OK Tire Cranbrook, a local business known for forward-thinking operations, inclusive hiring practices, and deep community roots, has been recognized with the esteemed Regional British Columbia Store of the Year Award at the recent OK Tire 2025 Annual Conference held in Cancun, Mexico.

This award celebrates outstanding leadership, commitment to innovation, service excellence, and community involvement.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition,” said Jay Pratt, owner of OK Tire Cranbrook. “This award is a testament to our team’s hard work and our wonderful customers who continue to support us. We remain committed to serving our community with the highest standards.”

Since opening its doors in October 2013, OK Tire Cranbrook, has been a staple in the area, providing top-tier tire and auto services while staying ahead of industry trends. Owners and operators, Lee Pratt and his son Jay Pratt have both been active for years, mostly in sports, and well-recognized in the community.

Lee was a retired investment advisor, but had 25 years previously in the automotive, industrial sector from 1967 to 1993. Jay started at age 15 working part time for Kal Tire and went on to spend the next 22 years in the industry.

Starting with three employees, OK Tire Cranbrook has expanded to 12 staff members, and 12 service fleets with six to 30 vehicles each, looking after all the communities tire and maintenance needs.

The team has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity in the workplace—most notably by hiring a young female tire technician last summer, paving the way for new talent and inclusivity in the automotive industry. The award further solidifies the store’s reputation as a trusted and valued part of the community.  They treat their employees like family, and it shows.

“Our annual conference offers a chance to highlight standout dealers in our network such as Ok Tire Cranbrook, who has been an instrumental fixture in their area and exemplifies everything OK Tire stands for, including the deep-rooted commitment to community engagement we’ve valued since 1953,” added Shane Butner, OK Tire Director of Marketing & Communications.

Lead image: From left to right: Shayne Casey, Lee Pratt, Jay Pratt, Andrea Hartley, Christian Gehres. Photo submitted

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