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Speakers
Steve Greenfield
Automotive Ventures
Steve Greenfield is the visionary founder and CEO of Automotive Ventures, a leading venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early-stage automotive technology and mobility startups. With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Steve has been at the forefront of innovation, having held key leadership positions at industry giants such as Manheim, AutoTrader.com, CarLingo, and TrueCar. Throughout his career, he has facilitated over $1 billion in automotive technology acquisitions, making him a recognized expert in the field.
Steve is also a prolific author and speaker, known for his insightful perspectives on the future of automotive retail. His book, “The Future of Automotive Retail,” is a comprehensive guide that explores the rapid technological advancements reshaping the industry. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Steve shares his deep knowledge and forward-looking vision at conferences and in media outlets worldwide.
Beyond his professional achievements, Steve is committed to mentoring the next generation of automotive entrepreneurs and innovators. He is the creator of AutoTech’s Got Talent, a platform that showcases emerging automotive technologies, and he regularly contributes to industry publications and podcasts, providing thought leadership and strategic insights.
Mathew Growden is a notable figure in the automotive industry, particularly recognized for his role at Google Canada as the Head of the Auto Retail Team. With a strong background in digital marketing and automotive retail, Mathew has contributed significantly to the industry’s understanding and adoption of digital solutions.
Throughout his career, Mathew has focused on enhancing the digital experiences of car buyers and dealerships. He has been instrumental in promoting the use of online tools and strategies to improve customer engagement and streamline operations in the automotive sector. His insights are frequently sought after at industry events and webinars, where he discusses trends such as the increasing demand for digital car-buying solutions and the integration of modern technology in automotive marketing.
Mathew Growden
Growdy.wtf
Daniel Ross
Canadian Black Book
Daniel Ross is a Senior Manager of Industry Insights & Residual Value Strategy at Canadian Black Book (CBB). He joined CBB in 2017 and has played a crucial role in analyzing automotive market trends and providing valuable insights into vehicle valuations and residual values. Daniel is a key figure in CBB’s annual Residual Value Awards, which recognize vehicles that are projected to retain the highest percentage of their original value over time. His expertise is frequently showcased in industry interviews and reports, where he discusses market trends and the importance of residual value in the automotive sector.
Rhys has spent much of his working life growing companies. After successful stints with large corporations like Starbucks and Disney, he broke out on his own to build a thriving wedding photography business. It was through building this award-winning business that Rhys developed his love of marketing, from graphic design and technical writing, to website development, SEO, targeted digital advertising, and data analysis. He joined the Bannister Automotive group in March 2019, and has been a crucial part of their successful growth and acquisition strategy. When he’s not working, you can usually find Rhys in his garden or cheering for the Edmonton Oilers.
Rhys Albrecht
Bannister Automotive Group
Brian Benstock
Paragon Honda
Brian Benstock is the General Manager and Vice President of Paragon Honda and Paragon Acura, the top-certified Honda and Acura dealers in the world. Based in Queens, NY, these dealerships are rapidly expanding, consistently selling over 1,000 cars per month, averaging 34 cars per day.
A visionary in the automotive industry, Benstock is a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and podcast host. His insights and innovative strategies have earned him interviews with major media outlets including CNN Money, FOX Business, Bloomberg Technology, CBS News, Automotive News, The John Batchelor Show, and The New York Daily News.
Erik conducts research on financial product market trends, emerging risks and macroeconomic trends for the Bank. He plays a central role in the Department’s coverage of the auto sector. He also provides support to BMO’s internal risk management processes.
Prior to joining BMO Economics, Erik worked in credit risk modelling for BMO’s regulatory and stress testing platforms.
Erik joined BMO Economics in 2020. He holds graduate degrees in economics from the University of California, Berkeley and Queen’s University.
Erik Johnson
BMO Economics
Ryan Fuss
Stingray Advertising
Ryan Fuss is a industry veteran in the Canadian media and entertainment industry, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Brands and Content Partnerships at Stingray Media. With a robust background in sales, marketing, and content strategy, Ryan has played a pivotal role in driving Stingray’s growth and success across various platforms, including television, radio, and digital media.
Before joining Stingray, Ryan held significant positions at several leading companies, including Rogers Media, where he was instrumental in developing innovative advertising solutions and expanding the company’s digital footprint. His expertise spans across content creation, audience engagement, and brand development, making him a key player in the media landscape.
John is the previous owner of Rose City Ford. John sat on many committees on behalf of dealers including past chairman of the Ford Dealer Advertising association, past president of the Ontario Automobile Dealers Association and the Board of directors of CADA. John’s 38 years of dealer and retail experience and knowledge are assets in any Buy/Sell transaction. John understands how dealers work and think and has the highest regard for their investments. He is intimately aware of the emotions and financial logistics involved in succession and growth opportunities, having undergone the buy/sell process several times in his career.
John Chisholm
Vice President of Sales, Canada - DSMA
Ashley Wolfe
Owner and Operator of the Wolfe Automotive Group
Ashley Wolfe is a trailblazing fourth-generation owner and operator of the Wolfe Automotive Group, one of the few women leading an automotive dealership group in an industry historically dominated by men. Her great-grandfather, F.J. Wolfe, founded Edmonton Motors Limited in 1925, now known as Wolfe Cadillac, the oldest Cadillac dealership in Western Canada. Under Ashley’s leadership, the Wolfe Automotive Group has expanded to include six dealerships in Canada and two in Montana, including the recent acquisition of Jim Taylor Motors in Fort Benton.
Initially planning a career with the FBI after graduating from Arizona State University, Ashley entered the automotive industry at her father’s urging and quickly fell in love with the business.
Ashley is passionate about the industry’s innovation and is a strong advocate for maintaining great working relationships with the OEMs they represent.
Andrew Lemoine’s entrepreneurial journey began early, marked by a natural talent for sales and a deep passion for the automotive industry. Starting his career at a dealership, he quickly rose through the ranks—from detailer to top salesperson, and impressively, to sales manager before turning 19. By 25, he had become a General Manager. Driven by a desire to innovate, Andrew left his established career in retail to explore the tech industry, founding Autocorp.ai in 2021. This fintech company is transforming automotive credit and financing, earning recognition as the 4th fastest-growing company in Ottawa and one of Canada’s fastest-growing Auto Tech firms. A competitive leader committed to continuous improvement, Andrew believes in leading by example and cultivating a winning company culture. As a lifelong learner and passionate serial entrepreneur, he enjoys connecting with like-minded individuals on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Andrew Lemoine
CEO, Autocorp.ai
Mike Mazgay
Vice President of Automotive Partnerships & Dealer Operations at SiriusXM Canada
From 2011 to 2013, Michael took on the role of General Sales Manager at Pickering Volkswagen before returning to SiriusXM Canada. At SiriusXM, he advanced through various leadership roles, including Director and later Senior Director of Fleet & Remarketing, Automotive, from 2013 to 2019. Today, Michael serves as the Vice President of Automotive Partnerships & Dealer Operations at SiriusXM Canada, where he continues to leverage his extensive industry knowledge.
Michael earned his degree in Business Administration with a focus on Automotive Marketing from Georgian College, where he studied from 1997 to 2000.
Fenton Bolden is a seasoned expert in the automotive industry with a specialized focus on fixed operations. With over 35 years of experience, Fenton has successfully driven revenue growth and operational efficiency in more than 125 Canadian dealerships. His deep understanding of service department dynamics and customer retention strategies has made him a sought-after consultant and speaker.
Known as “The Fixed Ops Accelerator”, Fenton brings his hands-on expertise to help automotive professionals maximize their dealership’s potential, not just their departments. He is known for his practical, results-driven approach, turning complex concepts into actionable strategies that yield measurable outcomes.
Fenton’s session will delve into maximizing profitability, optimizing shop capacity, and creating scalable pay plans. Attendees will leave equipped with the tools and insights needed to drive sustainable growth in their fixed operations.
Fenton Bolden
General Manager - Fixed Ops
Olivia Stapleton
Welcome to the next generation of automotive, Olivia has a passion for sales enablement and community building. Coming from a family of automotive professionals, Olivia has a deep-rooted love for the industry. She is dedicated to empowering the next generation of industry leaders. As the founder of Next Gear Automotive, she has created a dynamic platform focused on authentic connections and exploring the future of automotive through a fresh, unfiltered lens. Olivia’s enthusiasm and commitment to her work make her a driving force in shaping the future of automotive marketing.
Nimalan Bala
General Manager - Fixed Ops
Brian Sencich
Head of Automotive TikTok Canada
With 17 years in digital advertising and automotive, Brian Sencich is the Head of Industry, Automotive at TikTok, driving industry strategies and partnerships. Prior to TikTok, he was a Senior Account Executive at Amazon Ads and a Client Partner at Meta, contributing to significant growth across the automotive sector. Brian began his career at AutoTrader.ca and later led outside sales at Kijiji, excelling in digital media sales and team leadership. His deep expertise and passion for innovation make him a sought-after industry speaker.