Harper’s Tire, with two locations in Calgary, Alb., is celebrating 80 years in business.
The shop’s founder, Jack Harper, began a career in vulcanizing after World War I. In 1931, he purchased Foster’s Vulcanizing and the tire store.
His sons Stan and Don took over the business, which also included Harper’s Ski West and Harper’s Marine. The ski store was sold in the 70s and in 1990 Don split off the marine store, while Stan concentrated on the tire business.
Today, Stan’s sons Dan and Tom run a very successful Harper’s Tire and their father still enjoys spending time at the shop, where he looks after payables while keeping in touch with staff, many who have spent most of their working lives there.
Besides the expanded original store location, which has seven mechanical bays and six tire bays, Harper’s has a second store, as well as a self-serve car wash and a 22,000-square-foot warehouse.