The Adventures Of Ian, Fred, Ed and Jed!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

2012-02-14T11:51:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope you’re not one of those many people who will be standing in line for last minute flowers or chocolates. I will admit that I have been one of those guys in the past.

Golf

2012-02-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Wow – January just flew by and we are well into February.

Did anyone else not really enjoy that blast of cold we had in January? I guess it is just Mother Nature’s way of reminding us that even though we live in the most amazing place on earth, we are still Canadian’s and have to deal with winter.

I decided to escape for a week and have gone golfing. I find that golf is a great game for me. It is a game where I have to not only physically but mentally leave the office behind. Anytime business creeps into my mind, I seem to lose another ball (normally in the water).

Speaking of golf, will I see you all at the Children’s Wish Round of Wishes Tournament in June? It is a great time and raises money for such a great cause. If you are interested in learning more – check out their link.

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T11:52:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year – Can you believe it is 2012 already?

I trust everyone had a safe and happy holiday. My family spent Christmas and New Year Eve at Big White. It was wonderful, but there could have been a lot more snow. Santa always seems to remember that we are not at home and brings our presents to Big White.

Both Jed and Fred loved Big White. It is actually really neat – both of the dogs get their own lift pass and since everyone knows them, Fred takes Jed for adventures around the area.

I am really feeling my age after our trip. On the last run of the last day, I feel and tore a calf muscle. I am walking with the help of a cane. I can still keep up with the boys!

I am really looking forward to 2012. This year will bring some new vehicles to the FIAT and Dodge Line ups. I know that I normally do not talk about work, but both the FIAT 500 Abarth and Dodge Dart are so exciting to us, that I just had to mention them.

I truly would like to wish all of you the very best in 2012

December

2011-12-08T15:45:00.001-08:00

Another year is almost over – wow time sure flies as we get older.

2011 was full of so many things for us in the Speckman House – but the biggest was my 50^th birthday party. I still cannot believe that everyone was able to keep such a huge party from me.

December is here and much like you, I find myself stuck in traffic, or fighting for that elusive mall parking spot. Then while in the store I realize I have totally forgotten my wife’s dress size….

It is also a time to reflect and count your blessings. Take some time out to enjoy life. What the heck, upsize that Starbucks coffee (that diet can wait until January!). Why not go for a long walk with your family or friends to see the Christmas lights.

We will be heading up to Big White as we normally do. Somehow this year will be slightly different. My oldest is really not a kid anymore and I can see a day in the not so far future, where he will be with his little ones on Christmas morning.

Canada' Little League Team Needs Your Help!

2011-11-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

I was reading in the newspaper this morning that the Langley Little League Team was raising money to go to Africa.

The team earned a spot in this year’s Little League World Series and were their first game was to be against a team from Uganda. The team from Uganda was not given US visa’s and was not able to come.

We have decided to donate $1000.00 to this amazing team to help them in their efforts to raise money to go to Uganda and play. They are also using the money to provide new baseball equipment and school supplies to the Ugandan Team.

I challenge you to also support this amazing group of kids!

http://righttoplay.akaraisin.com/YouthBaseball

Maple Ridge Chrysler Welcomes Hollywood Stars!

2011-10-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the lot at Maple Ridge Chrysler was taken over by a film crew and some amazing Hollywood stars!

The movie "The Company You Keep" was being filmed on our lot and stars such amazing actors as Robert Redford, Nick Nolte and Susan Sarandon, Shia LaBeouf and Sam Elliott.

It was fun for all of to meet some of the stars and watch the movie magic happen.

Life Moments!

2011-09-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

The past week has been an interesting one, full of two huge life steps. First, my oldest son started university and second, I turned the big 50!

Driving my son up to the campus, I looked back at all the moments that we had together as he grew up from a boy to the man he is now. While I was a little sad to see him leave the nest, I am also extremely proud of the man he has become and am excited for this chapter in his life!

Turning 50 was not as traumatic as I thought it was going to be. My wife though me a huge surprise party. I still have no idea how everyone that was involved was able to keep it from me. I was so blessed to have so many friends there. The night was amazing.

One things that totally blew me away, the staff at Maple Ridge Chrysler raised over $5,300 towards my Children's Wish Excile Island Challenge!! Thank you - it means the world to me!

Exile Island Challenge!

2011-08-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

On September 21st I will be banished; competing with other "exile tribes". Our ticket off the island is to raise enough money so that The Children’s Wish Foundation can grant wishes for local children, each diagnosed with a life threatening illness.

Our challenge is easy in comparison to these children who face the real survival challenge every day. Please, make a donation, help me off the island, help grant wishes for these special kids.

Follow this link and help make a real difference to child!

New FIAT of Maple Ridge Site

2011-08-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, time for a shameless plug – FIAT of Maple Ridge has a new website. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Where Did July Go?

2011-08-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

I just realized it is now August 2^nd and I have not written for over a month, where does time go?

July was such a busy month for me – we are still getting ready for the opening of FIAT of Maple Ridge. The plans for the studio are amazing and when finished we promise to have the premier FIAT studio in BC.

You may know that Maple Ridge Chrysler was the major sponsor of the 2011 Rotary Duck Race here in Maple Ridge. The actual race was on Sunday and the winner of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler was Mr. Jeff Walker. He is really excited about winning and I am looking forward to meeting him soon.

I am looking forward to spending some time in Kelowna this month. It is so nice to get away and enjoy the lake, the amazing wine and wonderful friends and family. If you see me in Kelowna, say “Hi”

September is almost here and once again I am working with the Children’s Wish Foundation of BC/Yukon. We have a huge event coming up on September 13 – as we get closer to the dates, I will let you know more about it.

Round of Wishes Golf Tournament

2011-06-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of playing in the Round of Wishes Golf Tournament. As you know, I am a huge supporter of the Children's Wish Foundation.

The day was amazing and the weather held out long enough for us to finish the round.

I would like to thank the other business that were there supporting this amazing cause. At the end of the day over $100,000 was raised!!

A Big Thank You To The Canucks!

2011-06-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

On behalf of everyone at Maple Ridge Chrysler, I would like to thank the Vancouver Canucks for one amazing year.

Now that the sun has come out (hopefully it is here to stay for a while), I can get out and start playing golf again. Between all the charity golf tournaments and my normal men's day, I sure hope to spend some amazing days out on the course.

I would love to hear from you - what are your plans this summer?

A Child's Wish

2011-06-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

As you may have figured out by now, I am a season's ticket holder for the Vancouver Canucks. If I am not able to attend a game, I normally give tickets away to friends or my staff.

On Friday I gave the tickets to the Children's Wish Foundation of BC. Because of this, a Wish Child was able to go to the game.

While the Children's Wish Foundation is very close to my heart, I urge you to find an organization that means a lot to you and do what you can to help them. While tickets to a hockey game may seem like a small thing to some people, they gave a child an experience they would never be able to have otherwise.

Game 4

2011-06-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

Well the Cancucks are on their way home for game 5 - I know that I am not the only fan that is suprized to see them playing this way. They need to take a step back and re-group!

Stanley Cup

2011-06-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so let's not worry about game 3 - We all know that the Cancucks have what it takes to win!!

GO CANUCKS!

2011-05-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

Wow!!!

After 17 years the Vancouver Canucks are playing for Lord Stanley's cup. Everyone at the dealership is wearing their favourite Canucks Jersey

How are you supporting the team? I would love to see your photos - why not share them on our Facebook page!

Italian Cultural Centre's FIAT 500

2011-05-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Last week FIAT of Maple Ridge presented a 2012 FIAT 500 to the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver.

We joined them at their annual Sports day. The rain held back and everyone really seem to enjoy the day. We also gave away a cool barbie FIAT and a Jeep.

Some of the older people in the crowd remember their very first FIAT 500. One gentleman told me a great story of when his brother and family joined him on a trip from their home town to Rome (5 hours away). They had four adults and 4 kids in the car. We all laughed at the story.

Below are some photos.

If you see their FIAT 500 around town, please give them a friendly "beep"

Maple Ridge Duck Race

2011-04-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

The Head Duck from the Maple Ridge Duck Race visited us the other day and I thought I would share with you some pics.

The Duck Race takes place on July 31st. Maple Ridge Chrysler is proud to sponsor this event by providing them a brand new 2011 Jeep Wrangler.

For more information check out their Facebook page

Back To Reality

2011-03-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a great week. The resort in Playa Del Carmen was amazing. My wife and I had so many plans - do this, see that - but in the end we spent the first few days just sitting around the pool chatting with the friends we were with.

We had never stayed at an all-inclusive resort before. I was worried that the food would be mostly buffet type, but the restaurants would wonderful. I am in a weight loss contest at work, and I know that there is no way I can win after the amazing food and drinks at this resort.

Back to reality. We received our very first FIAT 500 while I was away. They are truly cool little cars!

Mexico

2011-03-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

As I slide my foot along the beach, I feel the little grains of sand falling between my toes... the warm Caribbean air feels so good. What I need is a cold beer, wow - just now the beach waitress showed up with a cold bottle - this is service.

Ian!

Ian - Wake Up!

What - oh wow, I must have fallen asleep and was dreaming of next week when I will be at a resort in Mexico.

FIAT - The Small Car That Surprised Me

2011-02-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

I just got back from Toronto where I spent a couple days attending a training course for the FIAT 500. Now for those of you that know me, I love my bigger cars with their big engines. The more Horsepower the car has the better!

But after driving the FIAT 500 I may have to rethink my thoughts on that.

Here is a little car (just a little smaller than a Mini) with only 98 Horsepower. I climbed in and was shocked at just how much room the front seats had. The back seats would fit two adults but it is a little tight.

The first thing that caught my eye was the really modern and cool speedo/tachometer gauge. They are right in front of the steering wheel and are layer over each other. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

When the little engine roared to life, I slowly slide it into first gear – wow that was smooth. The car slowly took off and I found that the engine had a lot more to offer than I expected. The manual 5 speed transmission is silky smooth and the gear knob is located right where it should be. I do find that in some cars you are reaching for the gear knob, but not it in this car. I found out later that this is a totally different transmission than what the FIAT 500 has in Europe. The gear ratios were reworked just for North America.

The ride and handling are also smooth. FIAT has done a great job in providing a smooth ride in such a small package. I had thought that the FIAT would be more suited for running around the city, but now I know that the FIAT would be a great car to take for longer drives to Whistler or along the Sunshine Coast.

Another thing that I found really neat was the fact that the car can be customized in over 500,000 different ways. You can not only choose the exterior colour (14 different colours) and the interior (6 different colour), but as well there are some 9 different graphics you can have added to the outside. You can even change the colour of your key to match the colour of your eyes if you like!

As I flew back to Maple Ridge, I truly wished that my airplane seat was as comfortable and roomy as the FIAT 500 was. What a truly cool Italian car!

YouTube Channel

2011-02-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

We have started a YouTube channel for Maple Ridge Chrysler.

Have a look and let me know your thoughts!

Golf, Sun and the Fiat 500

2011-02-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

I thought I would take a well-deserved break away from the dealership and head south for a weekend of golf.

San Diego is one of my favourite golfing destinations. Plus they have wonderful hotels and even better food. I was having the time of my life when I found out that Chrysler Canada had invited the Canadian press down to show them the 2012 Fiat 500. Wow – even here work follows me.

At the airport I ran into Lacey Elliott. She shared with me her thoughts on the Fiat 500. You can read her post here.

We look forward to receiving the cars in March 2011.

Once again I would love it if you join our facebook page

Monday, January 17, 2011

2011-02-08T16:51:00.002-08:00

I realized that I am really behind in my blog writing. 2011 is just flying by and I amazed that we are already half way through the month.

Other than the rain, it was such a beautiful weekend. made me think of golfing more than it did of Skiing. What happened that the really bad winter they promised all of us?

Jed is already 5 months old - wow. He loves to play with Fred and Ed, and for some reason really enjoys going after his littermate Bunker.

December 30, 2010 - Good Bye 2010 - Hello 2011

2011-02-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

Wow - what a year it has been. I came back to the city for a few days and have had some time to reflect back on the past year and predict what I have to look forward to in 2011.

It has been a good year in the Auto Industry. Chrysler Canada experienced some growth and is well on its way to coming back stronger than ever. Our relationship with Fiat has brought new ideas and strengths into our company. I cannot thank our customers enough for supporting us at Maple Ridge Chrysler.

2011 will bring a lot of really exciting new products into our line up. It started with a new Jeep Grand Cherokee. We are all awaiting the arrival of the all new Chrysler 200 and Chrysler 300. The Jeep Line up will also be totally refreshed or redesigned. The Dodge Durango is back in 2011 and it is based on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The biggest news will be the arrival of the Fiat 500. Fiat is coming back to Canada in a big way. We will be opening one of Canada's very few stand-alone Fiat Studios. We should be open by April, but keep watching my blog for more information. Come by and design your own Fiat 500.

Outside the dealership I have gotten involved with some really great organizations. The Children's Wish Foundation really touched our hearts and I have agreed to continue to work with them again in 2011.

Once again, from our family at Maple Ridge Chrysler, Thank you and Happy New Years

Ian

December 17, 2010 - Seasons Greetings!

2011-02-08T16:50:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning to fresh power, a warm cup of coffee and Jed really needing to go out!

I started a nice fire in the fireplace and grabbed another cup of coffee….

Our family went up to spend Christmas in Big White. It was nice to get away, not think about work and just focus on family and how many blessings I have to be thankful for.

The dogs love the snow. Eddy stays home in Maple Ridge (He really does not like the snow). Fred was in heaven again this year. He wanders around the village and everyone just seems to know him. This year we took Jed along for our walks and I am sure he will be as popular as Fred.

The roads up to Kelowna were not great, so I am glad I made the decision to drive up in a new Jeep Grand Cherokee. The four wheel drive is amazing and really grounded the Jeep to the roads. It was nice to be in all that snow and still know that we were safe.

New Years is coming and I hope everyone has a safe New Years Eve.

December 13, 2010 - Big White Skiing!!

2011-02-08T16:49:00.001-08:00

I am writing you from wonderful Big White (located just outside Kelowna). This is really the first time that Jed has played in the snow. Fred loves coming to Big White. In fact he walks around the village and is known by most of the locals.

The village is all decorated for Christmas and really brings out the spirt of the holidays. Skiing at night is amazing. The mountain has some amazing power and the sound of fresh snow under your skis is one amazing sound.

Of course we will be doing a lot more than just skiiing. I am waiting for the boys to come up so I can challenge them to a snow ball fight. Fred will end up covered in frozen snow balls!

Only 12 more sleeps until Santa's big day. I hope you have started your Christmas shopping already.

December 3, 2010 - "It Kind Of Sucks..."

2011-02-08T16:48:00.001-08:00

As you know, my staff at Maple Ridge Chrysler and I have been involved with a foundation called Children’s Wish Foundation. This past Wednesday I was invited to their annual Flight to the North Pole.

When I got the email, I thought it was just an opportunity to meet with the foundation again and meet some more wish kids. But no, it was an actual flight to the North Pole. On the Flight the kids sang Christmas songs, had a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and had a day to forget about treatments, hospitals and needles. It also gave their parents another day with smiles instead of tears.

After the flight was over and we were safely back on the ground, I found myself speaking with a wish family. Their youngest son had wished for a trip to Disney World and were going in February. It turns out that their daughter had also been a wish kid a few years earlier.

It still amazes me how we can learn so much from a child. I walked away from this chance meeting with a whole new respect for my life and blessings. I am no different than you, I complain when I get a cold or pull a muscle after playing golf. But this little boy really put things into perspective for me. He could not have been any older than 7. He told me that he had brain tumours and that because of that he has seizures. Then he added “It kind of sucks”

“It kind of Sucks”… These are four words I will never forget.

Please take the time to give your kids a hug. If you do not have kids, just take a second and think about how no matter how bad it gets, it could be much much worse.

November 30, 2010 - Black Friday & Snow

2011-02-08T16:47:00.002-08:00

Call us crazy, but we drove down to the US for Black Friday Shopping. Well ok, the real reason that we went was to attend a hockey Tournament that on of my son's was playing in.

We drove down in our 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The snow tires I had installed at the last minute also helped a lot.

The line ups at the stores where nuts but we really had a great time. We found some amazing deals at both Hugo Boss and Coach.

Oh - my son's team placed 5th !

November 14, 2010 - FIAT Is Coming!!

2011-02-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

I am so excited today - we just learned that Chrysler Canada has chosen Maple Ridge Chrysler to take on the exciting new Fiat 500 when it arrives here in Canada early next year.

Fiat of Maple Ridge will be located in Maple Ridge and be a very exciting addition to the area.

The new Fiat Canada site also went live - Click HERE to check it out!

We have also started a Fiat of Maple Ridge facebook page

November 1, 2010 - Union Gospel Mission Challenge

2011-02-08T16:45:00.001-08:00

I wanted to let you all know about something special we are doing at Maple Ridge Chrysler.

For the month of November, we will be giving $100.00 to the Union Gospel Mission for each vehicle sold. We have set a goal of $25,000.

The Union Gospel Mission is a wonderful group that helps a lot of people each day. O hope you can support our challenge. So if your looking to for a newer vehicle, visit our website http://www.mapleridgechryslerjeep.com/ and check our our amazing inventory of new and used cars and trucks!

October 22 - Jed!

2011-02-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

Ok,l so I broke down and we adopted a new Puppy named Jed. He is a 8 week old Bernese Mountain Dog named Jed (so now we have Fred, Ed and Jed).

Jed is sniffing around my office and greeting the customers as they come into the dealership. While he is cute, he is a bigger guy (already 21 Lbs).

I am off to Vegas next week for AutoCanada meetings. It will be great to see all the other GM's.

Oh - we got some more information on the upcoming Fiat 500 yesterday. We are really looking forward to opening the Maple Ridge Fiat Studio. I will keep you informed as more information comes available.

Jed would love to meet you, so please stop by the dealership and visit!

October 21, 2010

2011-02-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

It has been a beautiful week and of course the forecast is for rain this weekend. I guess that is the price we pay for living on the West Coast.

Did you know that Maple Ridge Chrysler is giving away two family VIP passes to the Maple Ridge Family Fireworks Night on October 30th? You just need to visit our facebook page and become a fan. The drawing will take place on October 27th.

Both Ed and Fred are looking forward to the snow. They come with us when we go Skiing and love to jump and play. Ed loves to catch snowballs, but is confused by why they met so quickly in his mouth.

Wow - can you believe that Christmas is only 64 more days away? Hmm, I have not even started my shopping.

Next month, Maple Ridge Chrysler will be starting a huge promotion to help a great charity here in the lower mainland. Stay tuned to our website for more information

October 14, 2010 - Looking Forward To Winter

2011-02-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in my office (those of you who know me, that is not something I do a lot) looking at the rain fall. I do wish it would snow up in the mountains soon. I am really itching to get up there and feel the power running under my skis.

Last time I wrote I mentioned that I was thinking of adding a new puppy to our house – well after some thought I am going to hold off for a while. I would have loved to heard the sound of little paws around the house.

Snow – that reminds me – it is time to start thinking about snow tires. As someone that works for a car dealership, I can tell you that you really should look at buying a set if you have not done so yet. And remember, you must install your snow tires on all four wheels, If not it can be a huge safety concern. I must make a note to have snow tires put on my Jeep.

Maple Ridge Chrysler has a facebook page and I would love it if you add us as a friend.

October 11, 2010 - Happy Thanksgiving

2011-02-08T16:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone,

Well its is that time of year again when turkeys go into hiding and we are all sit down for a huge meal of amazing food, then hours later wonder how or why we ate so much.

It is also that time of year when we reflect over the past 12 months and share with everyone what we are thankful for. It is also a great time to look forward to the end of the year and realize that we still have some work to do on the goals we set back in January.

I have so much to be thankful for, but most of all I am thankful for amazing friends and wonderful family. There have been two events that have touched me in the last month I wanted to share with you.

First as you know, I was involved in raising much needed money for the BC Children's Wish Foundation. This foundation raises money to send children who may be sick or born with medical challenges on their wish. Some kids wish for trips to Disney Land (Such as the little girl I was assisting); whiles others dream of being on TV or staring in a broadway musical. I was blessed with healthy kids, and spending a day raising money to assist another parent... well it was truly my honour to to be involved and we raised over $100,000.

The second event was the passing of one of my staff's dogs. We are very dog friendly here at Maple Ridge Chrysler. In fact I would love to see your K9 friend so please bring them by when you visit. We only knew Jack for about 2 weeks before he passed away from cancer, but he has me looking at my two (Ed and Fred) and realizing that time can go by very quickly. I am now thinking of a new puppy to join our herd. Stay tuned for more information!!

October 2, 2010

2011-02-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with that with your help, we raised over $100,000 for the Childrens Wish Foundation.

The leaves are changing and before you know it the mountains will have snow on them. I do love fall, but am looking forward to trading in the golf clubs for skis.