Langenburg Motors has entered a promising new chapter with its acquisition by Prairie One Motor Group, a Saskatchewan-based automotive company with locations in Yorkton, Saskatoon, and now Langenburg. Led by CEO Ray Lewis and Vice President Sean Slawinski, the group is dedicated to revitalizing the dealership and fostering deep community connections.
Sean Slawinski, the group’s vice president, brings a wealth of experience in business development and leadership. “My background is in developing people and growing organizations. I’ve spent 17 years in management roles focused on turning small companies into sustainable businesses,” Slawinski said. Sean has an (MBA) is Community Economic Development with a specialization in rural and remote community sustainability. After leading Canada’s largest privately held crop insurance company and running Prairie One’s warranty and insurance division, Slawinski transitioned to pursue his passion for the automotive industry. “Meeting the ownership team of Prairie One allowed me to align my career with my personal passion,” he added.
Ray Lewis, the CEO and founder of Prairie One, has been in the automotive industry for over 30 years. A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Lewis focuses on acquiring dealerships that face challenges and building them into profitable, sustainable operations. “We saw great potential in Langenburg, not only because of its central location in Saskatchewan but also due to the market’s unique needs, including serving the workforce from local mines,” Slawinski noted.
The group officially took over Langenburg Motors in April 2024, and since then, the results have been remarkable. The dealership has increased its monthly vehicle sales from an average of 10-13 to over 55 units, demonstrating the success of its new strategies. “There are some necessary approvals during the franchise transition, but we’ve been able to hit the ground running,” said Slawinski. The company has added 3 mechanical technicians, 1 service advisor, 1 service manager, 6 sales people, 2 finance managers, one General Manager, two lot technicians and a parts manager.
Expanding Operations and Community Engagement
One of the group’s first changes was extending operating hours. “Previously, the dealership was only open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed during lunch. Now, the service department runs from 7am to 6pm whereas sales is from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday to Saturday to better serve our customers,” Slawinski explained. The service department offers a full range of automotive services, including tire rotations, oil changes, engine work, accessory installation, and 130-point vehicle inspections.
Prairie One has also doubled the dealership’s workforce. “We’ve added five new sales staff, three automotive technicians, two finance managers, and several business development and administrative roles,” said Slawinski. “Our goal is to be the largest employer in the region outside of the mines, supporting the local economy and providing career opportunities.”
A Small-Town Dealership with Big-City Savings
With a focus on providing value to rural customers, the dealership has adopted the slogan: “A small-town dealership with big-city savings—it’s worth the drive every time.” To build community relationships, the dealership has launched several unique initiatives, including Saturday barbecues, gas card incentives for test drives, and lifetime powertrain warranties. “We want to offer things that customers wouldn’t typically get from a big-city dealership,” Slawinski said.
Community involvement is also a priority for the group. “Supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs is a big focus for us. Whether it’s encouraging people to visit local restaurants or addressing gaps in automotive services—such as adding a body shop—we want to drive growth for the community,” Slawinski emphasized.
Rooted in the Community
Slawinski and his colleague Graham Jackson, both of whom grew up in small-town Saskatchewan, feel right at home in Langenburg. “The community has been incredibly welcoming. It feels like coming home for us,” Slawinski said. “We’ve participated in several local events and are excited to continue building relationships here.”
The team is committed to supporting Langenburg not just as a business but as a community partner. “We’re not just here to sell cars—we want to bring people to the community, help businesses grow, and be a positive force for the region,” Slawinski added.
With expanded services, new staff, and an emphasis on local engagement, Langenburg Motors under Prairie One Motor Group’s leadership promises to be a transformative presence in the area. “This is just the beginning,” Slawinski said. “We’re excited to grow alongside the community and meet the region’s needs with the highest level of service.”