The Jim Gauthier Story
A Family Legacy Built Over Generations
The Jim Gauthier story is one of family, passion and perseverance. What began decades ago with a father and son continues today with multiple generations shaping the Gauthier Automotive Group.
It started with family.
Jim Gauthier's journey in the automotive industry started humbly in the 1950s as a lot boy at Russell Motors. His love for cars and dedication to customer service quickly became evident.
In 1959, Jim and his father, Woodrow Gauthier, opened Kustom Auto Sales in Transcona. This small Studebaker dealership was just the beginning.
That same year, Jim married Joyce. With Joyce's unwavering support, Jim continued building both the business and the family that would become the foundation of the Gauthier Automotive Group.
After Studebaker's discontinuation, Jim transitioned into sales at Transcona Dodge, where he quickly rose to General Manager, earning a reputation for securing the best deals and putting customers first.
Building the business together.
Before there was a Gauthier Automotive Group, there was a family building a business one opportunity at a time.
Starting at Russell Motors
Jim began his automotive career as a lot boy at Russell Motors. His love for cars and dedication to customers quickly became evident, setting the course for the career ahead.
Kustom Auto Sales
Jim and his father, Woodrow Gauthier, opened Kustom Auto Sales in Transcona. The small Studebaker dealership marked the beginning of the Gauthier family business.
Transcona Dodge
After Studebaker was discontinued, Jim transitioned into sales at Transcona Dodge. He quickly rose to General Manager and earned a reputation for securing the best deals and putting customers first.
Pan-Am Motors
Jim purchased Pan-Am Motors, taking another significant step forward in his career as an independent automotive dealer.
Transcona Dodge
Jim sold Pan-Am Motors and acquired Transcona Dodge, continuing to build the business and the relationships that would shape the years ahead.
The move that changed everything.
In 1980, Jim made a game-changing move, purchasing Ed Vickar Community Chev Olds at 1290 Main Street.
Under Jim's leadership, the dealership grew into one of Winnipeg's largest GM dealerships, establishing an important foundation for the Gauthier Automotive Group that would follow.
A new home on McPhillips.
In 1990, Jim opened Jim Gauthier Chevrolet Oldsmobile Cadillac at 1400 McPhillips Street.
The new location became an important part of the company's growth and remains home to Jim Gauthier Chevrolet today. From here, the business continued expanding into the Gauthier Automotive Group.
The family business grew.
What began with a small dealership in Transcona grew over the years into a group of automotive businesses, brands and locations across Winnipeg.
Jim Gauthier Chevrolet
1980 · 1400 McPhillips Street
Gauthier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
1998 · 1700A Waverley Street
Gauthier Buick GMC
2001 · 2400 McPhillips Street
Jim Gauthier Waverley CDJR
2005 · 1375 Regent Avenue West
Jim Gauthier Kia
2021 · 2536 McPhillips Street
Gauthier Cadillac
2022 · 2400 McPhillips Street
Collision Centres
Jim Gauthier Chevrolet Collision Centre
1410 McPhillips Street
Gauthier's Regent Collision Centre
1375 Regent Avenue West
Gauthier Collision Centre
1100 Templeton Avenue
Giving back has always been part of the story.
Even in his 80s, Jim Gauthier remains actively involved at Jim Gauthier Chevrolet, but his impact goes far beyond business. Known for his compassion for people and animals, Jim has helped shape Winnipeg and Manitoba through thoughtful philanthropy.
Jim co-founded The Dream Factory, Manitoba's version of the Children's Wish Foundation, helping make dreams come true for children facing serious illness. His generosity has also supported the CNIB Guide Dog program, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Manitoba Harvest, the Winnipeg Humane Society and Seven Oaks Hospital.
A legacy carried forward.
From a small dealership in Transcona to a thriving automotive group, Jim's legacy is built on hard work, family values, passion and a commitment to giving back.
Today, Jim remains an active part of the business, while his son, grandchildren and extended family continue to help shape the Gauthier Automotive Group and carry the family business into its next generation.
What began decades ago with Jim, his father Woodrow and the support of his family continues, keeping the family spirit at the heart of the business.
