Inspiring leaders possess an innate ability to motivate and empower others, driving them toward shared goals while instilling a sense of purpose and passion. At Olschewski Auto Group, Chris Olschewski exemplifies these qualities of an inspiring leader. His visionary approach, coupled with genuine empathy and integrity, fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation within the organization.
At Olschewski Auto Group, Chris Olschewski epitomizes the essence of inspirational leadership. Through his visionary guidance and unwavering dedication, Olschewski has transformed Olschewski Auto Group into a thriving hub of success and excellence. His hands-on approach and genuine care for his team members have cultivated a culture of trust, collaboration, and growth, inspiring each individual to reach their fullest potential.
By setting high standards and leading by example, Olschewski has instilled a sense of purpose and passion within the organization, driving unparalleled achievements and fostering enduring success. Olschewski’s leadership not only elevates Olschewski Auto Group to new heights but also leaves an indelible mark on all who have the privilege of working alongside him.
It’s a pleasure to engage in a discussion with Chris Olschewski, the CEO of Olschewski Auto Group, regarding his leadership journey and to gain deeper insights into the company. Welcome, Chris, and thank you for sharing your perspectives with us.
You are widely regarded as an inspirational leader. Please take us through your entrepreneurial journey. What sparked your interest in this space?
I’ve always had a love for the auto industry, specifically the business side of things. I’m very much a people person, which is key for this role as you’re managing both employees and customers. I want to change the industry, for customers and employees, for the better.
How Olschewski Auto Group has evolved and made a mark in the industry over the years?
OAG is a group that’s driven to change the opinion of big businesses in small towns. We want to keep the small-town hospitality and mentality alive in big stores such as car dealerships.
To what do you attribute your success?
Long hours and hard work; but most importantly I surround myself with a good team of like-minded people.
What have been the biggest challenges you have witnessed in your entrepreneurial journey? What has been your take on those challenges as a leader?
Lack of inventory during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the inability to sell new cars. The industry changed during that time, focusing more on pre-owned vehicles instead of new ones, with COVID disrupting the supply of new vehicles available to us. This change was initially hard to adapt to, however, we did succeed and come out the other side of the pandemic ready to get back to business.
You have an unparalleled professional career with a demonstrated history of working in the industry. How have your experience and expertise contributed to your leadership journey?
My experience allows me to know the acceptable KPIs (key performance indicators) to be watched to have a sustainable and profitable business. We use those KPIs to allow for fact-based management.
What kind of leadership approach do you follow to set new benchmarks in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry?
I’m always pushing boundaries, never settling, and I have a lot of energy and passion for this industry.
Being an innovator yourself, how do you drive innovation? What innovative strategies does your company follow to stay ahead in the competitive market?
Networking is one of my most important strategies. I love to speak with other auto group owners, and I’m part of a number of committees with certain manufacturers and ones outside of manufacturers. Speaking to other leaders and people who’ve made an impact on the industry allows for discussion of what works, what doesn’t work, and often innovative thinking.
What opportunities are you observing in your sector, and how you are approaching them?
Online e-commerce is here and here to stay. We’ve fostered an ‘earn and deserve’ environment with our employees to allow them to adapt to the new e-commerce way of selling, while still accommodating the new talent that’s entering the workforce.
In a few years from now, what would be the best manifestation of yourself from your current position and responsibilities? What future vision do you have for the company?
I want OAG to be known as a group of dealerships that work together and are admired industry-wide for customer retention and employee retention. I want the group to stay hungry and grow at a healthy pace – healthy for employees, customers, and for the business.
We pride ourselves on serving customers first while providing access to helpful support to ease the process of getting automotive needs met across Ontario
