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Fortin's turns 60
July 2nd 1946 in not a real significant date in the large scope of things. Chilliwack Township's population just crested above 13,000. Our municipal airport opened the same year. The silver screen's were playing a new movie called "It's a Wonderful Life", and the world welcomed the births of some future notable people such as President George W.Bush, Singer / Songwriter Cher, and actress Candice Bergen.
One thing that did not make the national headlines was the opening of Fortin's Tool and Supply. Started on this day 60 years ago, it may not even have made the local newspaper much less caused a stir amongst the 13,000 some odd residents of Chillliwack.
However it is a date that has been engraved in the archives of our minds and we're proud to show our age!
Founded in 1946 by Laurence Fortin and his father Charles Fortin, the main thrust of the business back then was the machine shop. At one time Fortin's operated 4 stores. Two in Chilliwack, one in Hope and another in Abbotsford. The decision was made to focus on the one store, so eventually one was closed, and the two other locations sold.
"There was something special about the earlier times", says Jeff Fortin, current owner and 3rd generation Fortin, "We were open 6 days a week, we closed the store for a 1 hour lunch, and making deliveries was unheard of." People would often stop by just for a coffee or a chat to catch up on the local news. "Business was so much more personal back then", adds Jeff.
How things have changed. One only need to look at the population and business explosion in Chilliwack and surrounding areas to see that some of those things we held dear are probably gone. However, Fortin's refused to fade away with those memories. In Sept of 92, Fortin's doubled in size by opening a new building at their current location to keep up with the high demand. This new location boasts a state of the art environmentally friendly machine shop that today still rivals the competition across the Fraser Valley.
Realizing the growth and high demand, Fortin's opened a second parts location in Vedder Crossing, and soon after, tripled its size by adding a brand new Home Hardware. The concept of one-stop auto parts and hardware under the same roof continues to work well. Purchasing power is a key element to staying competitive in today's fast changing market place. Fortin's are proud to be members of Auto Sense & Home Hardware, Canada's largest Automotive/Hardware buying groups.
In addition, foundations were laid at their Chilliwack store to accommodate Fortin's new Marine Engine & Service division now open.
"Hiring great staff and making them part of the team" has been a Fortin credo over the years. Some of the "old" crew still grace the floors at Fortin's, serving a reminder to the younger team players that great customer service, honesty, and reliability are the key to success. |
