A Northern Ontario father and son have received one of the top honors in Canada’s automotive industry. Robin and Cory Lafortune, owners of Fountain Tire Val Caron in Greater Sudbury, have been named the Fountain Tire MVP award winners for 2024.
“Robin and Cory lead equally with their heads, their hearts and their hands,” said Jason Herle, Chief Executive Officer at Fountain Tire. “They gain the trust of many by caring greatly for their team and customers alike. Their commitment to growth and safety is second-to-none, and they represent Fountain Tire proudly in the local community. Their approach embodies Fountain Tire’s philosophy of ‘we’re on this road together.’”
A Decade of Growth and Leadership
Since opening in 2012, Fountain Tire Val Caron has grown steadily under the Lafortunes’ leadership. Store sales have increased year over year, the location has doubled in size, and the team has grown from five to 20 associates. Today, the operation includes tire technicians, automotive service technicians, and service advisors.
Robin Lafortune managed a Sudbury tire retread plant for 20 years before joining Fountain Tire as a partner. Cory began working with tires immediately after high school and advanced in the industry before joining his father as a co-owner in 2016.
A Historic Fountain Tire MVP Award Win
The duo’s selection as Fountain Tire MVP recipients marks a first for the company.
“We’re the first father and son combination to be named MVP,” said Robin Lafortune. “It’s surreal to see your name on that trophy alongside prestigious Fountain Tire leaders. To see it next to your son’s is even more special.”
“Working with family isn’t easy. But we’ve proven that as long as we work together with the best interests of our customers in mind, the store will succeed,” added Cory Lafortune. “We always have the support of one another, and from our network of Fountain Tire owners across Northern Ontario.”
Celebrating Excellence Across the Network
Presented annually since 2004, the Most Valuable Player award recognizes one owner from Fountain Tire’s 167 locations based on leadership, customer care, community involvement, and safety. The company presented the 2024 award at its annual Owners’ Convention in March.
Other honorees included:
- Rookie of the Year: Ryan McHollister of Ladner, BC;
- Most Improved Retail: Ron Kotila of Sudbury (Barrydowne), Ontario;
- Most Improved Mixed: Steve Dempster of Estevan, Saskatchewan.
