Join us on December 2 at 8:00 am to learn more about Gerry and his business.
Register for virtual breakfast
Gerry first began his career in Scotland at his father’s Ford Dealership where he was involved in converting vehicles to hand-controls for disabled drivers.
In 1969 Gerry headed west and began work for Maclin Ford as a Sales Representative and then spent 5 years as the New Vehicles Sales Manager.
In 1979 Gerry bought a small GM Dealership in Vulcan, AB.
In 1983, Gerry bought Southridge Mercury Lincoln and renamed it Woodridge Lincoln Mercury, now named Woodridge Ford Lincoln. In 1984 Woodridge recorded the highest sales volume of new Mercury cars in Canada. In 1985 Woodridge outsold all Mercury and Ford franchise dealers in the nation.
Continued Business Developments:
1987 Woodridge Body Shop facility opened
1987 Village Honda was opened in partnership with Dr. Peter Finch
1991 Okotoks Ford Lincoln commenced business
1992 Cavalcade Auto Acceptance Corp was established
1995 Advantage Ford sales was opened
1996 Purchased Big 4 Motors together with Glen Barreth
2009 Built and moved into new Woodridge Ford Lincoln facility
2013 Built and moved into new Okotoks Ford Lincoln facility
2015 Driverz Auto Sales Ltd. was opened
2020 Wood Auto Rentals was opened
Over the past 36 years Gerry has continued to grow these and other business enterprises. The Wood Automotive Group has pioneered and fine-tuned customer marketing initiatives, the concept of vehicle leasing and cost-effective, excellent service, and has made a commitment to life-long relationships.
The Wood Automotive Group now employs almost 600 individuals providing outstanding employment opportunities in the Calgary area.
As a recognized leader in the Canadian Automotive Sector, Gerry has accepted many key appointments with local, provincial and national associations. As a member of several executive bodies, he represents Canadian automotive dealers to both manufacturers and governments.
He is highly active in the Calgary and Okotoks communities. Some of Gerry’s involvements entail organizations such as the Inclusion Alberta, Robbie Burns Club of Calgary, Mustard Seed, and The Salvation Army. The Woodridge Charity Golf Tournament celebrated its 30th and final year in 2015 and with the tireless efforts and hard work of his wife Elaine, has raised almost 4 million dollars in funding towards the building of the PREP School and programs for individuals with Down syndrome. Gerry has furthered his commitment to supporting children’s charity as a major sponsor of the Shaw Charity Classic Golf Tournament and the creation of the Wood Automotive Group Kid Hero of the Month Award in support of KidSport and Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank.
AWARDS:
2018 Received the Order of Canada
2017 Inducted into the Calgary Business Hall of Fame
2017 Rotary Club International Integrity Award
2017 10+ time President’s Award winner, Ford Canada
2015 Ford Credit Master’s of Excellence Award
2012 Business in Calgary Magazine –“Leaders of Tomorrow”
2010 Rotary Club International Integrity Award
2006 Northwood University, Automobile Dealer, Education Award
2003 Immigrant of Distinction, Business Award
2000 Maclean’s Dealer of Excellence Award
1999 Retail Entrepreneur of the Year
1997 Finalist in Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies
1991 #1 Plan Deal in Canada, Ford Credit Canada Limited
1987 Pinnacle Award – Business Leadership Award
1987 – 1997 Calgary Private 100 Award
PAST & PRESENT COMMITTEES
- Chairperson of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association
- 1997-1998 Secretary-Treasurer
- 1998-1999 2nd Vice-Chair
- 1999-2000 1st Vice-Chair
- 2000-2001 Chairman of the Board
- 2001-2002 Immediate Past Chair
- 2002-2003 Senior Past Chair
- Past Director of Co-Auto Dealers Association of Alberta
- Past Director of Alberta Ford & Mercury Advertising Association
- SAIT Institutional – Past Advisory Committee
- Calgary Burns Club – Lifetime member
- Past Board of Directors of Down Syndrome Research Foundation
- Past – Major Corporate Sponsors Committee for Calgary Stampede
- Mount Royal College – Advisory Board member for the Transitional Vocational Program, Faculty of Continuing Education
- Calgary Handibus Association Fund Development Advisory Board
- Alberta Scottish Business Association – President
CHARITIES
- Salvation Army – Advisory Board
- Woodridge Charity Golf Tournament committee member and founder – 30 years, raising close to $4 million to support Down Syndrome research, education, the PREP program and building the Woodridge PREP Centre/School for individuals with down syndrome & their families
- Children’s Wish Foundation
- United Way
- Inclusion Alberta
- Shaw Charity Classic
- Foothills Country Hospice Society
- Sheep River Health Trust
- Partnered Wood Automotive Group and 7 dealerships with KidSport & Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank
- Foothills Search & Rescue
- Special Olympics Calgary
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital
- Ronald McDonald House
- Calgary Dream Centre
- Military Family Resource Centre
- Field of Crosses Society
- Shriners Hospital for Children
- Breast Cancer Society of Canada
- Alzheimer Society of Calgary
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta
- Alberta Cancer Foundation
- Kids Cancer Care
- Stars Air Ambulance
- Edmonton Down Syndrome Society
- Heart & Stroke Foundation
- Bethany Care Foundation
- Calgary Flames Foundation
- The Mustard Seed
- Calgary Drop-In Centre