Retention in focus: Sustaining Canada’s auto care sector

Employee retention remains one of the most pressing issues facing Canada’s auto care sector. In the latest episode of Curbside Chat, host Lorraine Sommerfeld is joined by Chris Kinghorn, vice president of digital and sales enablement at UAP Inc., and Paul Prochilo, CEO of Simplicity Car Care, to examine the strategies and innovations shaping a more sustainable future for the industry’s workforce. 

The conversation highlights how digital transformation can be leveraged to enhance employee engagement and reduce turnover. Kinghorn explains that technology, when implemented thoughtfully, can empower employees by streamlining workflows, supporting professional development, and providing greater transparency. This, in turn, fosters a sense of ownership and confidence that strengthens retention. 

Prochilo complements this perspective by emphasizing the importance of organizational culture. He underscores that a strong culture—one that prioritizes trust, recognition, and continuous learning—is central to employee satisfaction and long-term commitment. By investing in people as much as in technology, businesses can create workplaces where employees feel both valued and motivated to grow. 

Together, Kinghorn and Prochilo make a compelling case for rethinking retention as a cornerstone of industry resilience. Their insights illustrate that sustaining the auto care workforce is not only about addressing turnover but also about cultivating meaningful, future-focused career pathways. 

Listeners will come away with practical strategies for building a workplace environment that attracts, supports, and retains top talent—ensuring the continued vitality of Canada’s auto care industry. 

About Curbside Chat  

Curbside Chat is a video podcast series that provides auto care industry professionals a forum to speak about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen. Watch now.