JA Northern Alberta & NWT President & CEO Cheryll Watson and Laureate Lyle Best with Brent Hesje (centre) at the 2023 JA Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame celebration on October 26. Photo courtesy of JA Northern Alberta & NWT.

Fountain Tire Ltd. Executive Chair Brent Hesje was inducted to the Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame last week by Junior Achievement (JA) Northern Alberta & NWT. Hesje was recognized for his lifetime achievements in business and community leadership, including the significant impact made over his 30-year career at Fountain Tire.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been supporting individuals and companies in their own journeys to success,” says Hesje. “Whether at Fountain Tire or across the broader tire industry, in the local business community and with charitable organizations, I’ve found a philosophy of partnership goes a very long way.” 

Fountain Tire’s partnership model has long been attributed to the company’s success. Store managers have 50 per cent ownership of their stores. Local owners are heavily involved in their communities and the company runs mentorship-based programs designed to develop associates into managers and owners. A period of significant growth began under Hesje’s leadership and continues with current Fountain Tire CEO Jason Herle.

“Brent is a leader in every sense of the word,” adds Herle. “His legacy is woven throughout our organization and our industry. We’re honoured to have Brent’s continued involvement with Fountain Tire as he carries on his business advisory and community work.”

For 43 years, the JA Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame has honoured the region’s distinguished business leaders for their lifetime achievements and service to communities, the local economy and to the collective future of Albertans. Inductees are selected for their entrepreneurial vision, proven leadership, integrity and legacy of philanthropy or community-based initiatives.

Other 2023 Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame inductees included: Yasmin Jivraj, Co-Owner, Director Dexcent Inc.; Blaine MacMillan, President & CEO, Cowan Graphics Inc.; and, Angus Watt, Senior Investment Advisor, National Bank Financial, Angus Watt Advisory Group.

About Fountain Tire

Established in 1956, Fountain Tire is one of Canada’s premier tire and automotive service networks with 167 locations spanning Ontario to British Columbia. The company is also a leading provider of tires and tire-related services to commercial truck fleets and off-road vehicles used in the agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and construction sectors. The majority of Fountain Tire managers own equity in their stores. This partnership-based business model combines community-invested store leadership with an enterprise program to provide service that truly puts the customer first. The company’s shared ownership business model has enabled it to be named among Canada’s “Best Managed Companies” every year since 1994.