Campbell River is going through some tough economic times, but the new owners of the Nissan dealership see plenty of opportunity right now as well as the potential for future growth in the city.
“I think Campbell River is getting ready to rock,” says Jens Nielsen, one of the co-owners of Harris Nissan North Island. “There’s the big BC Hydro project coming, the new hospital and we have big box stores – there’s a lot of opportunity.”
Nielsen and Jim Graham are the two local co-owners of the dealership who have partnered with Nanaimo-based Tom Harris Group. The other co-owners are Tom Harris and Mike Harris, who bought the dealership from well-known Campbell River businessman Barrie Brown.
“I’ve known Tom Harris for 25 years…their Group is growing rapidly,” says Nielsen. “They bring a lot of business experience and support for this new endeavour.”
As well, Graham points out, they can assist customers looking for brands other than Nissan, as the Harris Group also sells Mazda, KIA and Mitsubishi vehicles.
But their “bread and butter,” notes Nielsen, is Nissan.
“Nissan has some great products, especially their trucks and SUVs which are perfectly suited for this market,” he says.
Nielsen was raised in the Yukon where his father ran a Chrysler dealership. In Campbell River, he was the sales manager at Steve Marshall Ford and most recently was the general manager at Coastline Mazda.
Graham hails from Mission and spent two decades working with Brian McLean Chevrolet, Buick and GMC. He was the parts manager at the Courtenay dealership and most recently the general manager at Tyee Chevrolet Oldsmobile in Campbell River.
“Jim and I have complimentary skills,” says Nielsen. “We both have a lot of experience.”
The two dealers are excited about their opportunity and the chance to be part of a vibrant community.
“I can’t think of a better place to be in than Campbell River…I’m all in!” says Nielsen.
