When Toronto Raptors’ Superfan Nav Bhatia Said ‘No One Wanted To Hire A Sikh With Turban’

Nav Bhatia’s story is one of perseverance, humility, and hard work. Today, he is known across Canada as a successful businessman and the Toronto Raptors’ biggest fan, but his journey started with rejection

and struggle.

When he moved to Canada, Bhatia had a degree in mechanical engineering but couldn’t find a job because of discrimination. After being rejected from hundreds of places, he took up work as a janitor. “I was a janitor, and a very proud one,” he recalls. He cleaned toilets, painted walls, and never gave up on finding a better opportunity.

His life changed when he landed a sales job at a Hyundai dealership. Even on his first day, he faced mockery from coworkers, but instead of giving up, he decided to prove himself. In just three months, he sold 127 cars; a record that still stands today. His honesty, dedication, and respect for customers helped him rise from salesman to general manager and eventually dealership owner.

Who Is Nav Bhatia?
Nav Bhatia, famously known as the Toronto Raptors Superfan, is a Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader. Born in New Delhi in 1951, he moved to Canada in the 1980s and built a life through hard work and integrity.

He owns several Hyundai dealerships, supports youth through sports programs, and is admired for promoting diversity and inclusion. His journey from immigrant struggles to business success has made him a symbol of hope for many.

How He Built His Car Dealership Business
Bhatia started his career as a salesman at Rexdale Hyundai in Toronto. Despite the discrimination he faced, he quickly became the top performer, selling more cars than anyone in the company’s history.

His success caught the attention of Hyundai executives, who later asked him to take over a failing dealership. He transformed it into one of Canada’s most successful dealerships through honest customer service and a people-first approach.

Over time, he acquired more dealerships, including Mississauga Hyundai and Streetsville Hyundai, both of which he turned around from near bankruptcy. His guiding principle remains simple; “Treat people like you want to be treated.”

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What Is a Car Dealership Business?
A car dealership business involves buying vehicles from manufacturers and selling them to customers, either new or used. Dealers also provide maintenance, financing, and after-sales services. Success in this business depends on customer trust, good marketing, strong management, and after-sales support.

Steps To Start a Car Dealership Business
Starting a car dealership requires planning and proper licensing. First, one must decide whether to sell new or used cars and choose a suitable location with good visibility. Then, registration, tax, and dealership licenses must be secured. It is also important to build partnerships with car manufacturers or wholesalers.

Next comes hiring skilled staff, setting up financing options, and marketing the dealership through both online and local platforms. According to business experts, focusing on customer satisfaction and service quality is the key to long-term success in the auto industry.