EDMONTON, Alberta (Oct. 10, 2013) — Fountain Tire CEO Brent Hesje has returned to civilization.
The dealership executive was flown to a remote Alberta mountain side on Oct. 4 as part of the "CEO Rescue in the Rockies" fundraiser to support Western Canada's Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS).
Mr. Hesje and three other prominent Alberta-based CEOs—Bob Geddes of Ensign Energy Services Inc., Ken Mullen of Savanna Energy Services Corp. and David Smith of Keyera Corp.—were airlifted into Alberta's rugged Kananaskis Country via a STARS air ambulance and were equipped only with smartphones to make calls to raise funds for STARS.
Fountain Tire said Mr. Hesje was rescued after his supporters ended his wilderness adventure late in the day on Oct. 4 by donating $115,811.
Mr. Hesje faced several challenges while on the mountain, Fountain Tire said, including one which tested his CPR knowledge and skills, and the "King of the Mountain" survivor challenge, which tested wilderness survival skills such as lighting a fire with limited resources.
"Thanks to everyone for stepping up to help keep STARS flying and in our skies," Mr. Hesje said after his "rescue."
"The STARS air ambulance service has saved hundreds of critically injured road accident victims and shares our industry's commitment to safe driving, vehicle maintenance and proper tire selection. Your donations will make a profound difference in people's lives. I have never been prouder of our associates, our industry, our suppliers and our friends."
Video accounts of Hesje's fire starting prowess—and other wilderness experiences—can be viewed by visiting the Rescue Brent website.
All funds raised will support the STARS mission of providing a safe, rapid, highly specialized emergency medical transport system for the critically ill and injured. The air ambulance service operates out of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grand Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg.