Meet the team - a Q+A with Ali Ushak
As much as ABE is all about the care, customization and protection of vehicles, none of this would be possible without the help, support and leadership of a solid team. So on that note, we thought it was high time we put some faces to names and introduce some of the key members of said team. After all, isn’t it nice to know exactly who is looking after your baby?!
First up on the list is our fearless leader… although he doesn’t exactly embrace the title. Meet, Ali Ushak!
Ali formed a thick skin while growing up in Hamilton, where he later attended McMaster University. It was there that he majored in accounting and earned his Hons BCom. After graduating, he worked in finance for a developer but it was during the summer of 2010 in the company program that he found his true passion. With a desire to do something different and avoid the traditional 9-5, together with his girlfriend (now wife) Ali decided to merge his passion for cars with a business idea and started ABE. Together Ali & Natalie learned from their mistakes (like completing a 6-hour detail for $110) and celebrated several firsts and achievements such as introducing mobile detailing and offering ceramic coatings at the dealership level.
Today, we learn a little bit more about Ali and all his quirks in a brief Q + A…
What’s your official title and position at ABE?
I don’t love titles because we are so close as a team but I guess if we had to a label on it, I’m the CEO. My role is to set the overall direction of the company while working on our growth and diversification plans.
What do you love the most about working at ABE?
It’s hard to say! I mean I’ve been doing it for so long. I love it all; the clients, the cars, and my team. Interacting with a wide variety of clients has to be my absolute favourite part of each day. We do business with celebrities, CEOs, and everything in between. It’s nice hearing about different takes on life. The cars are just something else! We are so so so lucky to be working on the cars that come through here. To be around them every day and work with them intimately is something I really enjoy. Lastly, I have the best team and I’m thrilled to be helping to create the next generation of entrepreneurs and make a difference in their lives. Ultimately, it’s a combination of these things + savouring clients’ reactions to our work that make all the crazy hours and stress worthwhile!
What’s your current ride?
I’m currently in a transition. I had the S Class coupe, which was amazing. We lowered it, applied a full-body matte PPF, painted all the chrome gloss black, and installed Vossen wheels. The market was super hot so I decided to part ways with the car (I was essentially driving the car for free for 2 years). I then went into a Tacoma, which was also modified with aftermarket wheels and tires, we installed a levelling kit, and added minimal appearance items like changing the grill, HID lights, etc. The truck is for the winter, I want something cool for the summer. GT3? 458? Not 100% sure but looking for a good buy. I’m patient and hoping prices will level off, which they already have.
What’s your dream vehicle?
When it comes to “dream cars” my preferences are a little offbeat and I tend to be all over the map. I like classics… everything from collectible Mercedes to American muscle cars or Ferraris. I would say my top favourite brands would be Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes. I’m 32 and now find I’m leaning towards older cars more and more. I find every car now is super fast and they’re all becoming increasingly similar to each other. For that reason, I find older cars refreshing. They have a little more character, less technology, and tend to be more enjoyable to drive. In terms of classics, the 300 SL is at the top of the list. I’ve experienced this car a few times and it’s incredible. In terms of more recent vehicle models, I would have to go with a LaFerrari. The lines on the car are beautiful but more importantly, it’s the perfect blend of electric and V12.
Music or Podcasts?
A bit of both, depending on the mood! My days are so filled that music is a faster way to turn off business mode. If I’m driving to work on a Saturday, podcasts are a chill way to start the day.
What are you listening to?
Weirdly enough I love country! As a Persian boy, it’s not usually #1 on the list. I love a little Luke Combs on a Friday night to set the mood. Conversely, I also love 90’s hip hop. I feel like most of the music I listen to depends on the car I’m driving. A lot of it depends also on what’s next on my schedule, for example, I’ll switch on the Chill channel in the background if I’m in the zone working away.
Dream road trip?
European delivery and then drive through Germany and make my way to Italy or even Spain! This is something that is definitely high on my bucket list.
Favourite drive-through?
In Canada, Wendy’s. In the US, In-N-Out.
What’s in your glove box?
I’m a minimalist when it comes to my glovebox! I have my insurance, ownership and microfibre towels. That’s it!
In the summer do you blast the AC or like the wind in your hair?
AC all day! Unless it’s a 300SL, which I had the privilege of driving a couple of times and it has no AC.
Early morning drives or night rider?
Both! I hate traffic and try to avoid it and the herd mentality at all cost. If I had to pick though, it would be early morning.
Bumper stickers or accessories hanging from the rearview mirror?
No way! I’m way too OCD for that haha