The possible dream
Elizabeth Korzycki is a rising star in the auto dealer ranks

Picture this: Your country is in the midst of total political chaos. You decide to emigrate. After leaving your home behind, you arrive in a distant country across the ocean, unable to speak the language. And less than two decades later you're the dealer principal of a prosperous car outlet.

It sounds like the Canadian dream. While it's not uncommon for new Canadians to prosper in the car business, the ascent has been meteoric for Elizabeth Korzycki, the president of Future Hyundai in the exploding 401/Dixie Auto Mall.

In 1981, Poland was undergoing an upheaval that eventually changed the world. Solidarity was in its formative stages; you can imagine what the climate was. For a family that wanted to escape from political and social turmoil, emigration was the answer. Korzycki applied to Australia first (Canada and Down Under were her choices as 'safe' countries), but in the end chose Canada and headed for the Great White land of opportunity.

Arriving in this country with their nine-year-old son but no English sent Korzycki and her husband to ESL classes and the library. Books have always been a passion for her and time spent in the library afforded Korzycki an opportunity to learn the language as well as read some inspiring words.

It was 1982 when Korzycki began a series of typical newcomer jobs - waitressing and the like. She recalls a customer asking for an ashtray and going into the kitchen to pick it up - was it a popular Canadian snack?

After two years of job frustration, she joined Royal LePage, heading in the sales/customer direction. Real estate wasn't quite the right solution but a subsequent job opportunity led to a sales position at Cooksville Dodge Chrysler. And what a fit that was.

Korzycki was a natural at sales and customer relations, becoming the company's ace sales person, then business manager after just a year. She continued to read and upgrade her business skills, learning the powers of accounting as well as positive thinking.

In 1997 the combination of learning, thinking aggressively and what she perceived to be the last chance to obtain a Hyundai dealership before the brand's franchise rose to be unaffordable, led Korzycki to take the big plunge. There had been other attempts to situate a Hyundai dealer in the 401/Dixie Auto Mall and obstacles to overcome, but she was determined to make it happen.

For Korzycki, the process was just beginning. She read even more ferociously, learning about employee motivation, customer mentality and the sales process. "I love books and learning. It is a hobby and a passion with me."

She learned about business management, dealing with banks and all the other multitask efforts required. "If you believe you can do it, that is the first step," she contends, showing a well worn and doodled copy of a motivational book she consults.

In fact, it's clear that Korzycki's success is based on a great deal more than wishes and dreams. She has found the mix of cars, business and employee motivation to suit her personality and acquired skills. Her son Roland helps with the day-to-day business in his role as general manager, the sales staff is motivated and successful, and the store has a solid family feel.

The evolution from newcomer "just off the boat" to successful member of the business and auto community is developing quite nicely. Korzycki quarterbacks the store, continues to read voraciously and continues to move up the Hyundai ranks. It's the realization of an opportunity that keeps the Canadian dream alive.