After owning St. Albert’s Fountain Tire location for nearly four decades, Todd and Liz Lesenko are handing over the shop’s keys to spend time on their Thorhild County berry farm.
The Lesenkos have a lengthy history as members of the city’s business community, dating back to well before their Fountain Tire days.
In 1983, the high school sweethearts opened their first automotive shop in Campbell Business park, JT (Just Todd) Automotive, taking advantage of Todd’s recently acquired automotive technician Journeyman ticket. Then, in 1986, an opportunity arose to take the reins of a much larger operation.
“Fountain Tire approached us to become part of their team and open up an independent Fountain Tire Store,” said Liz, reflecting on the pair’s modest beginning. “We had to sell personal assets to obtain enough equipment and inventory to open a retail Fountain Tire store.”
As is true in so many industries, the automotive service game is often one of thin margins and high expectations.
“The biggest challenge in business is being able to afford the best equipment and the best quality parts to provide customers with the best service possible,” said Liz.
And yet, that competitive business environment has also provided the couple with what they say has been the most rewarding aspect of owning a business for 40 years: retaining three generations of customers.
Throughout the duration of their ownership, the Lesenkos placed a heavy emphasis on community engagement and finding ways to give back to the city, creating some of the St. Albert’s most iconic summer events in the process.
“Giving back to the community that has supported us has always been so important to us,” said Liz. “We started a yearly Customer Appreciation Day that turned into Rock’n August, which has been going on for over 25 years. We have also given support to service clubs and youth sports clubs, and in recent years, the St. Albert Soap Box Derby.”
Having established their business as such a firm pillar of the community, the Lesenkos are beginning a new chapter with that satisfaction that comes from knowing their successors share their principles and priorities.
“Moving forward, the location will be owned by Fountain Tire Corporation along with managing partners Michael Sands and his wife Lori,” said Liz. “Michael and Lori are committed to continuing providing the best customer service to the community of St. Albert, and to grow the business for years to come.”
Indeed, despite the change in ownership, Fountain Tire will keep with its community traditions.
“They have also committed to supporting community events such as Rock’n August and the Soap Box Derby,” said Liz.
And while the Lesenkos will no longer be steering the wheel, they are ready to support the new owners in whatever way they can.
As the sun sets on Fountain Tire’s Lesenko-era, the couple is eager to start a new chapter on their Thorhild County farm, just 14 kilometres from where Todd’s grandparents homesteaded back in 1902.
In running Lesenko Farms, Liz and Todd will be spending much more of their time in the world of tractors and trailers than the world of sedans and SUVs — a reality for which they are deeply grateful, and one that they hope inspires other urbanites.
“We will have the pleasure of living the farm life full-time while growing strawberries and garlic, and taking care of our five pet buffaloes,” said Liz.
“We are living in our paradise, and we have made ourselves very comfortable with all the families of the Egremont community. We look forward to growing the community and encouraging young families to move and raise their children in the country.”
