While searching for a new opportunity, after 28 years of farming, Ken James and his wife Rita kept coming back to Sylvan Lake because they liked the town and the people.

They thought the town could use a new automotive store, and so began the saga of OK Tire and Auto Service in the community. Construction of the new store began in late 2001 and they opened the doors on October 15 of the following year. As Ken explains, his philosophy is to provide quality work, respect his customers and gain their trust. "I wouldn't do anything more to their vehicle than I would do to my own car."

He also believes in being active in the community to develop his client's trust. Ken is on the board of the Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce and both he and his wife are active golfers and curlers. "We're small town people," he says of his belief in community participation. As an OK Tire franchise the business is part of 230 independently owned stores across Canada which provide a nationwide warranty on the tires and repairs they provide. On the tire side, they carry such brand name tires as Bridgestone, Firestone, Toyo, Kumho, Marshall, Dunlop, Kelly, Pirelli and Continental.

Providing complete automotive service they employ fully trained technicians and apprentices, four hoists, six bays and a host of state-of-the-art equipment. The business is a government approved site for all inspections including 'out-of-province' inspections. Ken and his son Ben are the service advisors working with customers at the front counter.

The James family is still new to the community but Ken says he feels they've been accepted right from the beginning and they appreciate the support they've received since their opening.

The business is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 5pm and on Wednesday from 8am to 9pm and is located at 1 Beju Industrial Drive, just off Highway 20 on Sylvan Lake's east side.