1. 18 November 2016
Bell Mid-Size Business of the Year Award : JNB Auto Center and European Automotive
I opened JNB Auto Center in 2006 with a team of 6 people in Oakville, Ontario.
Currently, I have 22 employees. JNB Auto Center started in a commercial strip plaza with an
area of 15,000 square feet and is now in a stand alone plaza reaching 30,000 square feet. Prior
to this, I was a mechanic at Canadian Tire for 14 years. Despite growing to a mid-size business,
I never lost sight of who I was. I ensure that I maintain a relationship of honesty, trust and
communication with my customers. 6 months ago, I opened my sister company European
Automotive which serves high-end clientele. I strive to make connections with people in the
Oakville community. I have sponsored the Milton Soccer Academy and the Oakville Smashing
Pumpkins Hockey Team. I have also sponsored car shows in Hamilton and Burlington.
Additionally, I make donations to Sick Kid’s Hospital during Christmas. I maintain a social media
presence by having business pages on Facebook. Two years ago, I ran a 30 second
advertisement that was shown in places such as Boston Pizza, various doctor offices and the
Ministry of Transportation. These efforts has helped my business grow from having a net worth
of $ 125, 000 dollars to its current net worth of $ 3,000, 000.
My businesses are filled with many long-term customers. Whether I am at JNB Auto
Center or European Automotive servicing Ferraris, I maintain a standard of consistency that
customers have come to love and know me for. When I opened European Automotive, it was
easy to gather a steady following of customers as the result of my clients being receptive of my
services over the years. I am honest, factual and seek to approach every challenge with an
open mind. In 2015, JNB Auto Center was awarded the Reader’s Digest Award by The Oakville
Beaver. I am very patient with my customers and I am willing to work with “challenging”
customers in order to reach a resolution. I offer fair prices and efficient service. Due to my

2. popularity in the Oakville Community, customers often have to book an appointment far in
advance in order to be serviced.
I stay ahead of the curve. I associate myself with likeminded individuals that can inform
me on the latest technology in the automotive industry. I am apart of organizations such as Arro
and the Ontario Motive Vehicle Industry Council. Being apart of these organizations has kept
me up to date on the current laws, industry regulations and customer service ethics in the
automotive industry. Moving from a strip plaza to a complex was crucial for the success of my
business. Having my own complex attracts a larger client base. My suppliers who provide
various equipments and parts in my businesses constantly inform me as well as my staff about
the latest innovations in the automotive industry. With frequent changes in the car industry, I am
willing to order the necessary tools and software to address new challenges and issues. I
endeavour to purchase a building in the future which will host both JNB Auto Center and
European Automotive. An integral part of innovation is maintaining of level of trust with my
customers for every change or addition I make to my business.
I require constant communication with my staff. If my managers approach me with an
outstanding issue, I immediately look into resolving the matter. My staff is aware that cars have
to be in the shop for a certain period of time before they start to lose profit. I ensure to reward
my hardworking staff with bonuses and time off. I also seek to create a friendly environment
where staff and customers can approach me with any concern they may have. I also spend
some days on the road to establish new connections and reach new clients. Currently, I am
servicing two Dodge Dealerships as well as a Hyundai dealership in Halton and Oakville. I
personally meet with General Managers of these dealerships and present proposals as to why
JNB Auto Center and European Automotive is the superior business. I am willing to give
discounted rates and incentives for new car dealerships that are willing to work with me. When I
opened European Automotive, I ensured to give a show-room feel by placing a large emphasis
on aesthetics such as using two-tone paint and providing a spotless atmosphere. I know that

3. presentation is crucial and customers are willing to spend their money in my business when
they see how detailed oriented I am.
Being involved in every aspect of my business, including practices, has led to longevity
and success. When Istarted JNB Auto Center I was heavily involved with the “floor” aspect of
the business, working alongside mechanics. The mechanics I currently have are individuals that
I have known for a long time. I know that they have the competencies and the auto knowledge
to ensure long-term success. Furthermore, I have two shop foremen and managers for the Shop
and Body Unit. I also have front desk staff led by a Front Desk Team Lead. My managers are
efficient in communicating daily and weekly expectations to staff. Furthermore, my staff are self-
sufficient, however I am always accessible if there is ever an issue that requires my attention. I
am constantly analyzing every aspect of the business. Before taking a new project, I make sure
to see if a profit can be made and estimate how long it would take to make a return. I constantly
assess monthly sales with the sales from the previous year. I want to ensure that sales are
consistent or exceed sales from the previous year. If there is an anomaly, I will see if there is
any way I can improve the procedures in the shop. My businesses use software such as Lankar,
Summit, Audatex, Mitchell Quick Books and All Data which helps keeps the office organized
and in order. Since there is not a fixed schedule in my businesses, I ensure that I am constantly
communicating with my staff. Having an environment of transparency, availability and
communication has led to my long-term success in my business.
Regards,
Brian Ramtrattan
Owner, JNB Auto Center and European Automotive