s strong. Honda builds a great product, and this dealership has always had a solid team. When you have that kind of foundation, success tends to follow.

Rapid Fire

• Coffee or tea? Coffee
• Early mornings or late nights? Early mornings
• Classic rock or country music? Classic rock
• Winter or Summer? Summer
• Old-school cars or new tech? Old-school
• Jeans or Sweatpants? Sweatpants
• Big breakfast or skip it? Like it—but usually skip it
• Home-cooked meal or takeout? Home-cooked
• Always Early or Right on time? Always Early
• One alarm or Multiple snoozes? One Alarm
• Sweet or salty? Salty
• Burgers or Pizza? Burgers
• Movies or TV Shows? Movies
• Road Trip or Flight? Flight

Celebrating a Remarkable Career

As Don closes this chapter, we reflect on a career defined not just by time, but by the relationships he built and the impact he made every single day. His steady presence, deep knowledge, and genuine character have helped shape Wheaton Honda West into what it is today. While he may be stepping away from the dealership, his legacy will remain in the team he helped build and the countless people he’s influenced along the way. We wish him a well-earned, fulfilling retirement—one that’s every bit as meaningful as the career he leaves behind.