DSMA is pleased to announce the successful sale of World Cars Kia to Jeremy Mannella and Cory Houghton. The dealership will now operate as Forge Kia, marking an exciting new chapter for the business, its employees, and the community it serves. As part of the transition, Cory Houghton will assume the role of Dealer Principal, while Steve Liddard joins the ownership group as a partner.
The transaction was led by Tony Campisi, Director of Network Development at DSMA, with the support of Natasha Denkovski, Regional Director of Ontario.
For Tony, this transaction represents a particularly meaningful full-circle moment. Twenty-six years ago, while working at Kia Canada, Tony served as the District Sales Manager for World Cars Kia for two years. He was there when the dealership first opened its doors, helping support the store during its early days. More than two decades later, he returned in a very different capacity to help guide the business through its sale.
The connection was made possible by a relationship that had stood the test of time. When Marc Dick, the seller of World Cars Kia, learned that Tony was now working at DSMA, he reached out to him for assistance with the sale. Although the two had not been in contact for more than 20 years, Marc remembered Tony from their time together at Kia Canada.
It is a powerful example of how professional relationships can endure long after people go their separate ways. The connections we build throughout our careers can create unexpected opportunities years down the road, often when we least expect them. Never underestimate the value of the relationships you build along the way.
Reflecting on the experience, Marc shared:
“After trying to sell my dealership on my own without making meaningful progress, I realized how much time and frustration the process was taking. I decided to engage DSMA and pay for their expertise to help me find the right buyer—and I’m very glad I did.
This was a challenging sale, as the dealership required a complete demolition and a new facility. DSMA found buyers who understood the opportunity and had the vision to take the business forward. From finding the right buyers through to closing, the team handled the process professionally and guided me every step of the way.
I’m delighted to pass the dealership on to its new owners and look forward to seeing them build a successful future. My sincere thanks to Tony Campisi and Natasha Denkovski for their dedication, professionalism and for making this transition possible.”
Looking ahead, the buyers have ambitious plans for Forge Kia and the surrounding community. These include developing a new, state-of-the-art Kia facility in Sault Ste. Marie, while retaining the existing dealership team and building on the relationships and experience already established at the store.
As the new owners look ahead to the next chapter for Forge Kia, Jeremy Mannella reflected on the experience of acquiring the dealership and working with DSMA:
“Our acquisition of World Cars Kia was a big step for our group, and DSMA made the process far smoother than we expected. Natasha, Tony, Wendy and Jasmine were exceptionally professional, organized and wonderful to work with from the first conversation through to closing.
What stood out most was how well they managed both sides of the deal. They kept everyone moving at a steady pace, held weekly calls so communication was never an issue, and made sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Whenever a question came up, we had an answer quickly, and we always knew exactly where things stood.
Thanks to their work, the transaction went off without a hitch, and we were able to focus on what matters most: welcoming the existing team and building the future of Forge Kia in Sault Ste. Marie. I would recommend DSMA without hesitation to anyone looking to buy or sell a dealership.”
With a new ownership group, a new name, and plans for future investment, Forge Kia is poised to build on the dealership’s existing foundation while continuing to serve customers in the region.
