Trailblazer Spotlight: Cohen Thompson, Used Inventory Coordinator

Finding His Path at Downtown Toyota

Cohen first joined Downtown Toyota as a member of our parts warehouse team, but his ambition and work ethic quickly propelled him across the business. After proving himself on the service parts counter for nearly nine months, he started helping out on Saturdays with the used car sales team. His dedication didn’t go unnoticed—after a few weekends of overtime, he was offered a full-time role ensuring used inventory is showroom-ready and the yard is optimally organised.

In his new role as Used Inventory Coordinator, Cohen ensures that every pre-owned vehicle is presented at its best. He takes photos for the website, preps vehicles for delivery, and organises the yard to keep things running smoothly. With ongoing renovations, his ability to problem-solve, strategise, and adapt has made a visible impact.

“Before my role existed, keeping the yard in order was a constant challenge. Now, I make sure everything runs smoother—not just for our team, but for customers too.”

The Mental Game: Staying Busy & Focused

For Cohen, staying busy isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s a personal philosophy.

“If I don’t have something to do, I get frustrated. Staying busy helps me stay focused, and honestly, it’s good therapy.”

That drive has made a real difference. Before he stepped into this role, bottlenecks in the pre-delivery process were common, with vehicles often buried in the yard or stuck waiting to be moved. Now, with Cohen managing inventory flow, pre-delivery teams work faster, sales teams are less frustrated, and customers receive their vehicles sooner.

Challenges, Creativity & the ‘Car Tetris’ Mentality

Managing a constantly shifting yard, weather-dependent photography, and last-minute changes from the sales team keeps Cohen on his toes. Whether it’s figuring out how to fit oversized vehicles into limited space or working around unpredictable weather, every day is a challenge.

“It’s just Tetris out there with cars. The more vehicles we have, the harder it gets—but that’s the game. Once we move into the new location, it’ll be a huge improvement. I can’t wait!”

The Culture That Makes It Worthwhile

The camaraderie and social events at Downtown Toyota make the job even more rewarding. Whether it’s the National Tree Day initiative or Halloween events, Cohen appreciates the chance to engage beyond just daily tasks.

“The coworkers here make the day fun. Even though we all work hard, we can be human, chat, and enjoy it. That’s what makes Downtown Toyota different.”

Cohen’s dedication to the team hasn’t gone unnoticed. His ability to step up, adapt, and keep everything running smoothly has made a lasting impact on both his colleagues and managers.

Nicole Hamilton, Downtown Toyota’s Human Resources Manager, describes him as a standout team player:"Cohen is an absolute pleasure to have around—always willing to help and never shies away from a challenge. Nothing is ever too much trouble for him!"

Joel Holomek, Used Cars Retail Manager, echoes this sentiment:"Cohen’s dedication to the team is unmatched—he consistently goes above and beyond to help wherever he’s needed. It’s no surprise he earned this award!"

From keeping the yard in order to ensuring pre-owned vehicles are always showroom-ready, Cohen’s work ethic and positive attitude set a high standard for the team.

Growth & Goals: A Path to Stability

Since taking on this role, Cohen has found structure, financial stability, and personal growth.

“I’m almost done paying off my bike and my car—I’m in a better place. The goal now is to own a home and keep growing. Career-wise, I’m looking for stability, a solid routine, and a place where I can keep making an impact.”

His advice for anyone stepping into a role like his?

“Show up, ask questions, don’t be afraid to get things wrong—it’s how you learn. And communicate. Please, communicate.”

The ‘Secret Sauce’ to Success?

A mix of determination, humour, and caffeine.

“I like to laugh at things that maybe shouldn’t be funny, but hey—it helps. You’ve got to focus on the positives, make a joke out of it, and enjoy life.”

With an optimistic attitude and a sharp eye for keeping things running smoothly, Cohen Thompson is a trailblazer, ensuring that Downtown Toyota’s used inventory isn’t just organised—it’s optimised.