Australian-born Yuri Fulmer went from drive-through attendant to president of one of Canada's largest food and beverage companies.
Photo: theminervafoundation.com
“Trying hard” – that’s what Yuri Fulmer would say if asked to sum himself up in one sentence.
The 37-year-old entrepreneur has been living that philosophy since he was 19, when he bought his first A&W restaurant.
“I was really convinced I never wanted to work for somebody else again,” said Fulmer.
From drive-through attendant to manager
Fulmer had worked his way up from drive-through attendant to manager in three years, jumping on the opportunity to own the restaurant when offered the chance.
His job didn’t pay that well– it was a $220,000 loan from his mother that set Fulmer on this path.
“My mom was a pretty strong influence,” he said.
“She had a lot of trust and a lot of faith in me all the way along, and those things make you just want to fixate and try harder.”
Gambling man
Taking gambles wasn’t a new thing for Fulmer – at 16, he left his native Australia to explore the world, eventually ending up in Vancouver.
It paid off for Fulmer, a UBC and SFU dropout: He now owns 7 A&W’s, 27 Pizza Huts, and the entire Mr. Mikes Steakhouse and Bar franchise.
He’s also the founder and President of FDC Capital, one of Canada’s largest food and beverage businesses. According to Profit 100, it is one of the country’s fastest growing companies. Fulmer was also named one of Canada’s Top Forty under 40 a few years back.
Giving back to the community
But it’s not just Fulmer’s financial success that makes him one of this year’s Order of B.C. recipients: it’s his commitment to the community that sets him apart.
“I try to get up every day and do the right thing,” he said. “To take care of other people and try to make the community stronger and better.”
Fulmer is currently the board chair of the United Way – the youngest one ever since its inception.
He is also involved in the Vancouver Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Vancouver Opera, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
In five years, Fulmer has raised more than $100 million for the various organizations he’s been involved in, including the personal donations he contributes each year.
Living by his philosophy
This all coincides with the philosophy Fulmer chooses to live his life by:
“We’re all here to do the best we can, to make this place the best for the people who live here.”
Fulmer will receive the Order of B.C. in Victoria tomorrow*. He considers the award his greatest achievement.
*Writing example only, date not factual at time of posting
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