For Bobby Spadoni, vice president of Spadoni Motors, owning a business has always been about building long-lasting relationships in the community.
"When we sell a vehicle, we are not just selling to the customer; we are looking for someone for life," Spadoni says. "My dad started our motto 20 years ago, and it is 'come as a customer, but leave as a friend'."
The Terrace Bay car dealership, second-oldest General Motors Dealership in Canada, has been around for more than 25 years and is a fourth-generation family-run business. Although customers may only pop in for a quick visit, Spadoni Motors ensures every stop at the dealership is warm and welcoming.
"When people come to purchase from us or work with us from different areas, they know they are getting that family aspect," Spadoni says. "You're not just a person that is being dealt with and is out the door."
The company sees approximately 5,000 customers a year and is known for being a family-oriented car dealership. Although Spadoni Motors was only established in Terrace Bay 26 years ago, the company's history goes back nearly 100 years and is one of the longest-standing businesses in northwestern Ontario.
Spadoni's grandfather kicked off various automotive and furniture businesses across northwestern Ontario.
"Our family started off in the White River and Jackfish area, and then the automotive part took off in Schreiber," Spadoni says. "My grandfather and his siblings were involved originally, and it took off there with General Motors."
Some of the businesses Spadoni's grandfather opened included car rental services and furniture stores in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Schreiber, Marathon and Manitouwadge. Eventually, the family business moved to Terrace Bay in the late 1990s.
After his grandfather passed away, Spadoni's father and siblings took over the business.
"Over the last seven years, my dad and his siblings have all retired with the exception of the youngest one, Danny Spadoni, who is the president of the company now," he says.
The current management team now consists of fourth-generation owners of the Spadoni family. They manage Spadoni Motors, National Car Rental, Spadoni Leasing, and Spadoni Home Furniture.
In addition to their longstanding history in northwestern Ontario, the Spadoni business also takes pride in supporting other ventures in the community.
"My grandfather was a huge supporter of the schools and sporting teams," Spadoni says.
The company sponsors bursaries, high school events, and sporting events. In the past, the company has donated $25,000 to long-term care initiatives in the community.
"We have been very proud of supporting our community financially, and we are very active in the community," Spadoni says.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted businesses all over the country, and Spadoni Motors is no different.
"As tough as it was, we are proud of our staff, especially in the last few years," he says. "We were deemed an essential service, so our staff worked right through, and we are very proud of the resilience in our team here."