The Docksteader family business had its naissance with the arrival in Vancouver of Peter (Wilfred) and Violet in 1928. They relocated from their home in Grand Forks, where Peter had worked as a bicycle and car mechanic. Starting out as service manager with the Begg Motor company, he went on to run his own shop in the early 30s. Hard times. Labour was bartered for food and services; but the family persevered and survived those lean years. Peter then went to work for Len Ferris, and when the war came along he was frozen in his position despite a desire to serve his country in the military. When peace returned he revived his own business, and in 1947 son Don came to work, cleaning the shop, at the age of 16.

    The fledgling operation quickly expanded to include retail auto sales, taking on the Standard Vanguard line, including Triumph. In 1953 they became the dealer of two grand old makes, Studebaker and Packard. Both now defunct, but leaving fond memories of another era.
As the market changed with the demise of the old names, the Docksteaders were approached about handling a new line. In 1958 they became the second Volvo dealer in Canada. Business went well handling this product in its infancy, and in 1971 they opened a new facility at Terminal and Main. There was some opposition to that choice of location. As Don says, "We earned the nickname of Terminal Motors because no one thought it would last." Last it did, and as the Volvo name came to signify quality and durability the family business grew and prospered.

    Having taken over sole ownership in 1971, Don spent the ensuing years cementing the reputation that the company enjoys to this day. In 1981 he undertook a challenge that put both him and the dealership in the Volvo Hall of Fame in Sweden. Meeting the world president of Volvo, he was asked if he could sell 1,000 new Volvos in a year - yet to be accomplished by any North American dealer. Selling 500 to 600 a year at the time, he responded, "you promise me the cars and I promise we'll sell them." On New Year's eve 1982 Don's sales manager called him with the results - 1056 delivered.

    In the mid-1980s they moved to the current location, and as the business continued to grow Don's son Paul joined the company as president. 1993 saw the acquisition of the Subaru franchise, which has been a highly successful and welcome addition to their product line. As chairman, Don still spends all his free time in the office keeping close touch with the daily goings-on of this vibrant and progressive enterprise. Fondly referred to as "The Viking" by his staff, Don Docksteader displays a love of the business and a sense of fair play that can only mean further good fortune for Docksteader Motors.

    For more information, visit their web site at www.dondocksteader.com call 604-325-1000, Toll free 1-800-663-3359 or visit them at 8530 Cambie Street (at SW Marine Drive) in Vancouver, BC.