Kap Dilawri

Born in India, Kap Dilawri immigrated to Canada with his family when he was just six months old. Raised in Ottawa, Kap’s upbringing was shaped by his parents’ work ethic, determination and grit. His father, a trained mechanic, worked as a gas station attendant, while his mother dedicated herself to raising Kap and his two brothers, Tony and Ajay. The immigrant experience deeply influenced Kap’s early years, as his parents instilled in their children the values of hard work, resilience, and the drive to build a better future.

“As immigrant parents, they always want you to do more. They want you to do better. They keep wanting to push you, and I think that’s what we took back—hard work and always striving to be the best.”

Kap and his brothers were raised in a tight-knit family where education was highly valued. While school was important, their entrepreneurial spirit shone through from a young age. Drawn to the world of business, the brothers shared one common goal: to build something of their own. This strong bond has been essential in the growth of their family business, which started from humble beginnings but has since achieved outstanding growth, becoming the largest automotive dealership group in Canada. Despite facing financial hardships during the economic downturn of the 1980s—when high interest rates hit their father’s business hard—the Dilawri brothers pushed forward and honed their business skills.

CAREER

In the 1980s, having had a keen interest in the automotive industry and being driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Kap, along with his brothers, were made aware of an opportunity in Regina, Saskatchewan with Honda. Although they had never been to Regina, the Dilawris were compelled by the opportunity to start their own business by purchasing a dealership with a service station and a two-car showroom, marking the birth of the Dilawri Group of Companies. From that single dealership, Kap and his brothers dedicated themselves to growing the business.

Kap reflected on the early days, noting, “I think we were very happy having one dealership, but nobody told us we couldn’t be the biggest. So, we thought, okay, let’s just do it.”

Today, the Group boasts extraordinary growth, selling around 75,000 vehicles annually and servicing approximately 800,000 customers. However, the road to success had its share of obstacles. Like many businesses, the Dilawri Group faced significant challenges over the years. The economic struggles, especially those of the 1980s, taught the brothers valuable lessons.

As Kap pointed out, "When adversity strikes, you truly find out who you are.".

One of the most challenging moments in their business came during the 2008 financial crisis, a time when many companies were failing. But Kap’s younger brother, Ajay, proposed an unconventional solution: expansion. The brothers took a bold step, using reserve funds to expand into real estate and the Vancouver market, despite the lack of available credit.

Looking back, Kap said, “It felt like it was all or nothing.”

Kap’s leadership has been central to the company’s success. He is defined by his strategic thinking and ability to adapt to change while positioning the company for future growth. He emphasizes integrity, passion, and a commitment to fostering talent within the organization. He takes great pride in the fact that many employees have been with the company for decades, with some rising from entry-level positions to senior management roles.

Reflecting on his approach, Kap explained, “I like to figure out things strategically, understand where we’re heading, and try to make sure that we are bulletproof when we get there. We have over 4,000 employees, and a lot of them have grown through different positions. We have people who started washing cars with us who are now running dealerships.”

His leadership is rooted in the belief that hard work and dedication should be rewarded. He derives great satisfaction from watching long-term employees achieve success within the company.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

For Kap, success goes beyond growing a business; it’s also about giving back to the community. The Dilawri Foundation, which he and his brothers founded, has donated tens of millions to community initiatives, including libraries, hospitals, and programs for underprivileged children. Kap believes that the success of the Dilawri Group is closely tied to the communities they serve, and he is passionate about making a positive impact. Through partnerships with organizations like the Shania Kids Can program, the Dilawri Foundation continues to support children and families in need across Canada.

“The communities have always supported us, so it’s important for us to give back,” Kap says.

Kap Dilawri’s journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and a deep commitment to family and community. He credits much of his success to the opportunities that Canada provided, saying, “Canada gave my family a unique opportunity to succeed. If you work hard, opportunities are abundant, but you have to seize them and work hard.”

From humble beginnings to leading one of Canada’s largest automotive groups, Kap has consistently demonstrated resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence, key values of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada. His story is not just one of business success but also of giving back to the communities that have supported him. Kap’s leadership and generosity have left a lasting impact, continuing to inspire many today.