OK Tire celebrates stores, partners
Dealers, partners and leaders from OK Tire Stores across Canada gathered in Mexico recently for its three-day national conference.
The event highlighted performance, partnership and the independent entrepreneurs behind the brand. It featured a tradeshow with new products and services, vendor‑led training, strategy forums, networking and the annual general meeting. It closed with an 80s‑themed beachfront awards dinner.
“Since 1953, OK Tire has been part of the fabric of communities across Canada,” said Brian Mielko, President and CEO of OK Tire Stores Inc. “Our annual conference is about more than recognition. It’s about celebrating the independent business owners behind each bay door, strengthening our partnerships, and reinforcing the community‑first values that define who we are.”
The conference served as a milestone for “OK Tire 2.0.” The company said it has exited a traditional warehouse model and deepened its partnership with Groupe Touchette to streamline operations and concentrate on supporting independently owned and operated locations. According to OK Tire, the shift has outperformed expectations in its first nine months and positions the network for continued growth with supplier partners.
The company also highlighted the premiere of a new national video series, Behind The Bay Doors, which profiles local OK Tire stores and ownership teams. The first episode, filmed at OK Tire Elmira in Ontario, spotlights multi‑generational ownership, staff who serve neighbours daily, the store’s agricultural customer base and ties to the rural community.
“‘Behind The Bay Doors’ is about reminding Canadians that when they visit or join the team at OK Tire, they’re supporting a local business owner,” Mielko said. “These aren’t just service centres. They’re community hubs.”
All locations were invited to apply to be featured in future episodes.
2026 OK Tire conference award winners
- National Store of the Year: OK Pneus Montmagny, Que.
- Regional British Columbia Store of the Year: OK Tire North Island, B.C.
- Regional Alberta Store of the Year: OK Tire Airdrie, Alta.
- Regional Prairie Store of the Year: OK Tire Carroll, Man.
- Regional Ontario Store of the Year: OK Tire Orléans, Ont.
- Regional Quebec Store of the Year: OK Pneus Val‑d’Or, Que. (commercial)
- Regional Atlantic Store of the Year: OK Tire Middle Sackville, N.S.
- Commercial Store of the Year: OK Tire Stettler, Alta.
- Rising Star of the Year (West): OK Tire Landmark, Man.
- Rising Star of the Year (East): OK Tire Thunder Bay, Ont.
- Community Grassroots Award of the Year: OK Tire New Minas, N.S.
Partner of the Year Awards
- Commercial: BKT
- Passenger Light Truck: Blackhawk Tires
- Mechanical Vendor: NAPA
- Support Partner: Lifelong Crush Creative
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