Harvey Sanghera

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

by Burke Campbell 

Published in the Financial Post

 Nov 10, 2008

Harvey Sanghera is president and founder of Empire One ( www.empireone.ca ). The Vancouver-based car club offers its members the opportunity to drive elite automobiles. Harvey Sanghera tells the Financial Post what motivated him to become an entrepreneur.

A new life: “In England , I worked in the housing market. Craving adventure, I moved to Vancouver . On a recent anniversary, while dining out with my wife, I asked her what kind of present she’d like and she suggested, ‘Since I love to cook, why not buy me this restaurant?’ so I did!”

Unique business: “I wanted my own business, too. In Canada , car clubs are rare, so I opened Empire One, offering Bentley, Jaguar, Porsche, Maserati, Ferrari, and Lamborghini—the world’s finest.”

Perfection on wheels: “The customer pays $7,500 for membership and then $33,000 per year, with a formula for time-sharing. Most members average 55 to 70 days driving per year. Our service appeals to executives, entrepreneurs, really anyone who loves driving and being seen in these elite cars but doesn’t want the expense and burden of ownership.”

Way it works: “We set up a meeting, usually at the applicant’s home. If he or she qualifies, the new member selects the car and we deliver it.”

Emotional: “After a drive, one customer got out of the car and hugged me. I love making someone that happy.”

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