OK Tire Stores Inc. let us know that they brought together dealers, partners and leadership from cost-to-coast for its annual 2026 conference, held over three days in sunny Mexico.

The multi-day event celebrated performance, partnership and progress, while placing renewed focus on the independent entrepreneurs who power the brand in communities across Canada.

The conference featured a dynamic tradeshow floor showcasing the latest in products and services, vendor-led training sessions, strategic planning forums, networking events and the Annual General Meeting, culminating in a celebratory 80s themed beachfront awards dinner that brought the network together in true OK Tire fashion.

“Since 1953, OK Tire has been part of the fabric of communities across Canada,” says Brian Mielko, President and CEO of OK Tire Stores Inc. “Our annual conference is about more than recognition. It’s about celebrating the independent business owners behind each bay door, strengthening our partnerships, and reinforcing the community-first values that define who we are.”

A Celebration of OK Tire 2.0

The 2026 Annual Conference marked a pivotal moment for OK Tire, serving as a true celebration of its next chapter, OK Tire 2.0.

By transitioning away from a traditional warehouse model and strengthening its partnership with Groupe Touchette, OK Tire has streamlined its operations and focusing its efforts where they matter most: empowering its network of independently owned and operated locations.

There was much to celebrate in Mexico! This bold shift has been extremely successful in its first 9 months of implementation. Performance is well ahead of expectations and the future looks even brighter as OK Tire continues to expand its collaboration with all of its important supplier partners.
OK Tire has proudly served Canadians for over 70 years and is poised to successfully meet the needs of Canadian communities for 70+ more.

Launch of “Behind The Bay Doors” video series

Showcasing this new phase and commitment, a major highlight of the conference was the official premiere of the first episode in a new national video series, “Behind The Bay Doors.”

Designed to spotlight OK Tire locations across the country, the series tells the real stories behind each store, reminding Canadians that every OK Tire location is independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs who live, work and give back in their communities.

The inaugural episode was filmed at OK Tire Elmira, Ontario, highlighting the family ownership team and multi-generational involvement, the dedicated staff who serve their neighbours daily, the store’s specialized focus on agricultural customers, and deep ties to the surrounding rural community.

“Behind The Bay Doors is about reminding Canadians that when they visit or join the team at OK Tire, they’re supporting a local business owner,” adds Mielko. “These aren’t just service centres. They’re community hubs.”

All OK Tire locations were invited to submit their names to be considered for future episodes, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to celebrating local ownership and regional diversity.

Celebrating excellence across the network

This year’s OK Tire conference award winners included:
● National Store of the Year: OK Pneus Montmagny, QC
● Regional British Columbia Store of the Year: OK Tire North Island
● Regional Alberta Store of the Year: OK Tire Airdrie
● Regional Prairie Store of the Year: OK Tire Carroll, MB
● Regional Ontario Store of the Year: OK Tire Orleans
● Regional Quebec Store of the Year: OK Pneus Val-d’Or commercial
● Regional Atlantic Store of the Year: OK Tire Middle Sackville, NS
● Commercial Store of the Year: OK Tire Stettler, AB
● Rising Star of the Year (WEST): OK Tire Landmark, MB
● Rising Star of the Year (EAST): OK Tire Thunder Bay, ON
● Community Grassroots Award of the Year: OK Tire New Minas, NS

Partner of the Year awards:
● Partner of the Year Award (Commercial): BKT
● Partner of the Year Award (Passenger Light Truck): Blackhawk Tires
● Partner of the Year Award (Mechanical Vendor): NAPA
● Support Partner Award of the Year: Lifelong Crush Creative

The OK Tire 2026 Annual Conference was made possible by amazing partners including: Title Sponsor and Exclusive Brand across Canada, Blackhawk Tires. Commercial Sponsors: Bridgestone/Firestone. Ambassador Sponsors: Toyo Tires, NAPA Auto Parts, and West Lake Tires. Premier Sponsors: BKT Tires, and VMC Media. Executive Sponsors: Lordco Auto Parts, CarQuest Auto Parts, WorldPac, UniSelect, Continental Tires, and Cooper Tires. Partner Sponsors: Hunter Engineering Company, Federated Insurance, TWG, Thibert, CoStar, BAAN Powertrain, Wakefield, Shell, and AutoLeap. Supporting Sponsors : CTP Distributors, Odessa Canada Inc, Lifelong Crush Creative, Formcor, Group Health, Auto Parts Center, Prema, Norton Rose Fulbright, CFL, and Hockey Canada. Special thanks also goes to OK Tire’s distribution partner Groupe Touchette (DT Tire).

For more information, please visit www.oktire.com.