Quebec franchise named OK Tire store of the year

SURREY, British Columbia — OK Tire Stores Inc. has singled out OK Pneus Ste-Brigitte in Sainte-Brigitte-des-Sault, Quebec, as its ''National Store of the Year'' for 2020 in recognition of its track record of providing "outstanding quality" auto service to the local community.

"Receiving this award means so much to us," Martin Allard, co-owner of the franchised business, said. "We strive to be a staple in our community, and being honored with this award highlights our hard work and dedication to quality service and honesty."

Mr. Allard and his partner Mélanie Bédard have operated a filling station/auto repair business in Sainte-Brigitte-des-Sault since 2001.

They became OK Tire franchisees in 2013 and continue to operate a couple of gasoline pumps as well on the same site.

"We know we wouldn't be here today without the trust of our customers, and we're thrilled to continue to put our best foot forward for our community," Mr. Allard said during the recent awards presentation, held virtually.

"Our 2020 National Store of the Year distinguishes itself from the others through their knowledge and reputation of always providing expert service," Michael Rutherford, OK Tire chief operating officer, said.

"2020 brought many new challenges to communities across Canada, and we're tremendously proud of the team in Sainte-Brigitte-des-Sault for continuing to uphold OK Tire's outstanding reputation and for setting a standard to inspire all store owners."

Mr. Allard and Ms. Bédard have expanded their business three times over the years to three bays dedicated to automobile services and two bays for commercial truck business, OK Tires said.

"He is not afraid to try new and different ways of doing things when he sees an opportunity to better service his customers," OK Tire said. "With employees who are constantly upgrading their knowledge, he sets himself apart from his competition."

Additionally, OK Tire Stores named six regional stores of the year, recognizing the best service providers from a group of over 325 OK Tire retail locations nationwide:

• OK Tire Burnaby Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia (Pacific Region) — Edwin and Ronita Chandra;
• OK Tire Drayton Valley, Alberta (Alberta Region) — Jason Doerksen, Ryan Lien and Travis Schneider;
• OK Tire Brandon, Brandon, Manitoba (Prairie Region) — Marianne and Jake Zorzos;
• OK Tire Kingston, Kingston, Ontario (Central Region) — Erik Fielding;
• OK Pneus Gatineau, Gatineau, Quebec (Eastern Region) — Pierre Drouin; and
• OK Tire Woodstock NB, Woodstock, New Brunswick (Atlantic Region) — Jeff Wright.

OK Tire Kincardine Commercial, Kincardine, Ontario — Michelle and Adam Kraemer — was named commercial store of the year.