Interview with Parts Manager Don Bier
We interviewed our long-time Parts Manager Don Bier after over 40 years of working at our Calgary Honda dealership, Wheaton Honda West. Here’s what he had to say:
When you were first hired at Honda West, what was your job?
Don: I flew out from Ontario after I had been laid off from my previous job at General Motors. My father-in-law was here helping Mr. Simpkins (the original owner of Honda West) get the dealership set up, and I was offered a job in the detail department. I am originally from Woodstock, Ontario so moving out to Calgary was a big change for me.
What do you remember about your first day at Honda West?
Don: I can remember walking into the sales tent (it was just a sales tent and a service tent back then), and honestly was thinking to myself ‘what the heck did I just get myself into?’ Because at the time the dealership was in the middle of nowhere, there even used to be horses right on the other side of Sarcee and not a lot else.
Over your 40 years of working at Honda West, what has changed the most about your job or the automotive industry as a whole?
Don: I’d say the internet has changed a lot about how we do our business. Whether it's shopping online, or price shopping against other dealerships. Back when I started in 1982, the internet didn’t really exist yet so we had to use an old Telex machine to write down orders.
What’s your favourite Honda vehicle ever made? Is there a particular year of that vehicle that you like the most?
Don: I really love the Honda Prelude, especially the 4-wheel steering version they made in the late ’80s. The hideaway headlights were pretty revolutionary for the time and I thought it was a slick-looking car.
What do you enjoy most about working at Honda West? Do you have a favourite moment?
Don: I find that the people here have been what I enjoy most about working at Honda West. To work somewhere for over 40 years it takes people for you to want to stay that long. The ownership we’ve had here has always treated you like family, so it’s definitely the people who’ve made me want to stay for so long.
What's been the biggest challenge in your career?
Don: I’d say when I was first offered the Parts Manager job back in 1986 I lacked experience, I wanted to keep my job so I studied underneath Louise Olinger who was our former Parts Manager and deferred my promotion until I felt ready. I think it paid off since I’m still here 36 years later.
Some of your staff have been working with you for 35+ years too. What do you owe this longevity to?
Don: I have a great relationship with my parts employees, in particular, Bruce and Mike have been working here for well over 30 years. We all get along great and have good communication with each other. We’ve built a friendship over the years both at work and outside of work.
If you could do it all again is there anything you would change?
Don: In all honestly no, I don’t think I would change anything. I’ve had incredible stability throughout my life by working at the same dealership, living in the same house, and having been with my wife since I was 19 years old. What others might view as boring, I view as good.
What do you think the future holds for you? Honda? And/Or the Parts department at Honda West?
Don: I just want Honda to keep making great vehicles, my entire family drives Honda vehicles and I don’t think that will change anytime soon. For Honda West I just want us to continue to be successful, I’m sure the dealership will be around for a long time to come.
Come meet Don and check out our Honda dealership in SE Calgary today!