RELEASE: From "down and out" to "on the road to success"
Floyd Jacobs and Tiretrackers give back to help others in need with food drive for Port Cares
(February 7, 2023 - PORT COLBORNE): Sixteen years ago Port Colborne resident Floyd Jacobs never imagined that he would be the owner and operator of a highly successful local full service tire dealer and repair service in the city he lives in and loves. Fast forward to 2023 and Floyd’s journey from being down and out to becoming a proven businessman and community supporter is filled with gratitude and compassion for others in need.
Floyd describes his past self as “down and out” sharing that there was a time when his life was disorganized, he was without employment or income, and was in the red with Canada Revenue Agency. “I was struggling and feeling sorry for myself,” says Floyd explaining that “sometimes hitting rock bottom helps to change your perspective.”
Floyd encourages anyone who is struggling to reach out for help and talk to someone because that’s where the turnaround begins having overcome many of those challenges he personally and professionally has faced through the years. “There is help available, maybe the answers aren’t what you want to hear but you’re not going to get anywhere without taking responsibility for what you can do or change. It’s not easy but it’s where you have to start.”
Floyd credits Port Cares for helping to turn his life around. “To start, Port Cares gave me a place to work out of, with access to computers and other resources. Through Port Cares employment services division known as PC Works, they gave me support to create a business plan, guidance and referral to various other services to get my finances back on track and find counselling support.”
Floyd’s journey to create Tiretrackers as a successful business that could support him started off by him doing what he was raised to do; help others. His friend was in the tire recycling business at a time when Floyd was looking for new direction in his life. Before he knew it, he was helping neighbours, friends and family find tires for their vehicles. “ I would do the legwork to find the right fit, right brand, right price, not for the sake of making a buck, but for the sake of getting started doing something,” adds Floyd. From there he used his Port Cares inspired new skills and resources and went from having space at a used car lot to working out of his home, to the old Tiretrackers location at Elizabeth Street, and to his current Street location at the 71 Main Street West, Port Colborne where he has been running the business out of for the past six years.
Floyd continues to pay it forward recognizing the help he received to get to where he is today and is welcoming the community to celebrate with him at his Annual Tiretrackers Open House on Saturday February 18th 11am to 3pm. The public is welcome to attend the celebration and customer recognition event featuring De Luca Fine Foods and live music. Guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item, for the Port Cares Reach Out Centre Food Bank.
“Floyd’s journey is a story of determination and optimism. Port Cares is about inspiring hope and human resiliency. Our aim is to help individuals and families improve their quality of life by providing the tools, resources and connections they need to build a better future. We sincerely appreciate Floyd’s generosity and loyalty as there are so many people currently facing difficult circumstances. The Tiretracker Open House and food drive comes at a time when we are distributing the highest volume of food we have ever given out and assisting more people than ever before,” explains Christine Clark Lafleur, Executive Director, Port Cares.
“Port Cares was there to support me, which is why I’m so passionate about the organization,” says Floyd, “I’m people-passionate and I love Port Colborne for all the local relationships.” He would specifically encourage any small business owners facing challenges to keep trying and to brace for challenges and changes. “If you feel what you’ve got is worth fighting for, keep working at it; look at simplifying.”
WHAT : Tiretrackers 6th Anniversary Open House
WHEN : Saturday, February 18 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE : Tiretrackers 71 Main Street West Port Colborne
TO DO : Bring a non-perishable Food Donation for the Port Cares Food Bank
PHOTO CAPTION : Tiretrackers Owner Operator Floyd Jacobs (left) and Amanda Upper , Manager Port Cares Reach Out Centre (right) to help address skyrocketing food bank demand
Since 1986, Port Cares has offered a multitude of services for people, young and old, not only in Port Colborne, but also across Niagara including Lincoln, West Lincoln, Welland, Pelham and Fort Erie. They offer housing, employment search, employer assistance, skills training, a foodbank, meals for the needy, specialized assistance for low income seniors and families with children, early childhood development and parenting skills through six EarlyON Child and Family Centres located across Niagara as well as a virtual service, utility assistance, counselling and crisis intervention services- as well as seasonal programs like Coats for Kids, Give a Gift and more. Our services are wide-ranging - the need is undeniable.
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Media contact:
Christine Clark Lafleur
Executive Director, Port Cares
Christine.ClarkLafleur@portcares.ca
905-834-3629 ext. 248
92 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne, ON L3K 3E1
