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JULY 2017
B&H TIRE HELPS KEEP ISLAND ROLLING FOR 60 YEARS “Over the years we have Chemainus Business Tracks History to When the Trans Canada Highway was a Dirt Road
thrived because of a large and loyal customer base and because our staff are the best at what they do
C
H EM A I N US - Henry ‘Rex’ Hollett created B&H Tire in 1956 from scratch, before Chemainus had a paved h ig hway, a nd when logg i ng trucks made up the majority of traffic. His son, Tim and grandsons now run the shop that has clocked 61 years of service to the region. “My Nana, dad, and his three sisters came by train to Nanaimo from Newfoundland, staying with friends until Grandpa came home from the war and could join them,” said Tim Hollett, Rex’s son and current owner. “When he was quite young, my grandfather had an accident and couldn’t work so my dad started driving for a trucking company called Born and Weir. At the time, he was 15 years old and too young to drive but he needed to bring money in for the family.” W hen Rex was 24 years old someone suggested that he open up a shop in Chemainus that catered to the tire issues the trucks were dealing with, so in 1956 he opened up the doors on a business fronting a gravel road that’s now the Trans Canada Highway. “Back then there weren’t too many passenger cars. It was mostly off-road logging and flatbed trucks driving on bias tires.” Tim grew up in the industry, working at the shop when he could, in between school and hockey games, on the weekends and during summer break. When he was 20 he started working full time and hasn’t looked back. Today, his son Justin Hollett, 37, and nephew Nathan Hollett, 31, work alongside him, with Justin managing the mechanical and service departments and Nathan taking care of the front end and sales. As succession plans go, Tim
with a strong commitment to doing things well.” TIM HOLLETT B&H TIRE,CHEMAINUS
B&H Tire, after being in business for more than 60 years, knows everything there is to know about tires CREDIT:B&H TIRES
Hollett has it made. He has two family members willing and able to take the reins. “Each of my boys have their different strengths,” said Hollett. “Justin is great at fixing things and he’s a perfectionist. You know whatever he works on is going to be done right. Our customers like that because he’s particular about the details. He’s also very hard working and doesn’t mind putting in the extra time needed to get it right.” A nd Nathan, he explained, is outgoing and great with the customers and has the knack of putting people at ease. “I love my boys,” he said. “We get along well together.” He does emphasize that as exit strategies go, his is flexible so it can be adjusted as the need arises. SEE B&H TIRE | PAGE 24
Tim Hollett, his son Justin and nephew Nathan carry on the family tradition in the tire industry CREDIT:B&H TIRES
Sixty years ago, dialing number 37 would connect you directly to B&H Tire
’Rex’ Hollett began a tradition of exceptional service that is still a cornerstone of the business today
CREDIT:B&H TIRES
CREDIT:B&H TIRES
Congratulations to B&H Tire on 60 years in business!
Congratulations on your 60th anniversary, we wish you continued success. Serving BC & Alberta since 2008
Tirecraft offers an extensive range of products, including: -Winter Tires -Summer & performance tires -All season tires -Truck tires -Specialty tires -Wheels & rims -Mechanical Services -And More!
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