Bob Giard reflects on his career and contributions
Bob Giard has been a cornerstone of the automotive collision realm since the ‘60s. He remembers prepping cars for $30 a week, using gasoline as a prep agent to clean surfaces. Yes, times have changed, and process have evolved; but the one thing which hasn’t changed are the connections and friendships Bob has created, maintained and grew, up until he announced his retirement from his post at Assured Concordia West last month.
Bob’s father was an appraiser at Weirs Appraisals in Montreal, and Bob recalls going with him to towing compounds. This is where he fell in love with smashed cars, and the process to bringing them back to working order. After four summers of prepping cars for paint, he moved on to become a service advisor at a Volvo dealership where he learned about the mechanical aspects of cars. With this knowledge, he could now pursue a job in an environment he liked, so he secured himself a role at a custom Corvette shop.
Over the next few years, Bob’s experience and personal motivation led him back into collision repair as a road appraiser, working back in a dealership environment and even partnering up with his dad. He admits he did change jobs a lot; however, the opportunity to learn from these experiences is what helped to build his toolbox of skills, experience and the size of his network. Bob joined the Assured team when he was 50 years old; Don Strong was going to open the Concordia West facility, he wanted Bob to work for him, not only for his expertise, but for his ability to connect and build relationships with people. Don knew Bob could be a positive catalyst in helping the team evolve and creating a rich culture. After four interviews over six weeks, Bob was on board.
Advice Bob has shared will all those he has mentored over the years, include. • Taking pride in being a good employee • Knowing your strengths • Get to know your customers—they are not a number, talk to them, don’t shout, “next!”
Bob’s most memorable moment in his career was meeting his wife Lynn, when she came into the facility looking for a job. Oddly enough, she lived 10 doors down on the same street Bob lived on, and they never connected.
Bob’s peers have been sharing kind words about the dedicated mentor in the wake of his retirement news.
“I have been a thorn in your side—but to me you have been a mentor and a life coach,” said one of Bob’s colleagues. “We are saddened by losing an asset the next generation won’t have the opportunity to engage. I love you like a brother, look up to you as a father and cherish you like a best friend.”
Bob, we thank you for your honesty, integrity, and respect over years—we wish you and Lynn all the best in the adventures which await you both.
