Fountain Tire's 50/50 ownership model helps set us apart. It means that every Fountain Tire store is co-owned and operated by a local community member, ensuring a personal touch and knowledge of the community, in addition to the top-notch service that every store provides.

It also gives Fountain Tire the opportunity to support and build-up entrepreneurs, like George Floratos, owner of the West Kelowna Fountain Tire.

“It was one of the best days of my life,” George said about opening his store. “I absolutely love it. I get to feel pride in owning my own business.”

When someone decides to open their own Fountain Tire store, they are given high-quality training through the Fountain Tire DRIVE program. The DRIVE program is designed for anyone who aspires to become an owner, teaching them everything they need to know about operating a Fountain Tire store. It provides the opportunity to build relationships with experts at the stores and on the corporate level so owners feel confident in their abilities and are supported when making decisions.

“It felt like I was being adopted into the family,” George said, recalling his time in the DRIVE Program. “It gave me a chance to connect and engage with all levels of Fountain Tire, and those relationships have been so important to the success of my store. ”

George was the first graduate of DRIVE, and he is thrilled to see how the program has grown and improved over the years. “Being part of the program from the start gave me the opportunity to contribute by providing feedback and insight from a learner’s perspective,” George explained. “DRIVE set me up for success and I know the program has only gotten better since I was a part of it.”

Being connected to the Fountain Tire network also means that George’s store can always get new technology as it is being developed, keeping them ahead of the curve. With Fountain Tire’s support, he knows that the services he can provide at his store are the best they can be. For example, when Fountain Tire introduced a digital vehicle reporting system, stores like George’s were able to implement the new technology quickly.

Successfully running your own Fountain Tire store also comes with a lot of pride.

“My business is a reflection of myself,” George said. “I make it a priority to help the customer when they're in need, and being an owner, I can make decisions based on the needs of my customers, knowing that Fountain Tire will support me along the way.”

The 50/50 ownership model also helps to ensure that money spent at a local store can go right back into the community, which is one of George’s favourite parts about owning his store.

“I get to be involved in the community in so many meaningful ways,” George said. He’s been able to sponsor the local soccer association and hockey team. Living in the same town he works for means he knows what is happening at the local level, and he can make sponsorship decisions reactive to community needs.

“Fountain Tire’s 50/50 model is the best out there,” George concluded. “You get a solid foundation from Fountain Tire, a network of colleagues, family environments, and the knowledge that you are partnering with a company focused on future technology. Becoming an owner is one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

For more information about Fountain Tire’s 50/50 Ownership Model, please visit partners.fountaintire.com.