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Building success one block at a time

December 15, 2017   ·   0 Comments

By Mike Pickford

When Danny Brackett first arrived in Orangeville a little over a decade ago he immediately went to work on making his dream become reality.

While his life today largely revolves around the Orangeville community, Mr. Brackett actually got his start in the automobile industry southwest of Dufferin County at a Chevrolet-Corvette dealership in Richmond Hill. As an eager 23-year-old brand new to the business, Danny spent several years learning on the job and honing his craft, never once losing focus of his end game. He worked his way up the ladder, but, while he was successful, it wasn’t quite enough for a man who knew deep down he could accomplish so much more given the opportunity.

And so, when opportunity rang in the spring of 2007 Mr. Brackett knew right away it was one he simply could not pass up. Purchasing MacMaster Buick GMC, located just outside of town on Highway 9, Danny went into business for himself. Reflecting on what he described as an “incredibly fun 10 years”, it’s safe to say the venture has, so far, been an overwhelming success.

“When the opportunity to invest first came up, I looked at one thing and that was what kind of a community was Orangeville. I learned very, very quickly what a tremendous area this is,” Danny tells the Citizen. “So I did what any sane person would do – I sold my home, cashed my investments and took out three lines of credit so that I could get this thing started.”

Such an outlay would be enough to make any man mindful of his business’ monthly financials, but Danny worked a little differently. He put his customers and his employees first, placing their happiness and satisfaction above anything else. It is a mantra that has served him well as he’s expanded his business over the years.

Today, Brackett Auto Group boasts two hugely successful franchises, following the 2015 addition of Orangeville Chrysler. Danny employees over 100 local residents and is forever giving back to the community. The cooperative is well known throughout Dufferin County for its support of important area programs, organizations and initiatives. If it’s local, Brackett Auto Group will be there to help.

“I don’t think we’ve ever said no to a local request for funding or sponsorship. It’s incredibly important to me that you foster that feeling of community as a local business,” Mr. Brackett said. “Absolutely everything starts with community, the whole world is based upon that principle. We’re so lucky to live in a tremendous area with tremendous people – it’s a great community to support.”

To name just a few, MacMaster Buick GMC and Orangeville Chrysler have been major sponsors of Theatre Orangeville, the Orangeville Jr. B Northmen, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin County, the Ontario SPCA and Christmas in the Park. As a member of the Rotary Club of Orangeville, Mr. Brackett also believes in supporting area service clubs and does so on a regular basis.

When pushed for a reason as to why he places such an importance on being involved in the community, Danny refers to a simple love he’s held for most of his life.

“It’s the people. I’ve always had a real love for helping and working alongside other people. Whenever I see someone smiling, someone happy, that’s the important thing for me,” Danny said. “My goal, my belief is that we have to have happy people here. If we have customers happy when they’re driving out of this place, ensuring everyone across the two dealerships are making a good living and the company makes some money so that it can keep reinvesting in the community, it’s win, win, win as far as I’m concerned.”

He added, “I find if I spend all of my time worrying about my customers and worrying about my staff then the financial matters just sort of come together. I never have to chase how much money we’re making or how we’re doing, I’m the guy making sure we have happy customers, happy team members and that the company has enough to keep investing and keep growing.”

Growth is probably the most appropriate word one could use with Brackett Auto Group. The two dealerships sit on approximately 10 acres of land. MacMaster Buick GMC boasts a modern 16-car showroom, ample office space, parts warehouse and a full service garage. Orangeville Chrysler is in the middle of a multi-million-dollar expansion, which will take the facility “above and beyond” industry standards.

While it may not be considered the crown jewel of either facility, Mr. Brackett and his staff have worked very hard to establish one of the largest used-car inventories anywhere in Ontario, with between 200 and 250 vehicles on the lot at any one time. That particular service compliments a new car inventory of more than 600 vehicles across the two dealerships.

In taking a step back to look at what he has built over the past decade, Danny says it goes beyond even his wildest dreams. While he always knew he had what it took to build a brand up on his own, Mr. Brackett considers himself “one of the luckiest guys in the world” for having the opportunity to do it right here in Orangeville.

“It’s been an incredible journey, a fun one to experience. I think, more than anything, I’m extremely proud of the people that work here at both of our organizations. They do a spectacular job trying to serve our customers as best they can each and every day, I’m extremely lucky in that sense,” Mr. Brackett said. “People make the difference and we have some truly special people here at Brackett Auto Group. It’s been a great 10 years so far – I can’t wait now to find out what the next 10 years brings.”

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