The Faces of Southbank

Everyone knows that the majority of the time, people spend more time at work than they do with their families at home.  That is the case at Southbank.  This is why we call ourselves: The Southbank Family, because we are, simply put, a family.  We may not agree with each other all the time, or share the same personality traits or likes and dislikes, but we come together every day to make the best of Southbank. 

 

In visiting Southbank, you will notice that we have a very eclectic staff.  One that spans the globe and that could fill hundreds of books with their personal stories.  The shared differences is what makes Southbank an amazing place to work. 

 

Here are some Southbank Stories:

 

Stanford Noble

 

Stan is a very familiar face to the staff and long time customers of Southbank.  He began working at Southbank as a sales representative in 1991 and has not looked back since.  Stan hails from Jamaica and is affectionately known as "Agent 35" to the Southbank staff.  His professional demeanor, dapper style and caring attitude have made him irreplaceable to Southbank. Stan spearheads the Southbank Social Committee along with Southbank's involvement in many organizations, including The Rideau Carleton Race Track.  He is the go to Southbank photographer and handy man.   Stan has traveled the world and has many a story up his sleeve, but he says his heart will always be in Jamaica and Southbank of course.

 

Gustavo Aliaga

 

 

Gustavo, or Gus as he is known at Southbank, has been with Southbank as a sales representative for nine years.  Gus hails from Peru and has proven to be a great asset to Southbank's Spanish speaking community.  Gustavo is a father figure to the younger members of Southbank's sales team.  You can always catch him fixing some one's tie, or giving them a few styling tips.  Gus is famous for his dance moves.  Every year at the Southbank Christmas party, he never ceases to amaze with his Latin dance skills and boundless amounts of energy.  Gus is a proud grandfather to a beautiful little girl and is the only grandfather we know who still does 100 push ups a day.  His coined phrases "It's unbelievable" and "Amazing!" are what bring life into the Southbank showroom.  And if you have any doubt about Gus' push up abilities, we have the video below to prove it!  Go to: http://www.facebook.com/southbanknation to see it!

 

 

Norm Haggar

 

 

Norm has been with Southbank since the tender age of twelve.  Now maybe that could be a slight exaggeration, however, Norm has been with Southbank for over twenty four years and is a Southbank lifer.  Norm began in the Southbank Service department as a coop student, a program that Southbank still participates in to this day, and rose through the ranks.  From student, to mechanic, to shop foreman, to service manager, Norm has seen and done it all.  Southbank customers have never shown more loyalty than to Norm and he feels privileged to have grown with his customers and their families.  After taking six months off to travel the world and work on his tan, Norm is back and in the sales department trying something new!  The Southbank family is happy to finally have him back and jealous of his tan.  



 



 

 



Tis the Season - The Southbank Dodge Pot Luck

 

Christmas is just around the corner, with only 28 more days and the Southbank staff is getting into the spirit of this festive season.  Our Christmas tree was put up and decorated yesterday evening, by members of every department; Whilst it is not Rockefeller centre, we are quite proud of it. 

 

From left to right: Michael Leblanc, Mr. Jeep and Robert Lariviere

 

Today was not just any average Thursday, because it was Southbank's annual pot luck lunch.  Staff from all departments brought in their favorite dishes to share with their colleagues.  While the majority of staff brought in home made creations, our culinary challenged colleagues were not criticized... Well maybe just a little!   

 

We had dishes that brought us from our showroom to all over the globe, ranging from hummus, to Jamaican pattys, to the very original barbecued lasagna.  The highlight and award for most creative dish was awarded to Dave Baerg, our diesel specialist technician;  His Diesel Dave Venison Stew was a huge hit.

 

Hungry technicians

Thania Hamilton-Green setting up the desert table

 

Rick Cain barbecuing his home made lasagna

 

A panorama view of the festivities



The Bernard Frappier Southbank Service Award

Mr. Bernard "Bernie" Frappier



You can always count on one thing on Saturdays at Southbank; When the clock strikes 11:00AM, Bernard Frappier, affectionately known as Bernie to Southbank customers and staff, will begin setting up his hot dog station. 

Bernie has been a loyal customer of Southbank for over thirty years.  He bought his first vehicle on Christmas Eve 1975 and instantly became part of the Southbank Family.  When Bernie decided to retire, he became Southbank's Food and Beverage Manager and Bernie's Hot Dog Saturdays were born. 

Bernie epitomizes the qualities that we hope every Southbank employee possesses.  His kindnesses, joyful spirit, sense of humor and devotion to Southbank have been unwavering for over twenty years.  Bernie is always the first to offer a helping hand to someone, to ask how you are doing and to offer you a candy, because he says, you need to smile.  His “Bernie Dogs” have become an institution in themselves at Southbank on Saturdays, his words of wisdom are cherished and above all else, he is loved by the entire Southbank Staff.   

This year, and in the years to come, we would not only like to award long serving employees, but  to establish an award to recognize employees from all departments who epitomize Southbank Dodge in their day to day actions; regardless if they are new to our family, or have been here for twenty years.

The Southbank Social Committee has decided to name this award after Bernie who holds all of the qualities we  value at Southbank Dodge.

The first Bernard Frappier Southbank Service Award will be given out at our annual Christmas party.  The awards will be presented by none other than Bernie.

From the entire Southbank staff, we would like to say: "Thank you for all you do Bernie."