Sarah Voigt-Austin, shown here with her father Jim Voigt, has taken over ownership of the seven-decade-old Columbia Auto Group in Ontario’s Kitchener-Waterloo community.

Columbia Auto Group, a long-standing pillar of the Kitchener-Waterloo automotive community, has entered a new chapter with Sarah Voigt-Austin stepping in as owner.

The move marks the fourth generation of Voigt family leadership for the business, which first opened its doors in 1954 and has spent more than seven decades earning the trust of local drivers.

Voigt-Austin’s path back to the family business comes with deep industry credentials.

Before returning to Columbia Auto Group, she held senior roles within NAPA Canada’s corporate operations, building expertise in equipment, marketing, store support, and national programs. That experience now informs her approach to leading a growing, multi-location independent service operation.

“It’s a great honour to carry forward a legacy that my family has built over seven decades,” said Voigt-Austin, Owner and General Manager. “Our focus remains the same—integrity, quality service, and taking care of the people who trust us with their vehicles. I’m excited to continue expanding our capabilities for the Waterloo community.”

Columbia Auto Group now operates three Waterloo locations—its longtime main shop on Columbia St. W., as well as the Phillip St. and Lexington Court facilities added in 2022. The business employs 28 staff and offers full-service diagnostics, mechanical repair, maintenance, and light detailing.

Notably, Columbia Auto Group stands out as an independent EV-Certified repair facility, a distinction that positions the shop well as electrified vehicles become a more common part of daily traffic.

Voigt-Austin’s leadership also underscores the growing presence of women driving change in the aftermarket. While maintaining the company’s traditional values, she brings a forward-looking approach focused on technology adoption, talent development, and local community engagement—qualities that continue to define Columbia Auto Group’s reputation in the region.

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