Chris Fuhs, Grand Forks community builder

Chris Fuhs owns and operates Ace’s Pit Stop, a new-and-used tire shop in Grand Forks, and word has quickly spread about the reasonable prices, good service and community-minded attitude at Ace’s. In spite of being a busy, one-man show, Fuhs  supports his community by sponsoring the local Junior B hockey team and raising money for various worthy causes.

We asked Fuhs a few questions, and his answers reveal a generous, community-spirited family man.

How did you come to choose this line of work?

I chose this line of work to be able to meet people and help them directly.

What is it about your work that has you excited to get out of bed in the morning?

The opportunity: what might happen, who might call and what we can achieve.

Where do you like to spend your downtime in the Kootenays?

I spend a lot of time here in Grand Forks, because I don’t get much time away from work. But when we can go somewhere for fishing, we go to Jewel Lake and Christina Lake.

What has motivated you throughout your entrepreneurial journey?

My wife and kids. I want the community to be the best we can make it for my kids to grow up in. The other half is the smiles I get from customers, and being in a position to help. When you can truly make someone's day better, then why not do it?

What makes the Kootenays attractive to an entrepreneur?

I think a lot of larger businesses overlook small communities, which makes an increase in opportunity for smaller businesses to start up to fill the void.

What trends have you observed in your community that might impact the local economy in the next five years?

A lot of business owners/entrepreneurs don't put in the time and hard work that are needed for success, even though they might care a lot. So they might not pay what people are worth and not bother to grow so their team can grow. I have seen a lot of people try for a couple years, and with no results and rising costs they have to close. That makes it difficult for potential customers in a small town to have faith in a business that might not be there next year.