Mac City Morning Show #4: Keith from Noral Toyota

Name: Mac City Morning Show #4: Keith from Noral Toyota
Uploaded: 2021-01-22T05:20:01+00:00
Duration: 15 min 59 s
Description: Keith Simpson from Noral Toyota is in the green seat today! Every day, the folks at Noral seek ways to make their customers have a better buying experience and enjoy top quality service.

Mac City Crew

January 22, 2021 June 1, 2021

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Keith Simpson from Noral Toyota is in the green seat today! Every day, the folks at Noral seek ways to make their customers have a better buying experience and enjoy top quality service.

Below is a transcript of the episode, edited for readability. For more information on how to follow the show, see the links at the bottom of this post.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Good morning, Fort McMurray. How are you doing today? Thank you once again for tuning into the Mac City Morning Show. Like I said yesterday, I appreciate everybody that’s watching. If you’re watching it live pre-recorded or the clips, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very, very much. I really do appreciate it. So, before I introduce my guest here today, we’re going to do a little quick shout out because my phone and my instant messaging has been blowing up asking about where did my hair go? And so, I got to address the elephant in the room and tell everybody where my hair went. Personal story. My little sister, Alicia is going through breast cancer right now. So, she finished her chemo a few weeks ago and she had her surgery yesterday. So, I shaved my head in support of my little sister, Alicia. So, for everybody who was asking, that’s why I have no hair, Alicia. I love you. Congratulations. I’m proud of you, way to go. All right. So now let’s get to the show though. The gentleman sitting next to me, I’ve known for years, since I was a little kid, his name is Keith, but I’ll let him introduce himself. And what he’s all about, Keith? The mic is yours.

KEITH SIMPSON: Hi, my name’s Keith Simpson. I’m the general manager at Noral Toyota here in Fort McMurray. Once again, as well, I’d like to give a shout out to Alicia. Obviously I’ve known your family for 20 plus years, and you guys are our family. So, Alicia, best luck, best wishes. We love you as well. Hope to see you soon.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Thanks, Keith. We appreciate that for sure, man. So, Keith, how does my family know you so well?

KEITH SIMPSON: Oh my God. So, when I first started in Noral Toyota, I was just working in the sales department. And I guess about a month after I started there, I had this crazy old fella came in to buy a car who, who turned out to be your dad Greg. That was in 1992. We sold Greg or I guess I sold Greg a ‘92 Toyota Camry way back then. Greg pulled into the dealership in his old Chevy cavalier there with his Serengetis on and his driving gloves. And I really didn’t know what to make of him. But, after this many years, like I said, Greg and your mom, your mom, of course being the sweetest person I’ve ever met in my life, have become family. And, we’ve been taking good care of you guys and your vehicle needs, since 1992.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Yeah, the white Camry. Yeah. I actually inherited that Camry. When I moved to, Edmonton for college, it was a good vehicle. And I was told I didn’t take care of it the way he did and completely my fault. Although the car was about 15 years old, the rust was, was my fault.

KEITH SIMPSON: Oh yes. Mr. Particular with his vehicles.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: To say the least. Cool. So yeah, we’ve known each other for a really long time. And for the people at home actually, what you may not know, well, you definitely don’t know is this whole thing was really hatched in your office one day.
KEITH SIMPSON: It was absolutely. I think it was really just a brainstorm between the two of us, honestly, just to, maybe sit together and get some information out to the people in Fort McMurray. Maybe keep informed, get to meet some of the members of the community, and things like that. And as nobody was doing it, I thought it was a wonderful idea for you, to take part in that and step forward for sure.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Yeah. Yeah. Me and Keith, we have lengthy conversations. They’re only supposed to be 20 minutes long and then they turn into a few hours, but this is one of the brain child ideas that came out of us sitting in your office. For sure.

KEITH SIMPSON: Certainly was. Absolutely. Yeah.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: So in regards to the community, Keith, like I’ve known you since 2002, so I was probably five or six at the time, but you’ve been here for a really long time. What brought you to Fort McMurray originally and what’s keeping you here?

KEITH SIMPSON: I mean, we, we moved to Fort McMurray in the mid seventies. I was just a little squirt at that point. And, when we moved here, my dad of course, went out to Syncrude. Like a majority of our parents did. My first goal was Clearwater school. Probably a lot of people don’t even remember old Clearwater school, but that’s, that dates me a little bit, I suspect. But moved here with my family. And I wasn’t born here. I was born on the military base in Edmonton. But I moved here with my mom and dad and pretty much, I’ve been here since. Fort McMurray certainly holds a special place in my heart. And, you know, I met my wife here and my son was born here and you know, we knew McMurray’s home.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Yeah. Yeah. And you’re extremely active in this community to say the least, especially when we’re talking about sports. So, let’s talk about your engagement. I know golf is a big thing and hockey is a big thing. So, let’s talk about those two things.

KEITH SIMPSON: Well, the golf. Several years ago, it’s been about 10 years now. I came up with an idea to get kids out of trouble, get kids off the street and get them involved in golf for a lot of different reasons. You know, learning etiquette and respect and things like that. So, I approached Rob McGregor down at the Miskanaw golf course back then. Rob’s no longer, no longer down there. But we hatched the idea to come up with the junior golf Academy. Since then, it’s been about 10 years now. We went literally from having 20 kids to having over a hundred kids. And we continue to look forward to doing that with the Miskanaw Golf with Jason and Chris. And all the boys down there to do such a wonderful job with the kids. Yeah.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: And then when it comes to hockey, I know you’re, you’re big into the hockey scenes. Let’s, let’s talk about that.

KEITH SIMPSON: You know, I played hockey growing up as well. My son played hockey here in Fort McMurray. I was always of the belief, you know, you have to give back, you know, somebody obviously coached me when I was a kid. So, I took it upon myself to do some coaching and, and get some certificates and things like that. And I’ve been involved with Fort McMurray, minor hockey now for about 20 years in a variety of different levels. You know, we, sponsor teams through the dealership. I’ve coached kids from house league hockey from Peewee all the way up to midget. And, in the last few years I’ve actually coached midget rep team as well, you know, with some really good guys here in Fort McMurray. Dan Hodgson, I’d give a shout out to Dan. Dan taught me a lot about the game, a lot about hockey, with Jarvis Peak was another one of the guys that I coached with. I’ve stepped back from that since then, just because it takes so much time. So, this is the first year I really haven’t coached at all. And then quite honestly, I kinda miss it, miss the kids, I miss the atmosphere and I have some wonderful memories over the years of, of coaching and being on the bus with the kids and meeting the parents. And it’s, it really hits home for me, you know, I can still walk through the mall downtown and all of a sudden, I have a 25 year-old grown adult that’s married with two kids that comes up and he’s like, “hey, coach, how you doing? Good to see ya.” So, so I, you know, I hope I’ve left an impression maybe on some people, you know, cause I certainly feel, that, I’ve made a connection with a lot of people over the years and I’ve met some wonderful, wonderful people, parents, kids the same. Oh it’s, it’s been a great experience for me.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Yeah, no doubt. And that’s a lot of, that’s a lot of engagement with the community, for sure. In regards to like in hockey and there’s so many kids in Fort Mac. Like hockey is a big thing here.

KEITH SIMPSON: Absolutely, absolutely. You know, I sat down years ago when, and you know, when I was working at Noral of course, trying to figure out what we’re going to do in the community. What we are going to do as a company and as a dealership, as well as myself individually. And I really decided to take the route of helping the kids. Because a lot of kids, do need some mentorship, you know. whether they’re single moms, single dads, or just, you know, somebody to, to cozy up to that authority figure. So, we decided to, like I said, do the junior golf Academy. Really throw ourself into the Fort McMurray, minor hockey association. We also do the McMurray marathon, which I know that you’re aware of. We also, got involved with a junior girls curling academy, you know. So, for me it’s about the kids, you know, mentoring, these kids, molding them, helping them get through, you know, any difficulties that they may have and making them better people inevitably.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Speaking of kids just cause you and me have a relationship, I kind of know things that the guest at home doesn’t. You and me are going down to the Boys and Girls Club, like right after this, basically. So, tell me about your ownership and relationship with the Boys and Girls Club.

KEITH SIMPSON: Yeah, and as you know, like, after the fire, I, excuse me, after the flood, there was a lot of hardship in McMurry and I really felt it necessary to reach out to somewhere we could make a difference in the community. And I believe you and I had a conversation about that and you introduced me to Michelle Farrell, who’s the director of the, Boys and Girls Club. And I met Michelle and I was absolutely taken back with what the Boys and Girls Club does, and represents, in our community. I really had no idea some of the hardships they were dealing with down there and things like that. So yeah, we’re going to go down and see Michelle and, we’re going to introduce, Fort McMurray to the new, Noral Toyota Boys and Girls Club Community Gymnasium. And quite frankly, I’m very excited about it. You know, there’s, there’s some kids that go down there that, don’t have everything, you know. Like I said, single moms, single dads, and this will be one place that these kids can go and, and they can run around and they can play and they can enjoy themselves. And of course, there’s going to be no cost to it whatsoever and, and give every kid the same opportunities, you know? I understand from Michelle and they have a couple of handicapped children down there as well, and this’ll be an awesome outlet for them once again, to go get some exercise and stay involved with, you know, all their kids and friends and buddies. And so, to be honest, I’m very, very excited about it.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Yeah. That’s awesome, that’s awesome. Now you’re a car guy, obviously.

KEITH SIMPSON: I am a car guy.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: So let’s talk a little bit about cars because I, I just bought a brand new vehicle from you guys a few months back, right. My third, I believe. A Toyota 4Runner and you kind of, it’s a game changer. I’ve never had them before. Winter tires.

KEITH SIMPSON: Well, we preach winter tires. Obviously, you know, safety is a big thing. We recommend people change their tires. Anytime it hits, you know, below seven degrees. As you know, you know, I spent a little bit of time talking you into winter tires. How do you feel about them? Like firsthand.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: They’re seriously, the best things I’ve ever had. Like growing up here in Fort McMurry, I’ve driven everything from cars to trucks, to 4Runners, everything, you guys basically, vans. I’ve actually crushed the van on the bridge. And I wish that van had winter tires. I’ve so I’m in my thirties, never had winter tires before it is a game changer.

KEITH SIMPSON: But as I recall, it was after that, hey, we put winter tires on the thing, your wife. Yeah,

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Yeah. That’s correct. Yeah. You gotta, you gotta listen, you gotta listen. So yeah. Winter tires on a vehicle need to happen. Yes. So, winter tires are one thing. Now I come down to Toyota and hang out for hours, but in regards to the dealership, its health, what do you have to say about the dealership? What makes you guys different from everybody else?

KEITH SIMPSON: You know, obviously we’re not the biggest dealership in town. I really, really do pride myself on my interaction with our customers. My door’s always open. My biggest problem is the majority of my customers are like you Elliott. They, they, they start off being customers and then they become friends. So, the majority of my day is spent chatting with our customers and not maybe necessarily getting as much work done as I’d like sometimes. But it’s, it’s, our reputation has preceded us because of that. We really pride ourself on our service and, and getting to know our customers and what their needs are and things like that. Maybe bigger isn’t better sometimes, you know? It’s really nice when I walk out in the service department, I know everybody that’s there and I can shake hands and hey, how you doing? How’s your family, that kind of good stuff. And, and that’s the way we like it. We like being close with our customers and being involved with them.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Sweet, sweet. Okay. Now I’m going to put you on the spot a little bit.

KEITH SIMPSON: Sure.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: For the people who’ve watched the other few episodes, you kind of know what’s happening. This is called the Mac City Minute where Tanner is going to rattle off a number of questions for you.

KEITH SIMPSON: Oh great.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: And so, you don’t know what the questions are, so just answer them as honestly as you can, but he’s gonna rattle off five quick questions for you and then whatever pops on to the top of your dome. Answer the questions. Tanner are you ready?

TANNER HADFIELD: Yeah. are you ready?

KEITH SIMPSON: We’ll give it a try.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Okay.

TANNER HADFIELD: All righty. Let’s get this going. Our first question today for you is, what is your favorite Sunday morning breakfast food.

KEITH SIMPSON: Bacon and eggs.

TANNER HADFIELD: Alrighty. Question number two. If you could go for a drive in any place, where would you go and what would you drive?

KEITH SIMPSON: Probably Southern BC in the mountains and in my ‘67 Mustang.

TANNER HADFIELD: Good choice. What is your go-to jammin song?

KEITH SIMPSON: Pretty much any 80’s, 70’s metal song, really. To be honest. We’re old school.

TANNER HADFIELD: Rock out. Where do you think has the best poutine in the city?

KEITH SIMPSON: Couldn’t tell you, really.

TANNER HADFIELD: Fair enough. And what’s your best memory from working at your business?

KEITH SIMPSON: Oh my God. I don’t even know if I could pick one. I have so many fond memories and, I ha, like I said before, I’d met so many good people. I can’t necessarily pick one out. I mean, I would like to think the people of Fort McMurray that come to the dealership and buy cars and it’s my privilege to meet them and it’s my privilege to get to know them. So, I think that would be my biggest thing is, is all the once again, wonderful people that have allowed me to get to know them through the business.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: There you go. Sweet. All right. So, there’s a lot of car guys in this community. You just nailed down a car that you would like to drive. Let’s talk about your classic car.

KEITH SIMPSON: My, my old beater.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Let’s talk about it.

KEITH SIMPSON: So, as some of my friends know, I have, I’ve had several muscle cars and classic cars over the years, and, and I do have one that’s, kind of old close to my heart. I have a 1967 Shelby GT 500, Eleanor. So, where anybody that’s watched gone in 60 seconds with Mr. Nicholas Cage, that became my iconic car that I had to have. And, you know, my dad had a Mustang when I was a little kid. I remember, you know, running around the yard three years old, my dad had this super cool Mustang, and I thought he was the coolest guy on the planet. And then I seen the Eleanor and I had to have one.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: Nice.

KEITH SIMPSON: So yes, I have a 67 Eleanor in my garage.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: If anybody sees that car cruising around Fort McMurray, they know who the owner is now.

KEITH SIMPSON: Oh, you bet.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: All right, Keith. Well, thank you very much for coming today. I really do appreciate it before we sign out, though, this is the time of the show where I know most of my guests don’t want to, but they have to do it. Nonetheless, this is an opportunity to plug your business. It’s not just an opportunity for me and you to chat as per usual. So, let’s hear about Noral what you guys are all about, where you’re located, how people can find you.

KEITH SIMPSON: Yeah. So, at Noral Toyota, obviously we’ve been in the community, since 1983, in a variety of different locations. Currently, we’re located downtown between Earls and Boston pizza, right on highway 63. Like I said, we’re a fairly small store, but we definitely pay attention to details. Customer service is a priority. And like I said, I would, anybody that wants to come down and have a coffee and have a chat, of course, no strings attached. You don’t have to buy a car, it’d be, it’d be my pleasure to meet you. I’d be glad to see you.

ELLIOTT PIERRE: There we go. Perfect. All right, Fort McMurray, thank you very much for tuning in again. Once again, I really truly, thank you for the support that we’ve had so far. It means the world to me, have a great day, and we’ll see you tomorrow. Peace.