Joe Weppler / July 15, 2022
SM Spotlight OK Tire Owen Sound
Every town needs mechanics. The average automotive repair & maintenance facility has a low barrier to entry, and tons of competition. Since there are only so many unique services a facility can offer when it comes to maintaining your vehicle, getting and retaining customers often comes down to plain old customer service.Â
âEverybody says theyâre the best at customer service,â said Dave Booy, owner of OK Tire Owen Sound. âBut how do you actually apply that?â Â
For Dave, itâs all in the communication. Â
âAfter youâve been in and weâve done a phenomenal job communicating with you and great work on your vehicle, we follow up and make sure youâre satisfied,â he said. âIf youâre not, we catch it fast and make it right.âÂ
OK Tire Owen Sound is the largest automotive repair and maintenance facility anywhere in the Greater Owen Sound Area. Originally founded as a tire dealer in the early 1980s by Brian Pickett, the shop moved locations and began expanding services to include oil changes, brakes, steering and suspension, and exhaust. When Brian sold his business to Dave, the first item on his list was to expand the mechanical side of things without diminishing their tire sales.Â
After some initial expansion, Dave made the decision to begin operating as an OK Tire to take advantage of their national brand. Â
âOK Tire had the national identity, national warranty, better buying programs, larger groups for training, more heads to put together to approach industry issues — I’ve had no regrets choosing them.â Â
Dave was born into the mechanical world, learning all the work of a licensed technician in his fatherâs shop. As he grew older, he developed an interest in business. He decided he didnât want to turn wrenches as a mechanic, but he enjoyed the business side and told his dad heâd like to work with him. Â
âDad told me to go get a degree and work somewhere else for two years,â Dave said. Â
Today, Daveâs business has six techs and three counter staff, a very loyal client base, and the best reviews for automotive repair in the area. Since purchasing the business, Dave has seen their capacity almost double, renovating their existing building to add several more service bays.Â
âI love seeing my team work as a unit,â he said. âWeâve tried to instill a culture where everyone works together and is equally important.â Â
Dave and his wife Rebecca are also active in the community, sponsoring a local hardball team as well as a scholarship for a local private school. The shop is also partnered with OSHaRE, a local non-profit that provides meals to those in need. Rebecca sits on the board and serves meals with the kids, and the shop sponsors their vehicle to make sure it always remains delivery-ready. Â
Dave hopes to continue growing his business to best serve his community and the rapidly emerging technologies of the automotive industry. Â
âItâs a really exciting time in vehicles,â he said. Â
If youâre interested in learning more, check out their website at www.oktire.com/stores/ok-tire-owen-sound, or just stop by to say hello, grab a coffee, and get a free car wash with your next service! Â