When Jeff Hunter assumed ownership of the Fountain Tire outlet in Thunder Bay, one thing would not change.

“Hard work and pride in providing service to our clients is what motivates me,” he says. “I have watched this company grow thanks to the hard work of my father and his partners. I want to continue that.”

Fountain Tire offers complete auto service, ranging from tires and mechanical work on cars and trucks to transport trucks and trailers, forklifts, as well as large mining equipment, lawn mowers and quad tires, even agricultural tires.

The goal is to provide customer-centric auto and fleet service for everything on the road, Jeff says.

Jeff and his family have been involved with the business, in one way or another, since the 1980s. Jeff himself spent time in the shop as a youngster, trying his hand at unloading trailers, then tire technician, shop foreman/lead, and eventually inventory manager.

He then set off to the United States, studying business management at Southeastern Oklahoma State while playing golf on a scholarship. After graduating with honours in 2014, he spent several years testing the world of professional golf before returning home to take his place in the family business as owner/manager in late 2016.

Jeff and his father Darcy manage the day-to-day operations. Younger brother Colin oversees the commercial and off-the-road segment. His mother, Marcie, works in administration. That’s a total of four Hunters involved in the business.

Starting with a staff of 11 in 2000, Fountain Tire has steadily expanded and now boasts four dozen employees. The staff consists of 12 in sales and service, eight mechanics, two in shipping and receiving/inventory, and 17 tire technicians from automotive to OTR.

“A lot of our success can be attributed to listening to, understanding and getting to know our customers,” Jeff says. “Our goal has always been to provide sound solutions, offer our expertise, and allow customers to make the best decisions for themselves.”