“If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying.” Few people have the courage to utter these words, let alone admit to such a savvy business plan. But for Kenton Switzer, building Pat’s Auto Supply into Jobber News‘ 2025 Jobber of the Year is less about analytics than it is about prioritizing customers, and yes, taking chances.
“One of the things we tell our managers is, ‘We create policy, procedure, and rules, and it is up to you to know when to break them,’” said Switzer, president of Pat’s Auto Supply. “Because we deal with people. They’re always going to find exceptions to the rules, and we’re cool with that. That’s an opportunity to shine.”
Switzer, along with business partners Kyle van Polen and Chris Funk, does not shy away from seizing an opportunity to shine.
From humble beginnings in 1955, Pat’s Auto Supply was founded when Pat Gorman started selling auto parts from an old Fargo bus, travelling from community to community throughout the Peace River region. Gorman’s first employee was Switzer’s father, who would eventually become his partner, building the business over approximately three decades.
The company entered its second generation when Pat’s son, Dan Gorman, bought out the original partners. In 2004, Dan partnered with Kenton, bringing him back from Edmonton to acquire their first Bumper to Bumper store. Ownership transitioned through a joint venture with Uni-Select in 2008, which Switzer eventually bought out in 2009.
The most transformative period came in 2013 with a partnership model that brought on owner-operators at each branch location. Today, Pat’s Auto Supply operates six locations across Northern Alberta and British Columbia.
With six locations and approximately 1,200 active accounts, Pat’s Auto has thrived by listening to customers. Their Pat’s Auto Advantage program was created with customer input.
“I think they just appreciated being able to sit down with us and have a conversation about it, showing that we care,” said Switzer.
Whether it’s their business motto, staff support, or their annual golf tournament that’s raised thousands for the MS Society of Canada, the key to Pat’s Auto Supply’s success is simple — focus on people.
That’s just a preview of the full story behind the winner. The upcoming November issue of Jobber News dives deeper into the business of Pat’s, what’s made them successful and what makes them stand out from the crowd. Keep an eye on your mailbox for the full issue.
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