In addition to presentations on new store identity and shop banner program being introduced as a result of the new O’Reilly Automotive ownership, the Vast-Automotive convention also presented store and shop awards. Above, Robin’s Auto Parts co-owner Jagvarinder Singh Dhaliwal, is presented the Ontario Store of the Year award by Vast-Auto personnel.

Vast-Auto Distribution held it’s annual convention in Montreal, providing the first opportunity for its new O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. owner to makes its presence felt.

Team members of O’Reilly, including Chief Executive Officer Brad Beckham, attended the conference. Though Beckham did not present, the presence of O’Reilly team members allowed attendees to share ideas with the O’Reilly leaders.

During the event, the team also revealed their new brand image and programs, as well as the transition plan for new banners.

More than 650 attendees from parts stores, repair shops, suppliers and Vast Auto Distribution team members were on hand for presentations including the introduction of the Parts City Auto Parts store identity and Certified Auto Repair banner program for shops that O’Reilly is bringing to the Canadian market.

Participants also attended other seminars with respect to M 360 Mechanic, Auto Mecano and OCTO Auto Service Plus service units that Vast-Auto operates.

O’Reilly CEO Beckham was only recently appointed to the role after having served recently in senior positions with O’Reilly, but whose history with the organization goes back nearly three decades, starting as a parts specialist at an Oklahoma O’Reilly store, which he has said previously really involved sweeping floors and stocking shelves despite the lofty title.

The trade show portion of the event featured some 80 vendors and a gala evening provided a centrepiece for recognition awards and a grand prize presentation.

The grand prize, a Mitsubishi Mirage ES – 2024 in the banner’s colors, was won by the owners of M 360 Mechanic Alma, Jean-François and Gabriel Bolduc.

The evening provided an opportunity to honour the nominees and winners in various categories, including:

Vast-Auto Distribution Stores of the Year in Quebec (tie):
Perry Auto Laval – Perry Wener
Distribution BAMM – Martin Boulet

Vast-Auto Distribution Store of the Year in Ontario:
Robins Auto Parts – Kulvir Singh and Jagvarinder Singh Dhaliwal

Vast-Auto Distribution Store of the Year in Atlantic
Atlantic Auto Parts Resource – Scott Langin

Vast-Auto Distribution Repair Shop of the Year:
Pneus Varennes Inc. – Jean-Pierre Lavigne and Paul Péloquin

Auto Mecano Shop of the Year:
Centre de Mécanique L.G.M. – Guy Villeneuve

OCTO Auto Service Plus Shop of the Year:
Atelier Mécanique Stéphane Lemire – Stéphane Lemire

M 360 Mechanic Shop of the Year:
M 360 Mechanic Mont-Laurier – Martin Gauthier

Supplier of the Year:
FCS Automotive

Manufacturing Representative of the Year in Quebec:
Dorman Products – Éric Normandin

Manufacturing Representative of the Year in Ontario:
Troy Snider – Grant Brothers Sales

Manufacturing Representative of the Year in Atlantic:
Valvoline – Kelly Thompson