EDMONTON, Alberta — Canada's Fountain Tire honored it top leaders recently, giving its top accolade, Most Valuable Player, to Darrin Zubiak, owner of the Fountain Tire store in Vermilion, Alberta.
Zubiak was recognized for growing his business steadily over the past 13 years. He was honored several times with a Benchmark Award, given for surpassing financial targets each year while maintaining high safety and customer feedback ratings
Zubiak is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to customer service and mentorship, Fountain Tire said.
"Darrin is an industry leader through-and-through," Fountain Tire CEO Jason Herle said. "He has embodied our company's partnership philosophy every step of his career. From day one, he's pitched in to ensure the success of those around him — whether that's going the extra mile for a customer, working on the tools alongside his associates or supporting the local community."
Zubiak began his career at Fountain Tire in 1999, working his way up the ranks from service truck driver to shop foreman, inside sales and then assistant manage.
He joined the Vermilion location as manager in 2008 and purchased a 50% ownership stake in the store two years later.
"My colleagues have set a high bar," Zubiak said. "While I'm honored and humbled to be recognized among them, the success of our store also comes down to our staff. We're problem solvers. We all help each other out. We're a team."
Championing local charitable initiatives, youth sports and trades training programs have also been a contributor to the store's success, he said. "If you support the community, the community will support you," he says.
Fountain Tire has awarded its Most Valuable Player since 2004. The winner is selected from owners across the company's network of 167 locations. Nominees are graded on several business success markers including leadership, community involvement, customer relationships and safety.
Fountain Tire recognized several others at its recent Owners' Convention:
- Robert Johnson of London (Stoneybrook) Ontario, Rookie of the Year;
- Jordan Fraser of Calgary (Crowfoot), Most Improved Retail; and
- Matthew Fedechko of Cold Lake, Alberta, as Most Improved Mixed.
