Toronto, Ontario -- On Friday, Sept. 12, more than 100 people traveled to Toronto's west end in order to attend 427 Auto Group's 50th anniversary party at its flagship location.
Founded in 1975 by the late Ralph D’Alessandro, the downtown location has grown into one of Canada's most successful collision repair businesses. From the original 232-square-metre (2,500-square-foot) facility, the flagship operation has expanded to become a 9,200-square-metre (100,000-square-foot) behemoth. Two other locations have also launched, with the MSO employing more than 150 people in total.
Today, it is run by Ralph’s three sons — Lorenzo, Frank and John — along with the a third generation of D’Alessandros.
"Were here to celebrate our dad's legacy," John D'Alessandro says. "He got us started and is a big part of why we're still here."
According to Jay Perry, a longtime Collision Repair contributor and founder of Ally Business Coaching, this familial ownership structure has played a large role in ensuring the business's success over the past decade.
"There are a lot of family businesses but not many of them treat their staff as family," he says. "Its one of the many reasons 427 has been so successful."
Nick D'Alessandro (pictured second from the left), a member of the third generation, agrees with Perry's assessment. "Over the generations, we've held the same core value -- treat people right,” says Nicholas D’Alessandro. "This is a business is built on relationships. It doesn't matter whether you're a customer, supplier or work for an insurance company, we will do our best for you."
Both acknowledge the familial spirit isn't the only reason the business has remained a collision industry powerhouse for the past half-century.
"This is among the best equipped and most technologically advanced facilities in not just Canada, but North America," says Perry. "The commitment to pursuing training and achieving certifications here is phenomenal."
Perry may have a point. The MSO currently boasts 27 OEM certifications, partnerships with 20 dealerships and advanced repair capabilities, such as its newly opened 1,200-square-metre (13,000-square-foot) truck repair centre.
"We've known that being the first business to adopt new technology can be a big help," Nick D'Alessandro adds. "We keep pushing ourselves to be early adopters -- its why we're getting into transport vehicles."
Darrin Heise, Color Compass’ general sales manager for Eastern Canada who has had dealings with 427 while working at several different aftermarket sector businesses, agrees that 427's strengths lay in its approach to relationship-building and its willingness to jump in first when it comes to new technologies.
"They've always been on the leading edge of technology -- and that's allowed them to keep growing and become one of the top shops in Canada."
