Cowell Auto Group helps drive local healthcare

Cast your mind back to the year 1967. Canada was celebrating its centennial. The Beatles ruled the airwaves. And the Volkswagen Beetle was in the fast lane to becoming an iconic automobile.

That same year, a then 27-year-old Gary Cowell opened his very first dealership, Cowell Volkswagen, near the corner of No. 3 Road and Westminster Highway. Just up the street, the newly built Richmond Hospital, just a single tower back then, was finishing its first full year of operation.

Now, 48 years later, Cowell Auto Group is Richmond’s oldest operating new car dealership, owning not only Cowell Volkswagen, but also Audi of Richmond, Jaguar Richmond, and Land Rover of Richmond, all located in the Richmond Auto Mall, employing nearly 250 people.

While Gary remains involved at a strategic level, his sons, Rand and Ryan, run the automotive and real estate development side of the business, respectively.

“I remember going to the dealership as kids,” says Ryan Cowell. “Back then it was a quiet place with all sorts of ditches everywhere, with horses roaming in fields.”

“We always grew up around cars and talking about cars,” adds Rand Cowell. “I love cars, but what I really love is the combination of people and cars here at our family business. We are really focused on building relationships based on trust for the long term. That’s very rewarding.”

Today, that focus on relationships extends to Cowell Auto Group’s community giving, as well.

A generous sponsor of Richmond Hospital Foundation, Cowell has contributed to this year’s record-breaking golf tournament, as well as Community Cares Month throughout September and the 17th annual Starlight Gala in October to raise funds for new medical equipment and improvements to hospital facilities.

“Health is important. People may forget about having a hospital here…until you need it. Then it’s really important,” says Ryan, who speaks highly of Richmond Hospital and the care the expert team here provides.

The brothers’ agree that they’ve been “very fortunate” and want to give back to the community.

“We want to do things that make a difference,” says Rand. “We’re encouraging people and employees to get out there and give. And if others get inspired by our actions, even better. The more we can get people engaged, the better it will be for all.”