Meet our Team

Michael is a 4th generation automotive leader in his family. Michael's great-grandfather -- Harry Carmichael -- started with McKinnon Industries in St. Catherine's in 1912. Michael started going to the dealership with his father on Saturdays when he was 7 years old, initially just to ride on the parts conveyor belt, however, those interests grew deeper over the years. Michael has a true passion for serving people, which he inherited from the leadership espoused to him by his parents, John and Kerry Carmichael, both of whom were "all in" with the dealership and the Customer Experience.....even back in the 1990s! Michael has spent his entire working life inside a car dealership, having worked in virtually every position through every department over the past 30 years. Michael's parents wanted to make sure he had experience in EVERY department doing EVERY job. Michael is a firm believer that you can't expect people to do something, that he wouldn't -- or hasn't done himself. Michael sold his family business (City Buick Chevrolet Cadillac) in 2016 to pursue building UpAuto. Michael recognized a great opportunity to acquire, operate and impact dealerships and communities in non-metro markets. In the communities where they operate, UpAuto dealerships strive to be the best in class in every category. UpAuto endeavors to hire and develop the best teams in the business and deliver a world-class customer experience every time.Michael is a 4th generation automotive leader in his family. Michael's great-grandfather -- Harry Carmichael -- started with McKinnon Industries in St. Catherine's in 1912. Michael started going to the dealership with his father on Saturdays when he was 7 years old, initially just to ride on the parts conveyor belt, however, those interests grew de...Read More Read Less

Michael is a 4th generation automotive leader in his family. Michael's great-grandfather -- Harry Carmichael -- started with McKinnon Industries in St. Catherine's in 1912. Michael started going to the dealership with his father on Saturdays when he was 7 years old, initially just to ride on the parts conveyor belt, however, those interests grew deeper over the years. Michael has a true passion for serving people, which he inherited from the leadership espoused to him by his parents, John and Kerry Carmichael, both of whom were "all in" with the dealership and the Customer Experience.....even back in the 1990s! Michael has spent his entire working life inside a car dealership, having worked in virtually every position through every department over the past 30 years. Michael's parents wanted to make sure he had experience in EVERY department doing EVERY job. Michael is a firm believer that you can't expect people to do something, that he wouldn't -- or hasn't done himself. Michael sold his family business (City Buick Chevrolet Cadillac) in 2016 to pursue building UpAuto. Michael recognized a great opportunity to acquire, operate and impact dealerships and communities in non-metro markets. In the communities where they operate, UpAuto dealerships strive to be the best in class in every category. UpAuto endeavors to hire and develop the best teams in the business and deliver a world-class customer experience every time.Michael is a 4th generation automotive leader in his family. Michael's great-grandfather -- Harry Carmichael -- started with McKinnon Industries in St. Catherine's in 1912. Michael started going to the dealership with his father on Saturdays when he was 7 years old, initially just to ride on the parts conveyor belt, however, those interests grew de...Read More Read Less

John joins UpAuto in the leadership role as Non-Executive Chair to support the business on its continued successful growth and performance trajectory. John is a proven leader with exceptional skills and insights gained from his roles building, owning and leading firms across multiple verticals. His craft in influencing others was developed while deeply engaged in the corporate, political, industry stakeholder, hospital services, sports and private Foundation arenas. John possesses a unique combination of development, ownership, operating, marketing and financial expertise. John has spent the lion share of his career in the Automotive Industry, having joined his father Jack at City Buick Pontiac Cadillac Ltd./City National Leasing Ltd in 1974 following graduation from university. John purchased the business following his father's untimely death in 1992. Throughout these years, John led City to become one of the largest and most highly regarded dealerships in Canada. Regardless of the organization he is supporting, John's focus is always to drive optimal business performance while delivering the highest level of Customer Service. Operating with exemplary business ethics is the baseline expectation of ANY organization John leads. In 2005 John pursued his dream of entering politics and in 2011 was elected as a Federal Member of Parliament. Following his political career John was recruited to assume the role of CEO/Registrar at the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council. OMVIC is the Ontario Regulator for the automotive retail sector. This was a position he held until his retirement in August, 2022. It is a great privilege for UpAuto to have John Carmichael on our team. His wisdom and experience are a tremendous asset for our team. John, having successfully navigated many economic and industry conditions, brings with him a tremendous lens through which he views the everchanging nature of the automotive industry.John joins UpAuto in the leadership role as Non-Executive Chair to support the business on its continued successful growth and performance trajectory. John is a proven leader with exceptional skills and insights gained from his roles building, owning and leading firms across multiple verticals. His craft in influencing others was developed whil...Read More Read Less

John joins UpAuto in the leadership role as Non-Executive Chair to support the business on its continued successful growth and performance trajectory. John is a proven leader with exceptional skills and insights gained from his roles building, owning and leading firms across multiple verticals. His craft in influencing others was developed while deeply engaged in the corporate, political, industry stakeholder, hospital services, sports and private Foundation arenas. John possesses a unique combination of development, ownership, operating, marketing and financial expertise. John has spent the lion share of his career in the Automotive Industry, having joined his father Jack at City Buick Pontiac Cadillac Ltd./City National Leasing Ltd in 1974 following graduation from university. John purchased the business following his father's untimely death in 1992. Throughout these years, John led City to become one of the largest and most highly regarded dealerships in Canada. Regardless of the organization he is supporting, John's focus is always to drive optimal business performance while delivering the highest level of Customer Service. Operating with exemplary business ethics is the baseline expectation of ANY organization John leads. In 2005 John pursued his dream of entering politics and in 2011 was elected as a Federal Member of Parliament. Following his political career John was recruited to assume the role of CEO/Registrar at the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council. OMVIC is the Ontario Regulator for the automotive retail sector. This was a position he held until his retirement in August, 2022. It is a great privilege for UpAuto to have John Carmichael on our team. His wisdom and experience are a tremendous asset for our team. John, having successfully navigated many economic and industry conditions, brings with him a tremendous lens through which he views the everchanging nature of the automotive industry.John joins UpAuto in the leadership role as Non-Executive Chair to support the business on its continued successful growth and performance trajectory. John is a proven leader with exceptional skills and insights gained from his roles building, owning and leading firms across multiple verticals. His craft in influencing others was developed whil...Read More Read Less

Dallas is an automotive industry veteran with more than 15 years of professional experience in the Canadian Banking and Automotive industries. Dallas works alongside President and CEO Michael Carmichael in expanding UpAuto's dealership holdings across other 'Non-Metro' markets nationally. Dallas engages directly with the key stakeholders in the existing business as well as finance and OE partners to support and ensure alignment of all efforts with that of the group's vision. Dallas also works hand in hand with COO Greg Hardy, in providing operational financial metrics, financial and KPI reporting, as well as ideation support to ensure continued growth, and performance improvements, along with budget and goal achievement. "Dallas has a very unique skill set and perspective from his combined experience in the banking world, his involvement in some of the most successful automotive groups, as well as his achievements in elite levels of hockey", said Michael Carmichael, President, and CEO. "Outside of Dallas being an exceptional fit for the team - his knowledge and experience are going to help support our continued growth and achievement of greater scale that we feel is available to us in the next decade and beyond". In his previous roles, Dallas had great exposure to the banking and treasury, OE relationships, and on the acquisition side of Automotive Retail. Before that he worked on the Bond Desk at a top Canadian Bank. Dallas received his MBA from the Rotman School of Management in 2013. He is also a graduate of Dalhousie University where he received his BComm.Dallas is an automotive industry veteran with more than 15 years of professional experience in the Canadian Banking and Automotive industries. Dallas works alongside President and CEO Michael Carmichael in expanding UpAuto's dealership holdings across other 'Non-Metro' markets nationally. Dallas engages directly with the key stakeholders in the...Read More Read Less

Dallas is an automotive industry veteran with more than 15 years of professional experience in the Canadian Banking and Automotive industries. Dallas works alongside President and CEO Michael Carmichael in expanding UpAuto's dealership holdings across other 'Non-Metro' markets nationally. Dallas engages directly with the key stakeholders in the existing business as well as finance and OE partners to support and ensure alignment of all efforts with that of the group's vision. Dallas also works hand in hand with COO Greg Hardy, in providing operational financial metrics, financial and KPI reporting, as well as ideation support to ensure continued growth, and performance improvements, along with budget and goal achievement. "Dallas has a very unique skill set and perspective from his combined experience in the banking world, his involvement in some of the most successful automotive groups, as well as his achievements in elite levels of hockey", said Michael Carmichael, President, and CEO. "Outside of Dallas being an exceptional fit for the team - his knowledge and experience are going to help support our continued growth and achievement of greater scale that we feel is available to us in the next decade and beyond". In his previous roles, Dallas had great exposure to the banking and treasury, OE relationships, and on the acquisition side of Automotive Retail. Before that he worked on the Bond Desk at a top Canadian Bank. Dallas received his MBA from the Rotman School of Management in 2013. He is also a graduate of Dalhousie University where he received his BComm.Dallas is an automotive industry veteran with more than 15 years of professional experience in the Canadian Banking and Automotive industries. Dallas works alongside President and CEO Michael Carmichael in expanding UpAuto's dealership holdings across other 'Non-Metro' markets nationally. Dallas engages directly with the key stakeholders in the...Read More Read Less

Originally from Santiago, Chile, Hernan is a dedicated family man blessed with a vibrant 8-year-old daughter and a loving wife, Stephanie. Hernan's academic journey led him to study at Saint Thomas University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree. Initially drawn to the arts, he eventually found his passion in Design, specializing in Design Thinking and Management Design. Hernan's professional odyssey began in 2004 in the pharmaceutical realm with Bayer International, where he consistently excelled, earning top sales awards for three consecutive years. Over the course of seven years, he transitioned into Marketing and Sales, ultimately assuming the role of Key Account Manager. During his tenure, he led a dynamic team of 45 medical sales representatives and played a pivotal role in designing the Sales platform for Bayer Conosur in Argentina. In 2012, Hernan embarked on a new chapter in Canada to honor his wife’s desire to return home. Joining the Subaru brand franchise, he swiftly ascended from Sales to Sales Manager, eventually becoming a successful General Manager. His journey continued in Peterborough (PTBO), where he led the growth of another Subaru store for five years, setting new benchmarks for success. Recognizing his leadership, he was entrusted with revitalizing a Hyundai store, achieving remarkable results, including a 50% increase in volume and profit within a year. Hernan's career reached new heights with his appointment as Regional Manager, overseeing operations across six stores representing Kia, Subaru, and Hyundai brands. He is deeply passionate about nurturing teams and guiding individuals to realize their full potential, finding immense joy in their success stories. Beyond his professional endeavors, Hernan cherishes moments spent with his family, indulging in activities such as swimming, gym sessions, and embarking on thrilling adventures together. An unwavering supporter of Barcelona, Spain, he also finds solace and joy in playing bass guitar in a local rock band in PTBO, a passion he's pursued since the age of 14.Originally from Santiago, Chile, Hernan is a dedicated family man blessed with a vibrant 8-year-old daughter and a loving wife, Stephanie. Hernan's academic journey led him to study at Saint Thomas University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree. Initially drawn to the arts, he eventually found his passion in Design, specializing in Design T...Read More Read Less

Originally from Santiago, Chile, Hernan is a dedicated family man blessed with a vibrant 8-year-old daughter and a loving wife, Stephanie. Hernan's academic journey led him to study at Saint Thomas University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree. Initially drawn to the arts, he eventually found his passion in Design, specializing in Design Thinking and Management Design. Hernan's professional odyssey began in 2004 in the pharmaceutical realm with Bayer International, where he consistently excelled, earning top sales awards for three consecutive years. Over the course of seven years, he transitioned into Marketing and Sales, ultimately assuming the role of Key Account Manager. During his tenure, he led a dynamic team of 45 medical sales representatives and played a pivotal role in designing the Sales platform for Bayer Conosur in Argentina. In 2012, Hernan embarked on a new chapter in Canada to honor his wife’s desire to return home. Joining the Subaru brand franchise, he swiftly ascended from Sales to Sales Manager, eventually becoming a successful General Manager. His journey continued in Peterborough (PTBO), where he led the growth of another Subaru store for five years, setting new benchmarks for success. Recognizing his leadership, he was entrusted with revitalizing a Hyundai store, achieving remarkable results, including a 50% increase in volume and profit within a year. Hernan's career reached new heights with his appointment as Regional Manager, overseeing operations across six stores representing Kia, Subaru, and Hyundai brands. He is deeply passionate about nurturing teams and guiding individuals to realize their full potential, finding immense joy in their success stories. Beyond his professional endeavors, Hernan cherishes moments spent with his family, indulging in activities such as swimming, gym sessions, and embarking on thrilling adventures together. An unwavering supporter of Barcelona, Spain, he also finds solace and joy in playing bass guitar in a local rock band in PTBO, a passion he's pursued since the age of 14.Originally from Santiago, Chile, Hernan is a dedicated family man blessed with a vibrant 8-year-old daughter and a loving wife, Stephanie. Hernan's academic journey led him to study at Saint Thomas University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree. Initially drawn to the arts, he eventually found his passion in Design, specializing in Design T...Read More Read Less