Fountain Tire 'flips' for new headquarters

June 20, 2014

Athletes and a "bald guy" helped Fountain Tire Ltd. celebrate the opening of its new corporate office in Edmonton, Alberta.

The athletes literally flipped for the headquarters. Members of the local Crossfit Lazarus Gym put on an unforgettable show of Edmonton grit in three grueling 40-meter earthmover tire “flipping” races.

On hand to provide a light-hearted colour commentary was actor/comedian Thom Sharp, who is well known to Canadians as Fountain Tire’s “bald guy” spokesperson.

Following the races, the company presented a check for $10,000 to the Edmonton branch of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS). The donation is part of the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back to communities.

“The tremendous effort by these outstanding athletes symbolizes the high-level skills and determination to excel that Edmontonians bring to work every day,” said Brent Hesje, Fountain Tire’s CEO, during the celebration on June 19. “Our decision to invest in Fountain Tire Place reflects Edmonton’s stature as a world-class home for business, and we are committed to basing our corporate office here for the long haul.”

The company credits the city’s business-friendly climate and robust post-secondary education infrastructure with playing an integral role in the company’s success, particularly in attracting and retaining high-quality employees.

The new offices at Fountain Tire Place employ 131 Edmontonians. The facility’s mission is to provide the company’s network of 155 tire and automotive service stores with a complete business program, so managers can focus exclusively on serving their customers.

Fountain Tire is unique among tire and automotive service providers in that the majority of its store managers own 50% of their respective stores. This shared ownership model reflects the company’s long-standing belief that the motivational power of shared ownership creates the best environment for exceptional customer service.

Established in 1956, Fountain Tire's 155 locations span Western Canada and Ontario. For more information, visit www.fountaintire.com.