Rob Steele of Steele Auto Group and Newfoundland Capital Corporation named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 Atlantic winner

Nova Scotia entrepreneur turns automotive passion into business success

HALIFAX, Oct. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Rob Steele, Chief Executive Officer of Steele Auto Group, the largest and most diversified group of automobile dealerships in Atlantic Canada, and Newfoundland Capital Corporation, one of Canada's leading radio broadcasters, is this year's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 Atlantic winner.

"With a passion for the automotive industry, Rob purchased his first dealership nearly 30 years ago, where he began to build the relationships and business acumen that would set him up for long-term success," says Gina Kinsman, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Atlantic Program Director. "Fast forward and now Steele Auto Group operates 34 dealerships, 27 brands and has an employee base of more than 1,500 people across Atlantic Canada."

This entrepreneurial experience prepared him to take on the role of President and CEO of Newfoundland Capital Corporation in 2002 and Chairman in 2018. Under Rob's leadership, the business grew from 8 broadcast licenses in 2002 to more than 100 licenses today. Reaching millions of listeners each week, Rob sets the tone and culture of the organization and is the driving force behind its growth, innovative programming and successful operational model in each market across the county.

"Leading one successful company — let alone two — is an amazing accomplishment," says Kinsman. "Rob credits much of his success to having strong teams with skilled people in the right roles — a winning combination that's proven there's no limit to what's achievable."

Rob is also a strong believer in giving back to the community. Named Outstanding Individual Philanthropist of the Year in 2014 by the NS Association of Fundraising Professionals, he is involved in numerous charities, including the Alzheimer's Society, the Mental Health Foundation, Family SOS, Daffodil House, Feed NS and the Arthritis Society, to name a few. He is also involved in and supports various community efforts, including Junior Achievement of NS and the ECMAs.

What's next?
As the Atlantic region's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018, Rob will compete with the top entrepreneurs from the Pacific, Prairies, Ontario and Québec regions for the national honour of Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018, to be presented at a gala celebration on 29 November 2018 in Toronto. In June 2019, Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 will move to the world stage to compete with more than 50 country winners for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

More information
Follow @EYCanada and #EOYAtlantic on Twitter for the latest event updates.

Visit ey.com/ca/EOY for more program details and a complete list of category finalists and gala dates in the regions.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 Atlantic category award recipients:

Automotive and Transportation
Steele Auto Group and Newfoundland Capital Corporation | Halifax
Rob Steele

Business-to-Business
Lindsay Construction | Dartmouth
Cory Bell

Consumer Products & Retail
ORB™ | Halifax
Steven Kay

Emerging Entrepreneur
Klozet Clothing Boutique Inc. | Moncton
Janique Brun

Health & Life Sciences
Somru BioScience Inc. | Charlottetown
Mohammed Moin

Professional Services
Cloudkettle Inc. | Halifax
Gregory Poirier

Sustainable Business
Mallard Cottage Inc. | St. John's
Kim Doyle, Stephen Lee, Todd Perrin

Technology
F6 Networks Inc. | Beardsley
Gary Keenan

Special Citation – Family business
A. Harvey & Company Limited | St. John's
John, Robert and Susan Patten

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/EOY

The 2018 Atlantic independent judging panel consists of Ed Barrett, President, Barrett Corporation; Nora Duke, Executive Vice President, Fortis Group; Robyn Eddy, President, Eddy Group Ltd.; Douglas Hall, Director, Pattern Energy Group Inc.; Toon Nagtegaal, Founder & Owner, THENEXTPHASE; and Kent Scales, CEO, Scales Group of Companies .

This year's program national sponsors are Ici RDI, The TMX Group, The Globe and Mail Inc., Merrill Corporation, Kira Talent, Air Canada, The Printing House Limited and Media One Creative. Atlantic regional sponsors are Atlantic Business Magazine and McInnes Cooper.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.

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SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)

Sarah Shields, [email protected], [phone]; Victoria McQueen, [email protected], [phone]; Camille Larivière, [email protected], [phone]

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