What started as a small gas station in Vernon, way back in 1953, is now an international company – a success story based on true service.

Tom Foord named his company Kal Tire after Kalamalka Lake, the prominent "Lake of Many Colours" in Vernon B.C.. Fifty years later the company has 174 company-owned locations, 54 independent associate dealers, 11 mining, industrial and commercial locations, 10 retread facilities, one off road tire plant and four warehouses.

But they have never forgotten their small town roots. And the founder’s promise of quality products, good prices, and great service are exemplified by two local family men, manager Scott Sterling and Kal Tire’s mechanic, Todd Turner.

“I have been turning wrenches since I was 14 – you couldn’t get me away from cars,” says Todd. So if he isn’t home spending a little quality time with family or helping a friend out with a mechanical problem, he’s at home rebuilding his 1963 Nova ‘Super Sport.

“I have always gone an extra mile for customers,” says Todd, who brings to Kal Tire the ability to offer customer mechanical services from tune ups, oil changes, brake jobs, suspensions and exhaust systems.

Working for Kal Tire is not about having a job – it is a career.

“We don’t just hire labourers, we are offering the best career for our employees we can whether that is mechanical or management, adds Scott.

And in building that bond with its workforce Kal Tire takes care of its employees beyond their working years giving, instead of a pension plan, 50 percent of its profits back to its employees to be held within retirement savings plans.

“Not many companies would forgo 50 percent of its profits – to give it back to employees.”

That philosophy, however, grows a great team and the positive attitude spreads through the crew of 7 employees.

“If we don’t work as a team, we don’t function

as a company,” says Scott.

And it may be first thing in the morning but Todd has already run out to assist a customer, after ordering a few parts, as Scott heads for his office to pick up the other line and answer a couple customer queries on tires. Next week will be even busier with winter on its way – add that winter rush for tires to an oil change special and it may add up to one busy pre-winter season.

“Get in and have your vehicle checked before winter hits,” reminds Scott, a front end inspection, a check of your tires and battery, could make all the difference in whether or not you have a safe winter driving season.

And safety is a key for the company – with one rule occasionally losing them a customer or two. Scott and Todd, however, like to play it safe with your family. “It is Kal Tire’s policy not to put just two snow tires on the front of a two-wheel drive vehicle – we just won’t do the work.”

“We highly recommend four winter tires. And it is not about selling tires; it is not about getting you moving in the snow, it is about what happens when you are moving… The back end of a vehicle is liable to slide out on you, with only two snow tires on the front.”

“There is a lot of technology that goes into winter tires. For example all season tires lose traction at 7 degrees Celsius and below. Winter tires are designed to stay flexible.”

For more information on winterizing your vehicle call Scott or Todd at 604-869-2426.