Greg Stone

Greg Stone began his automotive career in the early 1960’s having graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce, before moving on to Western University in London, to take his graduate MBA. (in 1 year). His career began in store operations, running a UAP store in Sarnia, Ontario, before rising through the ranks to Vice President for UAP, and helping to develop the first traditional WD operations, called CAWL.

In the late 1970’s work life would take him on another journey, as he began a 25+ year career as President of McKerlie-Millen. It was during those years, that McKerlie’s continued expansion throughout the Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic markets, rising to become a dominant player in “rural” Canada. During this time Greg referred to himself as the “Muffler salesman”. Greg also oversaw the successful sale of Mckerlie to Acklands in the late 1990’s, and later the sale of the combined Acklands/McKerlie automotive holdings to Temple Sloan Jr and the team from CARQUEST. 

The last chapters of Greg’s automotive career were written as part of Painters Supply + Equipment in Michigan, where he served as Chairman of the Board, working with Chet Taurence, and Don Hannah, to expand and redevelop the Paint Supply business throughout the Mid-West region of the USA. Greg and the team oversaw a rapid expansion of the collision supply chain business, making many acquisitions in the 2000’s and propelling Painters Supply to the regional powerhouse it remains today.

His distinguished automotive career only tells a partial part of the life he has led. A dedicated family man, he always had time for his wife of 60+ years Shirley;  their 4 children, and the events of their lives. His active lifestyle has always been the envy of many, and it continues with his love of playing tennis, which he still plays several times per week.

His proudest sports accomplishments include the following:

• Starting centre for OUA National Men’s Basketball Championship for Queen’s University in 1956-57
• Starting centre and top scorer for OUA National Men’s Basketball Championship for Western University in 1959-60
• 4-time Ontario Racquetball Champion winning the over 45 events, the over 50 event;  and twice winning the over 60 event.
• At age 65, Greg won both the Older Men’s doubles and the Open Men’s doubles tennis championship at the London Hunt Club (no one has done that before, or since)

Greg was a founding member of the Shads R+R for Muscular Dystrophy, and served as its chairman for many years, helping raise over $5m for those less privileged.

“His Success came through effort and common sense”

“He has never let the facts ruin a good story- a trait he has passed on to his children”