Introducing Kicking Horse Ford’s new General Manager, George Hill.
It’s no secret that the general manager’s chair at Kicking Horse Ford (KHF) has seen more than its fair share of turnover in recent years, not unlike other challenging positions in the community.
That’s why my conversation with the dealership’s new GM left me feeling confident that stability may finally be on the horizon.
He’s a true numbers guy, and he looks at the business as more than just selling cars. With his wife and kids now calling Golden home, he’s clearly invested in both the community and the dealership’s long-term future.
In our Q&A, you’ll get to know the person behind the role—and why I think this one is here to stay.
Can you tell us a bit about your career path in the automotive industry and what led you to this role with Kicking Horse Ford?
Started in Automotive in 2006, selling Used Vehicles at Erinwood Ford in Mississauga. My brother-in-law was always encouraging me to get into the business and got me an interview at Erinwood Ford.
I became the top Salesperson there within three months of joining and took over the Leasing and Internet Departments as a Sales Manager nine months later. Because I had Corporate Managerial experience previously, it was a good fit. I was certainly the right person at the right place at the right time!
I was a Sales Manager for ten years and became General Manager in 2017, for eight years and managed concurrently a Nissan Dealership for three and a half years, until 2025, along with a US export division.
I had a conversation with a Recruiter, and the opportunity at KHF came up. After many conversations and a visit to Golden, my family and I were happy to accept the opportunity with Kicking Horse Ford and The Davis Auto Group.
What were some highlights of your time working in Ontario before making the move west?
Some of the highlights of my career were winning The President’s Award 11 times at the store, Dealer Rater of the Year five times and many accolades through Ford Motor Company.
Awards aside, the best part of it all was having a long tenured team that was like a family unit. It really allowed us to make the impossible possible. Further, the network of wonderful individuals over the years that have helped me was a huge bonus.
What attracted you to the Ford brand, and what do you enjoy most about working in the dealership world?
The Ford brand is where I started, and although having three and a half years of experience with a Nissan (whilst at Ford) Store, Ford had a familiar and superior brand, product and network. Ford, as a brand, has top-notch technology and has tremendously improved their product to that of a luxury brand during my tenure with them.
What motivated you and your family to relocate to Golden?
The change of pace and the beauty of the mountains. Coming from the Greater Toronto Area brings with it a different pace and life expectancy. The life and outlook of the future here in Golden has much promise and brought a welcome change for the family.
What has been your first impression of the community so far?
The community has been very warm, accommodating, and friendly. It’s so different how you can have meaningful conversations with people in town that you’ve just met. The same isn’t common for us in the Greater Toronto Area.
How does life in Golden compare to what you were used to back in Ontario?
The pace and accessibility to everything are a big change, but the natural beauty and community spirit of Golden are incomparable.
What are your priorities for Kicking Horse Ford as you step into this role?
My ultimate priority for KHF is for it to be the best place to work for employees and the best place to service and buy from in town and beyond. A place that contributes to its employees’ well-being and their families.
We want to ensure that everyone working here can support their families and build a great work life with many opportunities available to them. We also want Kicking Horse Ford to be a big part of the community, continuously bringing value to our residents.
Are there any new services, community initiatives, or ideas you’d like to introduce at the dealership?
A few things we are working on are Food Drives, First Responders programs and some future symbiotic relationships with other businesses in town to do cross promotion and community initiatives. Much more to come in the future!
How do you see the dealership fitting into the growth and future of Golden and the Columbia Valley?
I see KHF as an employer of choice for the town and beyond. We want to offer world-class customer service with a small-town family feel. I want KHF to be part of the growth by not only increasing business and providing more to the town, but also actively working on growth initiatives with the town.
What activities or hobbies do you and your family enjoy, and are there local things you’re excited to try?
Right now, we are just acclimatizing look forward to seeing what Golden can offer. Always open to suggestions!
Have you had the chance to explore Golden’s outdoor scene yet—skiing, biking, hiking, or rafting?
We aren’t skiers, but will be doing some biking, hiking and fishing. I grew up in Barbados, so I never had the opportunity to learn to ski-but hope my family can.
What do you value most about small-town life and building relationships in a community like this?
Building relationships, I believe, is the only way to operate in a small town. Because everyone knows everyone, we ultimately have to have good relationships to prosper. At KHF, we strive to increase our relationship-building skills and be an even more important part of the town.
What’s something you’d like the people of Golden to know about you—either as a manager or as a neighbour settling into town?
I am approachable and always open to helping where I can.
How can people connect with you, whether it’s about Ford vehicles or just welcoming you to the community?
Come on down to Kicking Horse Ford. Always open to meeting people from the town.
You can also email me at george@kickinghorseford.ca or call the dealership at (250) 344-6623.
