OK Tire Cranbrook is in good hands

After 22 years in the tire business, Jay Pratt fits the ownership criteria for OK Tire franchisees

1 of 2Son-and-father team, Jay and Lee Pratt, have taken over the ownership and management of OK Tire in Cranbrook, B.C. — Marie Milner photo

2 of 2Son-and-father team, Jay and Lee Pratt, have taken over the ownership and management of OK Tire in Cranbrook, B.C. — Marie Milner photo

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There’s a new face at OK Tire Cranbrook, and that face is wearing a big smile. Jay Pratt has had 22 years of experience in the tire and automotive business, and as of October 1, 2013, he’s the new owner of OK Tire Cranbrook.

Though the OK Tire store, which opened in 1963, was not advertised as being for sale, Pratt and his father, Lee, decided to call Joe Fritz, the store’s former owner to inquire if he might consider selling.

“The timing was good for me,” said Fritz, “but it wasn’t just a matter of me deciding to sell my store—the buyers had to be approved by OK Tire head office, too. They want someone who can run the business and be successful at it.”

Joelle Tiessen, OK Tire’s advertising coordinator for Western Canada, said, “OK Tire prides itself on being very honest and dependable—being the type of shop where your dad might send you and you would feel that you were well taken care of.”

“Lee and Jay had a lot in their favour,” said Fritz. “They are local, they have a history of being involved in local sports and other activities, and Jay is a tire guy—he’s been in the business for 22 years. His history made him an easy choice.”

The Pratts are excited about this venture into business ownership and appreciate OK Tire’s solid reputation for honesty and reliability.

“It’s early days to think about making any changes,” said Lee Pratt. “Our plans right now are to give excellent service and 100% customer satisfaction.”