A passion for cars leads to lifelong friendship – and sharing the stage at convocation

Sergio De Cubellis and Maddy Winter met on the first day of class in their Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Automotive Management) degree program at the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) and quickly became best friends. Fast forward four years later and the two were thrilled to give the valedictorian address at the ABSC convocation in Fall 2018. This was the first time ABSC had two valedictorians at convocation, but both Maddy and Sergio were nominated so Georgian decided to let them give the address together.

The two have been travelling since finishing school but we were able to catch up with them via email. Maddy is from Bolton, Ontario, and Sergio’s home town is Duvernay, Laval, Québec. We asked them a series of questions, and neither will see the other’s answers until they read this story.

Tell me a bit about your background.

Sergio: I’m of Italian heritage and grew up playing soccer and hockey. I have an older brother with whom I’m very close. Although born and raised in Québec, my first language is English.

Maddy: Growing up I played competitive hockey, which I continued throughout my years at Georgian. I also really love to travel and I’m a foodie! Throughout high school, I gravitated toward the business and trades courses more so than the maths and sciences. I’m definitely a hands-on learner!

What made you decide to come to the ABSC?

Sergio: My entire family works in the automotive sector, so I was easily drawn to it. A family friend recommended the school because he was already a student and I was eager to learn about something I had a passion for.

Maddy: I was more into the business and trades courses in high school. My favourite, and most successful course, was auto shop class. I took it four times during high school. Originally, I think my plans were geared toward becoming an automotive technician, but I’m a girly-girl at heart so I didn’t want my hair and nails to get dirty every day. Since I was taking mostly business and shop courses, I simply Googled “automotive business” and the ABSC popped up. I haven’t looked back since.

Have you always had an interest in cars?

Sergio: Yearly auto shows, going to work with my parents, watching Formula 1 with my dad and playing Need For Speed on my PC is what got me into cars from a young age.

Maddy: I’ve always had an appreciation for cars; that stems from my grandfather who’s a German luxury vehicle fanatic, so we’ve always shared an appreciation for a nice car. I would have to say I became more interested in cars as my program progressed. Now, all I talk about is cars!

How did you become such good friends?

Sergio: We were in the same class from day one.

Maddy: Sergio and I were in the same class, in the same year, from the beginning of our postsecondary careers. So, we would’ve met on the first day of school. With the small ABSC class sizes you become close with people very quickly. I’m not sure if there was one certain event that made us as close as we are, but by second year we had become good friends.

What drew you together, besides your shared interest in cars?

Sergio: We’re both similar in that we love to have fun, but we also know when to buckle down and concentrate on school work; we’re often on the same page.

Maddy: I’m someone who holds myself to a very high academic standard and I immediately recognized that Sergio had the same mentality.  I think that helped draw us closer. Not only could I interact with him on a social level, but I respected his input and knowledge on an intellectual level as well.

What advice or words of wisdom did you include in your valedictorian address?

Sergio: Education is not a race to the finish or a competition. It’s about collectively succeeding by growing and learning together.

Maddy: Really try and enjoy the time spent with your peers, in school and out of school. I think we sometimes take our time away at school for granted, but before you know it, it’s over. We’ve had such an amazing time and are really grateful for all we’ve learned and the relationships we’ve formed. We really just want to thank everyone.

What’s your favourite thing about each other?

Sergio: We can make each other smile no matter what.

Maddy: Sergio is one of the most kind-hearted and talented people you will ever meet. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, and it’s incredible to have a friend like that. You can always count on Sergio, no matter what time or day – he’s always there for his friends. I truly admire him.

What’s one word you would use to describe each other?

Sergio: Group mom. Wait – that’s two words!

Maddy: Genuine.

What would you say is the biggest difference between the two of you?

Sergio: I thought I was organized until I met Maddy. Let’s put it this way: Maddy’s post-grad vacation itinerary was over 100 pages long, while mine was the flight confirmation email.

Maddy: Sergio is a bit more forward than I am. If he wants something or questions something, he’ll just do it, which I think is great. He’s very good at seizing the moment, which motivates me to do so as well. I often hold back and overthink things and he’s very good at pushing me outside my comfort zone.

What are some of your favourite memories from Georgian together?

Sergio: That time we were roommates for a month during exam period. That definitely brought us even closer as friends.

Maddy: Where do I start?! Every time we stepped into class, it was like hanging out with your best friend. We made a point to go for lunch and hang out at each other’s house often. It was so convenient to have your closest friends all in one place. The ABSC students also run the Georgian College Auto Show every year. It’s always something all automotive students look forward to. Sergio and I actually had an opportunity to go to Halifax with the ABSC Executive Director, Jason Dale, and Joe Lauzon, the ASBSC Marketing Officer, for a conference. That was one of the highlights of my time at school. It was a great learning experience and a lot of fun!

What makes a friendship work?

Sergio: Friendship is all about give and take. No one is perfect, not even yourself. But as long as you play off each other’s strengths and minimize each other’s weaknesses, you’re on the right track for a strong and lifelong friendship.

Maddy: Common interests help in making a strong foundation for a friendship, but effort on both ends is key. We wanted to be friends and spend time together, so we did.

You’re living in different provinces now, so do you think it will be difficult to stay in touch?

Sergio: We definitely won’t be seeing each other as often as we have in the last four years, but I’m sure I’ll be in Ontario often enough, and she can bet she’s getting a phone call as soon as I cross the border.

Maddy: I don’t doubt we’ll keep in touch. With social media, it’s impossible not to stay connected. We’ve also discussed plans for having a dinner or a get together at least once a year with all of our friends to really get caught up. I think the friends we made at ABSC are friends for life, and keeping in touch won’t be a problem.

Where are you working now and what are you doing in your current position?

Sergio: I’ll be working with my family at Jaguar Land Rover Laval. I’ve been travelling abroad since finishing school so it’s not 100 per cent confirmed, but my position will most probably be fixed operations related.

Maddy: I’m employed full-time at Pfaff Audi in Vaughan as a junior service consultant. I work in the service department, helping with customer service concerns and dealing with appointments. I also assist our the extended warranty and coverage companies we deal with in service.

Where do you see yourself going in the automotive field – what are your career aspirations?

Sergio: I see myself continuously striving to improve and expand the family business. My ultimate goal is to begin importing niche European cars into the country, as I have a passion for classic vehicles.

Maddy: I would love to be in a management position some day, maybe at the dealership level or even at a head office. I really have a love for the service and fixed-ops end of the industry so I see myself sticking with that.

Would you recommend your program to potential students?

Sergio: Yes for sure! There’s a shortage of qualified and passionate young professionals in the automotive industry. Completing this program makes us graduates highly sought after. In addition, these past four years have been the most fun and exciting years of my life, and I made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Maddy: One hundred per cent, yes. Attending Georgian has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I learned so much and met the most amazing people in the process, not to mention that my co-ops actually led to full-time employment after graduating.

Did you have a favourite co-op experience and why was it meaningful?

Sergio: My favourite co-op experience was selling Minis at MINI Georgian. It was my first-ever sales experience, and I’m very grateful that my managers Nathan and Gilbert gave me the opportunity to do so. I learned a lot in a very short period of time.

Maddy: All my co-op experiences were with the same company, Pfaff. I really enjoyed my co-ops with them, which is why I stayed with Pfaff all four years. They gave me the opportunity to learn hands-on and I was able to work my way up each time I went back, so I could learn something new every co-op term. I’m very excited to be working for them full-time now, and I hope to continue to learn.

What advice would you give a current student aspiring to a similar path?

Sergio: Don’t forget to stop, take a deep breath and take it all in, because it’s going to pass much faster than you think.

Maddy: Put yourself out there, volunteer for events and participate in as many things as you can. Learn from your co-ops, show you care and that you want to progress and you’ll be given the opportunity to do so. Be involved in the school and with your employer. This school has a great reputation in the industry so be proud of your education.

What’s your dream car?

Sergio: A Series 1 or 2 Jaguar E-Type with the 4.2L straight-6. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it.

Maddy: Porsche 911R! It’s one of the most beautiful vehicles ever created.