‘It’s a family atmosphere’

Gerald Arsenault handed over nearly 4,000 sets of keys in his 18 years at Summerside’s Centennial Honda.

Retiring in June, Arsenault gives his final wave goodbye to another happy customer gripping the wheel of their new vehicle.

“They drive off with a smile on their face,” he said. “They’re tickled pink. They’re never the same.”

Just like his fellow staff, Arsenault’s goal with every customer is finding the perfect vehicle to suit their needs, and he has no doubt what he’ll miss most from his time with Centennial Honda.

“The people you work with and the customers that come in to see you. To be able to provide a service and make a happy customer. It’s a family atmosphere”

Sales manager Steve Ramsay said Arsenault’s cheerful attitude assisting customers is contagious with his coworkers.

“I’ve never seen the man have a bad day. He’s running off his feet, he’s in early and leaves late and he’s happy to be here. People love Gerald. How could you not? He can say hello and you’ll instantly like him.” Long-term employees are critical to fostering relationships with customers. For 30 years, both Al Macintyre and Eileen Heffel-Taylor have contributed to making customers and staff feel like family. Ramsay said the focus has always been on customer service.

“You’ll see the grandparents, the parents, and the children visiting us for each new vehicle. That’s the loyalty. To go from generation to generation with the same sales staff, it builds trust.”

There’s a Honda to fit the lifestyle of any family member. But whether it’s the sedan, coupe or hatchback it’s clear Summerside is a Civic nation.

Canada’s top-selling car for nearly two decades, the Honda Civic’s pace continues into 2017 with sales up 17 per cent and is on course to exceed expectations.

Honda’s CRV has been redesigned for 2017, including a 1.5 litre turbo engine, proximity keys, push button start, alloy wheels, backup cameras, heated seats, and loads of other features making it the best-selling vehicle in its class. There’s a buzz around the showroom as families eagerly await the redesigned 2018 Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey will reintroduce comfort on the road with enough features to satisfy any of its eight passengers, including CabinWatch and Cabintalk, and Magic Slide seating. Centennial Honda’s vast fleet and expert knowledge will find the perfect vehicle for anyone, Ramsay said.

“Everyone is very committed. We want to see people here happy.”