DANIEL ALEXANDER MAC DONALD
ISLAND ENTREPRENEUR & LEADER IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY
D. Alex MacDonald was born March 3, 1927 in Travellers Rest PEI. A young
entrepreneur, with a passion for cars, he established a used car business in 1957
and 4 years later in 1961 he received the Ford Franchise.
The business started with 4 employees and has grown to upwards of 100
employees and 64 Million in sales. Many of the employees have been with the
business in excess of 20 years.
The dealership which bears his name “D. Alex MacDonald Ltd”, celebrated 50
years in business in 2008!
The business has remained in the MacDonald family, with seven of D. Alex and his wife Kathleen’s eleven children working at the dealership. Today three of his grandsons are also working at one of the dealerships which now include:
D. Alex MacDonald Ltd., and Hyundai in Summerside, Fair Isle
Ford in Charlottetown and MontaguePEI.
D. Alex has retired officially, his love of selling cars and dealing with customers has not waned and he can be seen most days at the dealership helping wherever he is needed. He has built a very strong personal brand over the course of his years in the business; something that by today’s advertising and marketing standards, stands to seriously envied.
A member of his family stated, our father knew what “work life balance” was before it became vogue. He is known as a generous family man and as noted above, he and his wife Kathleen raised eleven children together. They traveled extensively, and were avid award winning curlers. In 2007 they were inducted into the PEI Curling Hall of Fame for their outstanding contribution to the sport of curling. They passed on their love of the sport to their children, who have followed their lead to the “winners circle”!
In addition to a successful business career D. Alex has been an active member of
his community.
His community and charitable involvements are many and include:
PrinceCountyHospital Foundation
Councillor for the City of Summerside
D. Alex MacDonald profile continued……………
______
Prince County Horseman’s Club
Summerside School Board
Prince County Family Service Bureau
Past President of the PEI Auto Dealers Assoc.
Co-chair of the Fund Raising for the Silver Fox and Yacht Club
Board member of the Silver Fox and Yacht Club
Long time parishioner and supporter of St. Paul’s Catholic Church
The Knights of Columbus and the Summerside Legion
Awards include:
Time Magazine “Dealer Award” in 1977
Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal Award for Community Service 2002
PEI Curling Hall of Fame in 2007
Summerside Chamber of Commerce Life Member Award - 2011
It is with great respect and pleasure we welcome this outstanding business man and community benefactor as a member of the JA PEI Business Hall of Fame!