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1-888-305-6951
403-327-7250

3405-2 Ave S Lethbridge, Alberta

 

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McFadden Honda History

We here at McFadden Honda have recently celebrated over 35 years in the auto industry, and it’s all thanks to Mac McFadden – visionary car enthusiast, and the Man with the Plan.

While wintering in Palm Springs in the ‘70’s, Mac caught a glimpse of several dealerships selling a cool new import – the Honda Civic – and with his love of cars, it was no surprise he wanted to get into the car business.
Shortly afterwards, Mac inspired his sons, Barry and Dean to open a Honda dealership in Lethbridge. They had been retailing Honda motorcycles since 1965 and had a successful bike and sporting goods store under their belt.
With plenty of experience and a solid relationship with Honda, negotiations went smoothly and the boys were awarded the dealership. The McFadden’s were in the car business!

McFadden Honda opened in 1974 with one model, the Honda Civic. They were four-speed equipped and a two-speed automatic in the Hatchback. The MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) was $2,995.00 for a trunk model or $3,274.00 for the hatchback with radio.

The first twenty, 1975 models arrived on a cold, snowy evening, and the engine of McFadden Honda began to purr. Powered only by four people, Barb (Bookkeeper), Barb’s brother John Simpson (Sales), Milt Wiebe (Parts and Service Manager/Mechanic) and Barry McFadden (Dealer Principal, General Manager/Sales), McFadden Honda has since grown into a successful dealership, employing over 30. Some of who have celebrated milestones with the dealership. Randy Kostersky (Technician) 25 years of service, Michael Schimanski (Parts Manager) 20 years of service and Bob Fretts (Service Manager) 18 years of service.

They were just kids when they started with us as lot attendants and “wash boys”! Barry McFadden is now the snowbird and the dealership is managed by me, Sheri Thomson (nee McFadden).

To this day the McFadden’s have the proud distinction of being the longest original owners of a Honda dealership in Western Canada. We’re grateful to all the wonderful Honda enthusiasts who have crossed our paths over the past 35 years to make that possible. Many have become good friends. Many have children and grand children who are now second and third generation Honda owners. All have placed their confidence and trust in Honda and the McFadden family. Thank you!
 


Barry McFadden, Dealer Principal

I’ve been in the Honda business for 35 years and with that comes a lot of history. That being said, I love cars and always have. Combine that with my love of people and the Honda automotive business was natural. Over the years I’ve had a lot of fun and surrounded myself with super employees. My wife, Barb and I enjoy our friends and activities in Arizona through the winter months and in the summer it’s all about golf, tennis, RV’ing and keeping the business humming along.

 Sheri Thomson, Dealer Principal

What matters most to me at McFadden Honda are the people I work with day in and day out. They are passionate about customer service and the awesome product we represent! When I’m not in the driver’s seat, I hike with McGyver the Honda Hound, garden and golf. Most recently, I found my true calling as the drummer on the McFadden Honda Dragonboat team, hollering my way across Henderson Lake. How wonderful to be in a business working with the best people selling the best vehicles!

Gord Pidde, General Manager

 Gord Pidde, General Manager

 Anne Deschamps, Controller

 I joined the McFadden Honda family in July, 2002 as the controller. Dealership accounting has been an interest of mine since I entered the automotive field in1999. My personal interests extend beyond the industry to family, golf and much more. I take pride in my contribution to the business and I’m proud of the success of my co-workers.

Karen Horne-Bader, Receptionist

I started at McFadden Honda October 6, 2011.  Within the first couple of days I knew this was the place for me.  The staff and management have been wonderful with all their support  and advice.  And the customers I have met thus far are great people.  When not answering your calls, I love to read, do crossword puzzles, camp and spend time with my family.  I look forward to seeing and hearing from all of you for many years to come.  I feel at home here at McFadden Honda.

Barbara Dann - Receptionist & CSI Surveyor

Victoria Rodriguez - Receptionist

 Lesia Dewitt, Administrative Assistant

I’ve been meeting and greeting people at McFadden Honda for the past four years and when I’m not doing that I handle many administrative duties. I’m an avid animal lover, love to travel and have three lovely fun grandchildren. Honda is like my family away from home. I’ve met the nicest people while working at McFadden Honda!

Rory Ross, EXCELL Manager and Warranty Clerk

After retiring from the RCMP, I was looking for a career change that would allow me to do something other than law enforcement. I have been with McFadden Honda for just about eight years now and serve as our Warranty Administrator and EXCELL Manager. As Warranty Administrator I ensure that claims are sent to Honda Canada for payment. As EXCELL Manager I analyze customer satisfaction data and then meet with our staff to continually improve our processes. One of my favorite past-times is following my son’s hockey careers and I enjoy being active and cooking.

 Jennifer Heninger, Business Development Coordinator

In 2009 I earned a diploma in Advertising and Public Relations at the Lethbridge College. At the dealership I combine my creative talents and ability to work with Adobe software to create marketing material. I assist the Sales Team with customer relations and work closely with Management on promotions. I am also the Website coordinator. My interests are photography, discovering new musical artists and watching foreign films. Clearly the Honda team is dedicated to customer satisfaction and we know how to have fun! My latest adventure was in Dragonboat racing with the McFadden Honda team and I’m sure there will be more to come!

 Stu Sinclair, Sales Manager

I am the Sales Manager at McFadden Honda and have been in the car business for the better part of 30 years. I moved to Lethbridge over 20 years ago to be in the car business and share the same passion today about it as I did then. Most of my personal time is spent with my wife and family. If I had to list a hobby, it would probably be RV’ing and boating as we spend our weekends in the summer at Flathead Lake in Montana. I am confident that given the opportunity, customers will enjoy a pleasurable purchase experience from McFadden Honda.

Amanda Bonderanko, Finance and Insurance Manager

Shane Pocock, Used Car Manager

 Amanda Bonderanko, Finance Manager

September 5 of 2000 marked the beginning of my career at McFadden Honda.  I started as the first receptionist the dealership ever had and learned inventory control, sold cars and am now the Business Manager.  My dad is a mechanic and I grew up with cars so it was natural to apply myself in the automotive industry.  My remarkable memory serves me well as I meet so many people in my line of work and I tend to remember not only their names, but also what they were driving 10 years ago!  I just love helping customers get the most out of their new vehicle purchase.  When I'm not busy at work I enjoy relaxing at home with family and friends and a shopping excursion every now and then (retail therapy)!

Ted Karolak, Sales & Leasing Consultant

I have been a member of the McFadden Honda team since January 2006. It was my love of Hondas that led me to join the McFadden team. My wife and I purchased our first two Honda Accords at McFadden back in 1986. Now we are on number nine and ten and in the 48 years of combined driving experience we’ve never encountered any problems.
Formerly I was in the airline industry as a Manager of Customer Service. It was a great opportunity to travel all over the world, and meet and talk to people from many different cultures. I enjoy talking to people from all walks of life, and especially take pride in practicing my native Polish with the members of the Polish community in the Lethbridge area. I look forward to sharing my expertise and experience with you and to help you join thousands of happy McFadden Honda customers.
 

Heath Siminowski, Sales and Leasing Consultant

Hi there!  I'm the rookie in this fine outfit.  I have been playing around with cars and trucks for most of my life.  I love cars so much I figured I'd sell 'em.  So now I'm here at McFadden Honda, looking forward to bringing you the best experience possible.  If you ever need a good laugh or some information about a vehicle, don't be shy to come and see the new guy!

 

Chris Morgan, Sales and Leasing Consultant

Don Hildebrand, Sales and Leasing Consultant

 

Sandy Reynolds, Sales and Leasing Consultant

 

 Bob Fretts, Service Manager

It’s been a long road trip at McFadden Honda that started 19 years ago when I was hired as an apprentice mechanic. I received my journeyman’s ticket and later moved to the front counter as Service Advisor and Parts Assistant. In 1999 I began my career as Service Manager. My interest in mechanics began in high school where I took every class related to the automotive industry. I appreciate the finer things in life like great food, good wine, the great outdoors and occasionally I like to tangle with computers! Here at McFadden Honda I’ve made it my number one goal to make the customer come first. And because of this many of our customers are now my personal friends.

Mike Schimanski, Parts Manager

My life at McFadden Honda started 20 years ago when I was 18 years old so I’m not the new kid on the block. But boy do I know Hondas! I started cleaning cars, moved onto being a Service Advisor, and then moved into Parts and I’ve been there ever since honing my skills as a Parts Manager. My family and I love to do stuff together like hiking, biking, camping and fishing but hockey tops it all. Most recently as a family we Dragon boated together at Henderson Lake. I enjoyed my time steering the team straight in the Dragon Boat races. I invite you to put my many years of experience to use and will help you with all your automotive needs.

Adrian Vande Merew, Service Advisor

 

Info coming soon!

Ryan Nakamura, Service Advisor

A journey through College and University business courses brought me to the automotive industry where I have been a Service Advisor for eight years, the past two at McFadden Honda. I like to help people and know how important it is to empathize with customers and understand their needs. Travelling, and I do quite a bit of it – like trips to New York, Boston and Vegas is high on my “happy list” and so is hanging out with friends and family. My most recent Dragon Boat experience was awesome but just way too early (6:30 am!!! Come-on!) I love the team spirit both at work and at play.

Julie Riley, Journeyman Parts Technician

I graduated in 2007 from Lethbridge College’s Parts Technician program and have worked at McFadden Honda for the past five years. I am following in my Mum’s footsteps, as she is a Parts Technician at Nortrux. I have a fantastic mentor in Mike Schimanski, our Parts Manager, and really enjoy learning from him. On August 21st I’ll have another ring and a different last name (Keller). I’m getting married! Justin and I love camping, fishing, riding quads and the great outdoors. That’s one reason why I’m glad Honda is environmentally friendly and has a green way of doing business.

Randy Kostersky, Journeyman Technician

I joined the team when I was 20 as a lot attendant and then worked as an apprentice technician. I now have the honor of being the longest-term employee at McFadden Honda, celebrating over 25 years of service. I’m detail oriented and believe in taking the time to do the job right the first time. Aside from work I enjoy golfing, camping and fishing around Southern Alberta and in the mountains. I’m proud of the work we do here at McFadden Honda!

Brian Wormsbecker, Journeyman Technician

After 37 years as a technician my goal is to retire so if you want me to work on your vehicle please do it within the next five years! My interest in automotives started when I was a kid working on the farm with my Dad who was a handy-man and jack-of-all-trades. I’ve worked on domestic and import vehicles and I’ve seen a lot but one thing I know for sure, the quality of Honda vehicles and the product line-up are the best and have made my work enjoyable. Coming to McFadden Honda was probably the best move of my career (next to when I retire, of course.) Now back to retirement, it will mean more time for family, travel, hiking, photography, golf, and guitar…all things I love.

Ronny Heist, Journeyman Technician

I’ve been at the dealership for two years Honda and specialized Acura since entering the trade in 2001, and have logged 7 years with Acura. It’s a given that when you service your Honda with us, you’re working with the experts! I do a lot of work outside of work with house renovations, two dogs that keep me busy, and a wife who’s trying to train me. I’ve enjoyed being involved in social events with Honda such as the Dragonboat Festival that brought out aches and pains I never dreamed of!

John Briscoe, Lube Technician/Building Maintenance

I’ve always been interested in automotives and started my career with three years of study to earn my ticket as a Parts Technician. My next goal is to complete my apprenticeship as an automotive technician. I’ve had varied experience with heavy truck, small engine and automotives. For the past year I have specialized in basic maintenance and tires at McFadden Honda. Away from work I’m a motorcycle enthusiast and love to spend quality time with my wife and children. I’ve enjoyed my time being a member of the McFadden Honda Service team.

Dennis Vervoort - Apprentice Technician

 Matt Osborn, Lead Detailer

My job as a lot attendant involves setting the stage for the Sales Department by keeping the lot and surrounding area looking good. I’ve been here for a few months and chose this job because of the variety of tasks. They all have to be done well and I like to take on a challenge. Outside of work I study music theory and play classical guitar and rock. Music is my main love in life and I enjoy studio work and performing for others.

Darren Doak, Lot Attendant

Brett Takeda, Lot Attendant

 Owen Robb, Shuttle Driver

I’ve been driving shuttle, delivering parts and assisting in the Service Department for a touch over four years. This all started when my wife told me to go out and get fresh air and social skills. As a business and hobby I research family history and enjoy rebuilding computers for non-profit organizations. I volunteer with the Lethbridge Association for Community Living. Renovations on two houses and family keep me busy. I thoroughly enjoy meeting new and old friends when I’m shuttling our customers. (PS My wife says my social skills have improved!)

Bill Becker, Shuttle Driver

For the past three years I have been a Shuttle Driver at McFadden Honda. For 27 years I owned my own business in real-estate appraisal and upon retiring found I really missed talking to people so this job fits the bill beautifully. My wife and I have recreational property in Radium where we enjoy the valley’s beauty…it’s like going home for us after 20 years of time-share ownership. The golf is great and boating is in our future. As a past business owner myself I understand the importance of customer service and I’ve enjoyed learning about the diverse aspects of our city that customers have shared with me.

Dave  Harvey, Shuttle Driver

For fifteen years I worked setting up modular homes so it’s a nice change driving for McFadden Honda and being surrounded by great people, both the ones I work with and the ones I shuttle. I am an avid golfer (if I want to see my wife I have to golf!) and in the winter we hit the links in Palm Springs.

McFadden Honda

3405-2 Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1J4V1

Tel:  (403) 327-7250
         1-888-305-6951

 

Hours of Operation-Sales
Hours of Operation Sales
Monday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday Closed

 

Hours of Parts & Service
Hours of Parts & Service
Monday 7:30am to 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am to 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am to 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am to 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm
Saturday 8:00am to 12:00pm
Sunday Closed

 

 

 

  

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