Kenneth Chavez, co-owner of Chavez Auto Group, has been recognized as one of Hamilton's 2026 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award recipients for his professional accomplishments and community contributions, including leading multiple CARSTAR collision repair centers and supporting employee development and charitable causes.
- Kenneth Chavez received the 2026 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award from Business Link Media Group, recognizing businesspeople under 40 for professional achievements
- He is a second-generation collision repair operator who started working in family shops during high school and graduated from Mohawk College's business program in 2014
- Chavez Auto Group operates four CARSTAR locations across Hamilton Midtown, Hamilton Lockwood, Waterdown, and Cambridge
- The company supports community initiatives including Skills Ontario, Cystic Fibrosis Canada fundraising, and employee scholarships
- Chavez's vision focuses on business growth, employee development, and earning community trust through quality service and giving back
Kenneth Chavez, co-owner of Chavez Auto Group, has been named one of Hamilton’s 2026 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award recipients.
Business Link Media Group presented the awards Oct. 29 at Carmen’s Event Centre in Hamilton. The program recognizes 40 businesspeople under the age of 40 for their professional achievements and contributions to the community.
“I am truly honoured and humbled,” Chavez said. “I see this recognition as a reflection of the hard work our entire team does every day to take care of our customers in the Hamilton community.”
Chavez Auto Group operates CARSTAR collision repair centres in Hamilton Midtown, Hamilton Lockwood, Waterdown and Cambridge. The family business began in St. Catharines in 2001 as the LC Group, founded by Peter Chavez and Ian Ladd.
A second-generation collision repair operator, Kenneth Chavez began working in the family’s facilities while he was still in high school.
“I started working at our shops during the summer breaks in high school,” he said. “Our family at the time owned and operated seven locations, and I commuted with my parents every day to whichever one needed help, whether it was cleaning the shop or detailing vehicles.”
Chavez graduated from Mohawk College’s business program in 2014 and went on to oversee financial management within the business. His work has also included recruiting students through Mohawk College career events and supporting skilled-trades development.
The group has supported Skills Ontario and provided an additional $1,000 award to an employee. Its locations have also participated in CARSTAR’s fundraising work for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
On July 17, CARSTAR Hamilton Midtown and CARSTAR Cambridge raised $11,198 through their annual Soaps It Up carwashes.
Asked which achievement at Chavez Auto Group made him most proud, Chavez pointed to the people working across its locations.
“The achievement I am most proud of is the talented team we have,” he said. “All our team members take pride in their work, know how to have fun while doing it and always look out for one another while delivering top key performance indicators.”
Chavez said the group’s next phase will continue to emphasize growth, employee development and community involvement.
“My goal for the business is to continue growing our group, investing in our people and training, giving back to our community as much as we can and continuing to earn the trust of the Hamilton community, who count on us to return safely to the roads,” he said.
