EDMONTON — Fountain Tire Ltd. Executive Chair Brent Hesje has added another honor to his long list of accomplishments: He has been selected for induction into the Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame this fall.
The award is in recognition of his lifetime achievements in business and community leadership, according to Fountain Tire. Hesje recently was named a 2023 inductee by Junior Achievement (JA) Northern Alberta & NWT, which has presented the award annually since 1980.
The JA Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame honors the region's accomplished business leaders for their lifetime achievements and service to communities, the local economy and to the collective future of Albertans. Fountain Tire said inductees are selected for their entrepreneurial vision, proven leadership, integrity and legacy of philanthropy or community-based initiatives.
A member of the Tire Industry Hall of Fame since 2019, Hesje said it's an honor to be recognized alongside an "esteemed group of leaders who have created incredible legacies in our community. Throughout my career, one thing has consistently rung true: the key to one's own success is helping others find theirs."
Hesje was CEO of Fountain Tire for 17 years, guiding the dealership through a period of significant growth. He said strategic partnerships were a major factor in the company's success.
Longtime Fountain Tire executive Jason Herle succeeded Hesje as CEO in May of last year.
Goodyear Canada has a minority ownership position in Fountain Tire, and most store managers have 50% ownership of their stores.
Hesje strongly supported Fountain Tire's mentorship programs that develop associates into managers and owners, as well as the company's commitment to giving back to its communities.
Hesje has been involved for years in non-profit organizations and the automotive industry. Among the boards he sits on include the Fraser Institute, Alberta Blue Cross, the Edmonton Elks, Great Western Brewing Company and The Canadian Brewhouse.
Previously he was a board chair with the Automotive Industry Association of Canada, Western Canada Tire Dealers and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).
Other honors include: the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Northern Lights Award of Distinction (2018); a Distinguished Friend of NAIT (2021); and the MacGregor Cup by The Roy Group (2022).
