Who's Who in Winnipeg

who's who in winnipeg 31 Driven by passion { BuSInESSMAn MORRIS HAS A HEART FOR WInnIPEG/MAnITOBA } By Todd Lewys M ost Winnipeggers know Walt Morris as the face of Winnipeg Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Dig a little deeper and you'll find more – much more. Turns out, Morris – a native of Stratford, Ont., who moved to Winnipeg in 1993 – almost didn't have the chance to establish himself in The River City. "When I came here in the summer 1993, I actually had a hard time finding a job as an automotive sales manager," said Morris, who started his career in the auto industry at a Mazda dealership in Guelph, Ont. "Then, someone took a chance on me in September 1993." That someone was none other than Winnipeg's car dealer supreme, Jim Gauthier. "I had the heart and talent, I just needed that chance. Jim Gauthier had faith in me and I learned a ton working for him, so he played a big part in my start," he said. "I don't know if I'd be here today without getting that opportunity." A hard-working type, Morris took full advantage. After seven successful years as General Sales Manager, he was presented with the opportunity to become VP and General Manager of a large dealership. under Morris' leadership, it rose quickly to be no. 1 on the Prairies. His rapid ascent continued in 2005 when he partnered with Alberta's Jim McManes Automotive Group to buy Winnipeg Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in The Pointe West Autopark. From there he then built Winnipeg Collision & Glass Centre in 2007, which was followed shortly after by his acquisition of Red River Co-op Speedway. But Morris didn't stop there. "In 2010, I acquired Winnipeg Suzuki and Walt Morris' Automotive Preowned Supercenter in the Waverley Auto mall. Since then, we've added Winnipeg Auto Spa, Winnipeg Rent-a-Car (two locations), Winnipeg Exclusive Bus Tours & Charters and Winnipeg Vehicle Finance & Leasing," he said. Each company is Manitoba-based, something Morris – who has long considered himself a Manitoban – is proud of. "I'm 100 per cent grounded here and consider myself a Winnipegger and Manitoban through and through. I love everything about the city – the airport, MTS Centre, Winnipeg Jets, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the Blue Bombers. Winnipeg is home and I love doing business here." Today, he presides over the Walt Morris Group of Companies, which employs about 260 people. "While I'm very proud of all our companies, how well they're doing and what they contribute to the city, I'm most proud of the fact that I've been able to create companies that supply work for many local families," he said. Morris knows the value of family. "We've not only got a great group of employees across the board, but I have two supporting parents, a great spouse and amazing children. I wouldn't have the success I have without the support of my family," he said. "Brendan, my oldest son, started working with me at age 12, and has worked his way up to accessories manager. Jarred – who will play hockey at Arizona State university this fall – enjoys helping during the off-season." When Morris isn't busy (whenever that is), he can be found with family and friends at the lake, doing a bit of travelling or, of course, pursuing his passion of stock car racing on Thursday nights at the speedway. As hard as he's worked to get where he is – Morris has been the no. 1 automotive retailer where ever he has worked in Winnipeg or Manitoba for the last 21 years in a row and counting – he said his efforts are only part of the reason for his success. "My family, employees and customers have made the businesses what they are today. I have the best senior management team; without them, all this doesn't happen. Most of all, I'm proud to have accomplished what I have in Winnipeg and Manitoba. It's a great city, and I will be rooted here forever." who's who WALT MORRIS GROuP OF COMPAnIES Walt Morris at Red River Co-op Speedway. PhotobyDarcyFinley,

• Cover