Sue Jones introduced Blake Tarana as the week’s guest speaker. Blake is the Multi-Franchisee and President of Tim Hortons Southern Tier, overseeing locations in Jamestown, Olean, and Hornell. He also owns GDT Repairs LLC, TAR Holdings, and BPT Holdings. In addition to his business ventures, Blake serves as a board member for the Italian-American Golf Tournament, Vice President of the Southwestern Education Foundation, and Chairman of the Tim Hortons United States Advisory Board. A graduate of Southwestern High School and St. Bonaventure University, he holds a degree in Management Science.
The club meeting provided an opportunity for members to learn more about Blake’s business journey and his work with Tim Hortons. Blake shared that he became certified as a Tim Hortons owner in 2011 and fully assumed ownership in January 2020, buying out his parents to take over five stores in Jamestown. Today, he operates 10 locations: six in Jamestown, three in Olean, and one in Hornell. The first location, which opened on April 7, 2002, at Brooklyn Square, Jamestown remains one of the top five busiest Tim Hortons in the U.S. Blake also shared some photos of their latest location in Jamestown.
Members expressed their appreciation for Blake and Tim Hortons’ community involvement and generous support for local nonprofits. Tim Hortons recently received the 2024 AFP Global Award as the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation in Western New York.
Blake addressed questions about managing young employees, staff training, tipping policies, and some of the members’ favorite Tim Hortons items.
