Meet our Team

Michael Carmichael is a fourth-generation automotive entrepreneur with deep roots in the Canadian dealership landscape. His great-grandfather, Harry Carmichael, began working at McKinnon Industries in St. Catharines in 1912, setting in motion a family legacy that continues today. Michael grew up in the business, spending weekends at the dealership with his father from the age of seven. What began as childhood curiosity soon turned into a calling. Led by his parents, John and Kerry Carmichael, who were passionate about every detail of the customer experience, Michael learned the business from the ground up. He worked in every department, held virtually every role, and came to believe that leadership means never asking anyone to do something you haven’t done yourself. In 2009, Michael acquired the family dealership—City Buick Chevrolet Cadillac—and later divested it in 2016 to launch UpAuto. With a vision to build something different, he focused on acquiring dealerships in non-metro markets, deploying new strategies and operational approaches where teams could make a real impact in their communities. At UpAuto, Michael leads with a clear purpose: to create exceptional workplaces for team members, serve customers with integrity and excellence, and operate every dealership to a best-in-class standard. Under his leadership, UpAuto has become known not just for strong performance but for building culture, trust, and long-term value in every market it serves.Michael Carmichael is a fourth-generation automotive entrepreneur with deep roots in the Canadian dealership landscape. His great-grandfather, Harry Carmichael, began working at McKinnon Industries in St. Catharines in 1912, setting in motion a family legacy that continues today. Michael grew up in the business, spending weekends at the dealership ...Read More Read Less

Michael Carmichael is a fourth-generation automotive entrepreneur with deep roots in the Canadian dealership landscape. His great-grandfather, Harry Carmichael, began working at McKinnon Industries in St. Catharines in 1912, setting in motion a family legacy that continues today. Michael grew up in the business, spending weekends at the dealership with his father from the age of seven. What began as childhood curiosity soon turned into a calling. Led by his parents, John and Kerry Carmichael, who were passionate about every detail of the customer experience, Michael learned the business from the ground up. He worked in every department, held virtually every role, and came to believe that leadership means never asking anyone to do something you haven’t done yourself. In 2009, Michael acquired the family dealership—City Buick Chevrolet Cadillac—and later divested it in 2016 to launch UpAuto. With a vision to build something different, he focused on acquiring dealerships in non-metro markets, deploying new strategies and operational approaches where teams could make a real impact in their communities. At UpAuto, Michael leads with a clear purpose: to create exceptional workplaces for team members, serve customers with integrity and excellence, and operate every dealership to a best-in-class standard. Under his leadership, UpAuto has become known not just for strong performance but for building culture, trust, and long-term value in every market it serves.Michael Carmichael is a fourth-generation automotive entrepreneur with deep roots in the Canadian dealership landscape. His great-grandfather, Harry Carmichael, began working at McKinnon Industries in St. Catharines in 1912, setting in motion a family legacy that continues today. Michael grew up in the business, spending weekends at the dealership ...Read More Read Less

John Carmichael serves as Non-Executive Chair at UpAuto, bringing decades of leadership experience and strategic insight to support the company’s continued growth and operational excellence. A respected and proven leader, John has built, owned, and led organizations across diverse sectors including automotive, finance, healthcare, politics, and non-profit foundations. John’s career began in the automotive industry in 1974 when he joined his father at City Buick Pontiac Cadillac Ltd. and City National Leasing Ltd. Following his father's untimely passing in 1992, John assumed full ownership of the business and led it to become one of Canada’s most successful and respected automotive retailers. Known for his integrity and high-performance standards, John has consistently emphasized customer service excellence and business ethics as foundational principles. His breadth of expertise spans ownership, operations, development, marketing, and financial stewardship, making him a uniquely well-rounded advisor in the retail automotive space. In 2005, John entered public service, and in 2011, he was elected as a Member of Parliament. After his political career, he was appointed CEO and Registrar of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), the provincial regulator for Ontario’s automotive retail sector—a role he held until his retirement in August 2022. Now at UpAuto, John contributes invaluable perspective gained from navigating varied economic cycles and regulatory environments. His leadership and deep industry knowledge continue to be a tremendous asset to the UpAuto team as we pursue our mission to deliver Best-in-Class performance across all operations.John Carmichael serves as Non-Executive Chair at UpAuto, bringing decades of leadership experience and strategic insight to support the company’s continued growth and operational excellence. A respected and proven leader, John has built, owned, and led organizations across diverse sectors including automotive, finance, healthcare, politics, and n...Read More Read Less

John Carmichael serves as Non-Executive Chair at UpAuto, bringing decades of leadership experience and strategic insight to support the company’s continued growth and operational excellence. A respected and proven leader, John has built, owned, and led organizations across diverse sectors including automotive, finance, healthcare, politics, and non-profit foundations. John’s career began in the automotive industry in 1974 when he joined his father at City Buick Pontiac Cadillac Ltd. and City National Leasing Ltd. Following his father's untimely passing in 1992, John assumed full ownership of the business and led it to become one of Canada’s most successful and respected automotive retailers. Known for his integrity and high-performance standards, John has consistently emphasized customer service excellence and business ethics as foundational principles. His breadth of expertise spans ownership, operations, development, marketing, and financial stewardship, making him a uniquely well-rounded advisor in the retail automotive space. In 2005, John entered public service, and in 2011, he was elected as a Member of Parliament. After his political career, he was appointed CEO and Registrar of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), the provincial regulator for Ontario’s automotive retail sector—a role he held until his retirement in August 2022. Now at UpAuto, John contributes invaluable perspective gained from navigating varied economic cycles and regulatory environments. His leadership and deep industry knowledge continue to be a tremendous asset to the UpAuto team as we pursue our mission to deliver Best-in-Class performance across all operations.John Carmichael serves as Non-Executive Chair at UpAuto, bringing decades of leadership experience and strategic insight to support the company’s continued growth and operational excellence. A respected and proven leader, John has built, owned, and led organizations across diverse sectors including automotive, finance, healthcare, politics, and n...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. His 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. 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. His 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. ...Read More Read Less

Originally from Santiago, Chile, Hernan is a dedicated family man blessed with a vibrant 8-year-old daughter. His 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. 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. His 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. ...Read More Read Less

With over 20 years of experience in the accounting field, Angèle brings a wealth of expertise to the UpAuto team. Her background spans five years in public accounting and more than a decade in the automotive industry, where she has held progressively senior roles including Controller, Group Controller, Regional Controller, and Assistant Director of Finance. Currently reporting to Chief Financial Officer Dallas Gray, Angèle plays a key leadership role within the finance department. She is responsible for recruiting and mentoring accounting team members, managing departmental expense allocations across dealerships, overseeing financial reporting, and supporting budgeting, forecasting, and intercompany transactions. She is also instrumental in implementing internal controls and ensuring timely, accurate financial processes. Angèle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in accounting and is actively pursuing her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation through CPA Ontario. Her dedication to excellence and continuous improvement is a strong asset to the UpAuto group. Outside of work, Angèle enjoys traveling, photography, music, and the arts. She also cherishes time spent with her spouse, daughter, extended family, and friends, and can often be found enjoying long walks with her dogs.With over 20 years of experience in the accounting field, Angèle brings a wealth of expertise to the UpAuto team. Her background spans five years in public accounting and more than a decade in the automotive industry, where she has held progressively senior roles including Controller, Group Controller, Regional Controller, and Assistant Director o...Read More Read Less

With over 20 years of experience in the accounting field, Angèle brings a wealth of expertise to the UpAuto team. Her background spans five years in public accounting and more than a decade in the automotive industry, where she has held progressively senior roles including Controller, Group Controller, Regional Controller, and Assistant Director of Finance. Currently reporting to Chief Financial Officer Dallas Gray, Angèle plays a key leadership role within the finance department. She is responsible for recruiting and mentoring accounting team members, managing departmental expense allocations across dealerships, overseeing financial reporting, and supporting budgeting, forecasting, and intercompany transactions. She is also instrumental in implementing internal controls and ensuring timely, accurate financial processes. Angèle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in accounting and is actively pursuing her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation through CPA Ontario. Her dedication to excellence and continuous improvement is a strong asset to the UpAuto group. Outside of work, Angèle enjoys traveling, photography, music, and the arts. She also cherishes time spent with her spouse, daughter, extended family, and friends, and can often be found enjoying long walks with her dogs.With over 20 years of experience in the accounting field, Angèle brings a wealth of expertise to the UpAuto team. Her background spans five years in public accounting and more than a decade in the automotive industry, where she has held progressively senior roles including Controller, Group Controller, Regional Controller, and Assistant Director o...Read More Read Less

As Vice President of Strategy at UpAuto, Constance Carmichael is a key architect behind the company’s forward-looking vision, driving both growth and transformation across one of Ontario’s most innovative automotive dealer groups. Based in Toronto, Ontario, she leads strategic planning, brand development, and cross-dealership initiatives that enhance both operational excellence and customer engagement. Constance brings a unique combination of creative thinking and analytical rigor to her role. She has a keen ability to distill complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies—balancing long-term vision with short-term execution. Her holistic approach blends market intelligence, brand storytelling, and data-driven decision-making, helping UpAuto remain agile in a competitive and fast-evolving industry. Her professional background includes leadership roles in customer relationship management at City Buick Chevrolet Cadillac GMC, where she refined her expertise in dealership operations, loyalty strategy, and customer lifecycle management. Prior to her automotive career, Constance held positions at Upper Canada College, XEYE.CA, and Holt Renfrew—experiences that enriched her cross-sector perspective and sharpened her adaptability across diverse business environments including education, finance, and luxury retail. A strong believer in the power of collaboration, Constance excels at working across silos to align diverse teams around shared goals. She is a trusted bridge between departments—fluent in the languages of marketing, operations, finance, and technology—and is known for her ability to drive consensus while encouraging creative input from all levels of the organization. At UpAuto, she partners closely with husband & President & CEO Michael Carmichael to identify new market opportunities, optimize internal processes, and champion a culture of innovation and integrity. Her strategic leadership is instrumental in ensuring that each dealership within the UpAuto network not only meets performance targets but also delivers exceptional experiences that resonate within the communities they serve.As Vice President of Strategy at UpAuto, Constance Carmichael is a key architect behind the company’s forward-looking vision, driving both growth and transformation across one of Ontario’s most innovative automotive dealer groups. Based in Toronto, Ontario, she leads strategic planning, brand development, and cross-dealership initiatives that e...Read More Read Less

As Vice President of Strategy at UpAuto, Constance Carmichael is a key architect behind the company’s forward-looking vision, driving both growth and transformation across one of Ontario’s most innovative automotive dealer groups. Based in Toronto, Ontario, she leads strategic planning, brand development, and cross-dealership initiatives that enhance both operational excellence and customer engagement. Constance brings a unique combination of creative thinking and analytical rigor to her role. She has a keen ability to distill complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies—balancing long-term vision with short-term execution. Her holistic approach blends market intelligence, brand storytelling, and data-driven decision-making, helping UpAuto remain agile in a competitive and fast-evolving industry. Her professional background includes leadership roles in customer relationship management at City Buick Chevrolet Cadillac GMC, where she refined her expertise in dealership operations, loyalty strategy, and customer lifecycle management. Prior to her automotive career, Constance held positions at Upper Canada College, XEYE.CA, and Holt Renfrew—experiences that enriched her cross-sector perspective and sharpened her adaptability across diverse business environments including education, finance, and luxury retail. A strong believer in the power of collaboration, Constance excels at working across silos to align diverse teams around shared goals. She is a trusted bridge between departments—fluent in the languages of marketing, operations, finance, and technology—and is known for her ability to drive consensus while encouraging creative input from all levels of the organization. At UpAuto, she partners closely with husband & President & CEO Michael Carmichael to identify new market opportunities, optimize internal processes, and champion a culture of innovation and integrity. Her strategic leadership is instrumental in ensuring that each dealership within the UpAuto network not only meets performance targets but also delivers exceptional experiences that resonate within the communities they serve.As Vice President of Strategy at UpAuto, Constance Carmichael is a key architect behind the company’s forward-looking vision, driving both growth and transformation across one of Ontario’s most innovative automotive dealer groups. Based in Toronto, Ontario, she leads strategic planning, brand development, and cross-dealership initiatives that e...Read More Read Less

Debra Thibert serves as Regional Group Controller at UpAuto, where she oversees the financial operations of the two GM dealerships with precision and care. With over 20 years of experience in automotive financial management, Debra brings a deep understanding of dealership accounting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning. Prior to joining UpAuto, Debra held senior financial roles at several highly respected dealership groups and automotive organizations. Her unwavering commitment to accuracy, process improvement, and operational excellence makes her a vital contributor to UpAuto’s continued growth and performance. Outside the office, Debra embraces life in the open air. Whether she’s enjoying sunshine-filled walks, riding trails on the four-wheeler with her husband and kids, or unwinding in the yard, she values the balance between hard work and meaningful downtime. Her love of nature and family fuels both her professional discipline and her warm, grounded presence on the team.Debra Thibert serves as Regional Group Controller at UpAuto, where she oversees the financial operations of the two GM dealerships with precision and care. With over 20 years of experience in automotive financial management, Debra brings a deep understanding of dealership accounting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning. Prior...Read More Read Less

Debra Thibert serves as Regional Group Controller at UpAuto, where she oversees the financial operations of the two GM dealerships with precision and care. With over 20 years of experience in automotive financial management, Debra brings a deep understanding of dealership accounting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning. Prior to joining UpAuto, Debra held senior financial roles at several highly respected dealership groups and automotive organizations. Her unwavering commitment to accuracy, process improvement, and operational excellence makes her a vital contributor to UpAuto’s continued growth and performance. Outside the office, Debra embraces life in the open air. Whether she’s enjoying sunshine-filled walks, riding trails on the four-wheeler with her husband and kids, or unwinding in the yard, she values the balance between hard work and meaningful downtime. Her love of nature and family fuels both her professional discipline and her warm, grounded presence on the team.Debra Thibert serves as Regional Group Controller at UpAuto, where she oversees the financial operations of the two GM dealerships with precision and care. With over 20 years of experience in automotive financial management, Debra brings a deep understanding of dealership accounting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial planning. Prior...Read More Read Less

Jenn Aldridge’s journey in the automotive industry began at a young age, inspired by her grandfather’s career in sales at Marvin Starr. As a child, she spent time in the dealership environment, helping him prepare hundreds of customer mailers each year—a hands-on introduction to customer service and dedication. She even purchased her first two vehicles from him, cementing her connection to the industry early on. Jenn officially started her career as a dealership receptionist, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to learning every facet of the business. Over time, her drive and expertise led her through progressive roles, ultimately earning her the position of Regional Group Controller. In this role, she plays a key leadership part in driving operational excellence and financial performance across multiple dealerships. Outside of work, Jenn finds joy in family life. She and her partner are proud sports parents, often found cheering from the sidelines as their kids compete in various sports. When it’s time to unwind, she embraces the outdoors through camping, kayaking, and fishing—and also enjoys the creative calm of baking.Jenn Aldridge’s journey in the automotive industry began at a young age, inspired by her grandfather’s career in sales at Marvin Starr. As a child, she spent time in the dealership environment, helping him prepare hundreds of customer mailers each year—a hands-on introduction to customer service and dedication. She even purchased her first tw...Read More Read Less

Jenn Aldridge’s journey in the automotive industry began at a young age, inspired by her grandfather’s career in sales at Marvin Starr. As a child, she spent time in the dealership environment, helping him prepare hundreds of customer mailers each year—a hands-on introduction to customer service and dedication. She even purchased her first two vehicles from him, cementing her connection to the industry early on. Jenn officially started her career as a dealership receptionist, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to learning every facet of the business. Over time, her drive and expertise led her through progressive roles, ultimately earning her the position of Regional Group Controller. In this role, she plays a key leadership part in driving operational excellence and financial performance across multiple dealerships. Outside of work, Jenn finds joy in family life. She and her partner are proud sports parents, often found cheering from the sidelines as their kids compete in various sports. When it’s time to unwind, she embraces the outdoors through camping, kayaking, and fishing—and also enjoys the creative calm of baking.Jenn Aldridge’s journey in the automotive industry began at a young age, inspired by her grandfather’s career in sales at Marvin Starr. As a child, she spent time in the dealership environment, helping him prepare hundreds of customer mailers each year—a hands-on introduction to customer service and dedication. She even purchased her first tw...Read More Read Less