From washing cars to breaking Canadian records...

   "You must first learn the business from the bottom up. You have to take your tie off and start from scratch. Everybody has to learn the basics. It is the only way to succeed today in business, you have to know everything from A to Z."
- Gerardo D'Argenio, Director of the Board (The BMW MINI Laval Group)

   The BMW MINI Laval story is a testament to the passion and determination of its founder, Mr. Gerardo D'Argenio. After arriving in Montreal, he began by washing cars and working at a service station while still in school. He soon developed a passion for automobiles, which inspired him to open his first service station in 1965 and a second in 1967.

   In 1973, the Auto Boulevard St-Martin Inc. business was founded. A showroom and garage was constructed in the heart of Laval, on St-Martin Boulevard. The four-employee company soon grew to be a thriving dealership, selling multiple brands. The company acquired the BMW franchise in 1975.

  Having outgrown its St-Martin location, the company relocated to Chomedey Boulevard in 2001. When the MINI brand was launched in the Canadian market in 2002, BMW Laval was among the first to offer the new MINI vehicles; eventually deciding to focus their business core on these two luxury vehicle brands.  The company has since undergone a series of expansions and renovations and now operates under the name BMW MINI Laval.

   Today, the BMW MINI Laval establishment spans over 86,000 sq.ft., operates 42 mechanical lifts and employs over 180 dedicated individuals.In 2000, Gerardo’s son, Carmine, became the President and General Manager of the company.  Gerardo’s daughter, Ellie, now manages the service department—the largest team of BMW & MINI accredited service advisors and technicians in Canada.  As Director of the Board, Gerardo is still very present and oversees the company, making sure every day that his vision and values are carried out.

   During 2008, proving that "resting on ones laurels" was not part of the company's mission statement, BMW MINI Laval, once again, broke numerous national BMW sales records, all the while celebrating the company's 35th anniversary.