Canadian Tire Dealer Finds Home in Growing City

Chris Kondracki's journey with Canadian Tire began at age 13, picking up garbage in his uncle's store parking lot in Fredericton, NB.

Now, at 44, the Ontario native owns one of Alberta's fastest-growing Canadian Tire locations in Airdrie and has ambitious plans to double its size. The 53,000-square-foot Airdrie store is more than just Kondracki's 10th dealership he’s worked at and fourth he’s owned and operated – it's where he plans to put down roots after 12 years of operating stores across Atlantic Canada.

"This is my last stop,” said the husband and father of two pre-teens.

He and his wife met in Yellowknife, NWT and had been looking for a way to get closer to family where she grew up in Calgary. When the opportunity to buy Airdrie’s franchise arose, he said it was a “no-brainer” from a business perspective, "When you look at the demographics, population projections, I was just like, ‘Wow, this is a real good opportunity, and it's sort of flying under the radar,’" said Kondracki.

Since arriving in Airdrie in Aug. 2023, he's invested heavily in inventory expansion, adding 8,000 new products and implementing electronic shelf labels throughout the store. His team of 125 employees, including seven who've followed him from previous locations, focuses on keeping shelves stocked and customer service high.

He's already in discussions with Canadian Tire Corporation about expanding the store to approximately 100,000 square feet in the next few years.

Beyond retail operations, Kondracki emphasizes community involvement through initiatives like sponsoring local sports teams and supporting Canadian Tire Jumpstart. Last year, his store raised nearly $15,000 for the charity, with all funds staying in Airdrie to help local children participate in sports and recreation.

"Over the last couple of years, we've helped over 1,200 local kids," said Kondracki.

Kondracki visibly loves his work and said he always had entrepreneurial dreams. He was hooked on Canadian Tire in his early 20s when he realized he could put his own mark on how a franchise was run.

"I'm so fortunate to be a Canadian Tire dealer,” said Kondracki in his office with a large new Canadian Tire logo made by a friend proudly displayed on the wall. “I think it's just the best opportunity in the world to be able to own and run a large business and make a difference in your community in a positive way.”

Learn more about Canadian Tire at www.canadiantire.ca

Photos by Britton Ledingham