Dan Matthews

(B.Comm.(Co-op.)’08)
President
Matthews Motors

Dan Matthews is a St. John’s, N.L. native and a second-generation leader in the automotive industry.

He’s an alumnus of Gonzaga High School and holds a bachelor of commerce (co-operative) degree from Memorial University, graduating as a member of the Dean’s List. Further, Dan holds an automotive service technician diploma from the College of the North Atlantic. 

Since joining the family business in 2009, Mr. Matthews has been part of the growth and evolution of Matthews Motors. Over that time, the organization has expanded from approximately 40 employees and 400 vehicles sold annually to roughly 130 employees and more than 2,000 vehicles sold each year. 

Mr. Matthews is the owner and operator of several businesses including Volkswagen St. John’s, Audi St. John’s, Bodyworks Collision & Glass, and Middle Ridge Outfitters. The organization’s performance has been recognized at a national level, including Audi St. John’s being a three-time recipient of the Audi Vorsprung Performance Award and Volkswagen St. John’s earning recognition through the prestigious Wolfsburg Crest Club, awarded to top-performing dealerships across Canada. 

Currently, Mr. Matthews is chair of the Volkswagen (VW) Canada National Dealer Advisory Council, representing VW dealers nationwide.

He attributes his opportunity in business to his parents, Carol and Bill Matthews, credits Memorial University with providing the foundation of his business knowledge, and recognizes the organization’s success as a reflection of the exceptional people he has the privilege of working alongside. 

Most importantly for Mr. Matthews is his largest form of motivation: his biggest supporter and amazing partner in life, Katie Wadden, and their two engine obsessed children, Jacob and Sammy Matthews.