For 36 years, people have been turning to Senchuk Ford Sales in Estevan for vehicle purchases, service and repairs.
Walter Senchuk purchased the business in 1980. His sons, Rick and Randy, started working for him a few years later, and both are now the dealer principles.
“I enjoy meeting people, being part of the community, and it’s just a lot of fun to meet someone new every day,” said Randy Senchuk.
And, of course, there’s the thrill of presenting the keys to a new vehicle owner.
“I don’t think that ever gets old,” said Randy. “It’s always fun to see a person’s reaction when they get into a new car or a new vehicle. Sales are what drive our business, and what makes me get up in the morning.”
A lot of vehicles have been purchased at Senchuk Ford over the years. The dealership won many awards when Walter was at the helm, and in 2011, Walter was among the first inductees into the Nick and Verna Morsky Estevan Business Hall of Fame, which is run by the Estevan Chamber of Commerce.
Senchuk Ford now employs about 30 people, between their sales department, a full service bay and an auto body shop. Randy believes the dealership should be able to meet anyone’s automotive needs.
Their building on Souris Avenue North features a showroom with several of their most popular models inside. Many more vehicles can be found outside on their parking lot.
Randy points out that the business has changed a lot since his father purchased the business in 1980. Vehicles now possess technology that wouldn’t have been fathomable 30 years ago.
“Vehicles parking themselves, and lane-keeping technology and blind spot monitoring – we’ve got all that kind of stuff,” said Senchuk. “There are adaptive cruise controls.”
In the next few years, he expects the changes in technology to continue at a much faster rate.
“I really don’t know where it’s going to go in the next five to 10 years, but I know it will be exciting and fun,” said Randy.
The dealership has seen its sales decline in the last couple of years due to the economic slowdown, but they have been through cycles like this before, and Randy is hopeful the price of oil will rebound soon.
“When it’s busy, it’s about finding enough employees to keep everything going,” said Randy. “And, of course, when it slows down, it’s about finding a way to keep your good employees.
“There’s always something. The nice part about a business like this is it’s something different every day. It’s what makes life exciting.”
Randy encourages people to shop locally because local businesses re-invest in the community. Facilities in Estevan such as Affinity Place and the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club were made possible by support of local business.
“I think it’s important to make sure those businesses are around so they can continue to do that,” said Randy.
Senchuk Ford has supported various causes, including sports facilities, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and the new nursing home committee.
“I think it’s important that when you make your living in the community, you try to make the community a better place,” said Randy.
It’s a special feeling to continue with a business started by his father, and he’s pleased that he and Rick got to work with their father for nearly 40 years, especially since many people don’t get that opportunity.
