Welcome to OnTrack Automotive Solutions, your compass for navigating the fast-paced world of automotive shop management. At OnTrack, we’re more than consultants and trainers – we’re your dedicated partners on the journey to excellence, offering bespoke coaching and training programs for both entry-level enthusiasts and seasoned industry veterans.
In the intricate landscape of automotive service management, we understand that success is rooted in continuous improvement. Our coaching programs are finely tuned to address key components such as measurement, systems, and process enhancement. Whether you’re embarking on your managerial odyssey or seeking to refine your existing skills, our training initiatives are tailored to meet your unique needs.
The heartbeat of our philosophy lies in the values we hold dear. Kaizen, the Japanese principle of continuous improvement, guides our approach, pushing you to constantly elevate your shop management “game.” We believe in instilling not just expertise but a true passion for the industry, fostering a customer-centric mindset within your team to ensure unparalleled service.
Accountability is the cornerstone of a well-oiled operation, and OnTrack is your partner in building robust systems that enforce accountability at every level. From setting clear expectations to monitoring progress, our methodologies are designed to drive excellence and ensure your business is always “OnTrack.”
As industry trailblazers, we offer more than just training – we provide a benchmark for success. Our unique approach includes industry guideline comparisons, allowing you to gauge your performance against the best in the field and identify areas for growth.
But OnTrack isn’t just about managing – it’s about leading with inspiration. Our programs are crafted to transform you into an influential leader, fostering a culture of passion and dedication within your team. Our ultimate goal is to guide you toward achieving a turnkey operation and hands-off ownership – a seamless, efficient system that runs like a well-oiled machine.
Embark on a transformative journey with OnTrack Automotive Solutions, where expertise meets inspiration, and success is not just a goal but a continuous celebration of achievement. Join us in shaping the future of automotive service provider management, where leadership excellence paves the way for turnkey operations and hands-off ownership.
In short, OnTrack transforms automotive shops and takes them to the next level! Richard and his team have helped countless automotive shops go from high-stress / struggling cash flow shops to low-stress, highly profitable automotive facilities in as little as 12 weeks!
The Dansereau family’s journey in the automotive industry began with Larry Dansereau, a man known for his unparalleled technical expertise, unwavering work ethic, and deep passion for the trade.
Larry’s automotive career started in Winnipeg at Sid’s Auto Service in the 1960’s, where he quickly gained a reputation for his mechanical skill and problem-solving abilities. Always looking for new opportunities, he made a bold move in the early 1970s, relocating to Calgary to work for Richmond Texaco.
At Richmond Texaco, Larry became the lead mechanic, regarded as one of the best in the city. His dedication, loyalty, and relentless drive to master his craft set him apart. Clients and colleagues alike trusted him to diagnose and repair the most complex issues, and his work ethic made him a respected figure in the Calgary automotive community. For years, he remained steadfastly loyal to the business, helping it thrive.
But Larry had a dream—to build something of his own. In 1985, he took a leap of faith and opened his own three-bay automotive shop, determined to bring a new level of service and integrity to the industry. His wife, Mandy Dansereau, was by his side, playing a crucial role in supporting the business, with expert bookkeeping and administrative duties. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become a thriving family legacy.
From day one, Larry instilled discipline and hard work in his two sons, ensuring they learned the business from the ground up. Richard Dansereau started working in the shop after school as a teenager, alongside his brother David Dansereau who was three years older and was already gaining valuable industry knowledge through mentorship by Larry. Larry made sure they weren’t handed leadership roles in the business — they had to earn them. Sweeping floors, handling oil changes, and performing the most basic tasks were part of their early training before they could take on more significant roles.
As time passed, it became clear that each brother had different strengths. David thrived in the garage, fully embracing the hands-on technical work, obtaining his journeyman’s certificate first in 1992. Richard, however, was drawn toward leadership, business development, efficiency, and process improvement.
Despite their different paths, Richard understood that to lead, he needed to master every aspect of the business. He apprenticed under his father, gaining years of hands-on experience before earning his Automotive Service Technician (AST) journeyman’s certificate in 1996.
As the shop expanded, Richard took on a more strategic role, moving into service advising. But it became evident that technical expertise alone wasn’t enough to sustain a growing business. Leadership, financial management, and structured systems were essential.
Determined to bridge the gap, Richard pursued accredited business management and accounting training from University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and aftermarket training from NAPA, AC Delco, and other sources, gaining the financial and operational expertise needed to scale the shop successfully. Combining his education with real-world experience, he worked with his family to implement processes that improved efficiency, increased profitability, and strengthened customer relationships.
However, as with many family-run businesses, challenges emerged. With four shareholders, decision-making became complicated. The shop was growing, but who would lead? The family agreed that the best path forward was expansion.
In 2012, Richard led the transformation of the shop from a small three-bay operation into a state-of-the-art, 12-bay facility, complete with its own management and technical training center. At the same time, he began traveling across North America, coaching shop owners through NAPA Proshop performance groups and helping others implement the same systems that had turned his family’s shop into a thriving business.
By 2017, the family business had reached a turning point. Larry, Mandy, and Richard were bought out, leaving Richard to focus on full-time coaching and training. Over the years, he worked with leading industry software companies such as Protractor, AutoServe1, and Mitchell ProDemand, helping shops across North America optimize their operations.
With over three decades of experience in the automotive industry, Richard’s passion now lies in helping independent shop owners achieve success faster. While he teaches high-level leadership, process implementation, training, and accountability, his specialty is building systems that transform businesses from the inside out.
Today, Richard leads a team of expert coaches, all trained in his proven methods, helping shops across North America take their businesses to the next level and achieve sustainable success.
OnTrack Automotive Solutions Inc.
(403) 519 – 3911
pathtosuccess@ontrackautosolutions.com
| Monday – Friday | 8:00am – 4:00pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
