Mister Tire

Glen Lynn has been working in the tire industry since 1970 when, as a farm boy, he took a position at a tire department in Red Deer. His career has since taken him around Alberta and B.C., although he’s spent the last 30 years in Cranbrook managing one of his Mister Tire stores. The other two are in Creston and Invermere.

“In a town or city like Cranbrook you get to know your customers,” he said. “It’s very much different than if you’re in business in Calgary or Edmonton or Vancouver. Our customers come in here and they talk to the guys at the counter about going hunting or fishing or canning or their garden . . . You get to know so many people and they’re your friends as well as your customers.”

Lynn most enjoys working with people and he still spends two days a week selling on the road. The tire industry is a competitive one and he’s found that treating customers right the first time will ensure they come back. Also, as independent stores, Mister Tire outlets are able to source almost any brand of tire. Along with his customer-service standards, Lynn promises free maintenance on tires bought in his shop for as long as the tires are on the customer’s car and calls himself an over-achiever when it comes to a customer's expectations.

“When you own your own business you tend to be (conscientious about) looking after customers,” said Lynn. “To us it’s not a job, it’s a livelihood. If we don’t do a good job, we’re not going to be here.”