Sun City Ford president recognized with provincial award; highlights community involvement

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 13, 2024.

Pat Quinlan, dealer and managing partner at Medicine Hat Sun City Ford, receives the 2024 MDA Dealer of Excellence award from president Gerald Wood on Thursday at the dealership.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER

Pat Quinlan, dealer and managing partner at Medicine Hat Sun City Ford, was recognized for more than 30 years of service in the automotive industry as this year’s recipients of the Alberta Dealer of Excellence Award (non-metro) presented by the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta.

Quinlan received a plaque Thursday afternoon from Gerald Wood, MDA president, during a recognition event held at the dealership, and thanked his family, co-workers and community during his reception speech.

Wood spoke about

Quinlin’s long career that began 32 years ago on the sales floor of a Mercury dealership in Saskatchewan, and spoke about his strong leadership skills over the past eight years since co-purchasing the dealership in 2016.

“His time in sales taught him three guiding principles,” said Wood. “Build strong relationships in your community, stand out through consistency and keep a light-hearted approach while focusing on your employees and customers.”

Quinlan told reporters after accepting his award that he believes local businesses have a responsibility to give back to their community, highlighting local team sponsorships, new hockey training jackets for members of British Army and an initiative following the pandemic called Hero of the Week that recognized members of the community with a gift card to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

“Giving back to the community is the one invoice I love to pay every year,” Quinlan said. “I think that your community is what supports you. Your community is what allows you to stay in business, and so it is the rightful thing to give back.”

The award recipient also thanked his mentors and coworkers along this journey.

“I turned it all back to the people you work with and the mentors over the years that have helped you develop into the person you are right,” said Quinlan. “It really shows this place is the epitome of strong support and helping people.”

Two other award recipients represent Calgary and Edmonton. The criteria of the award includes business acumen, community involvement and associated/industry involvement. Quinlan’s Dealership of Excellence honour is the only one awarded outside of the province’s two major cities.