Yuri Fulmer has been building businesses since he was 21. Having arrived from Australia a few years earlier, it all began when he was faced with the unexpected opportunity to buy a local franchise while working for A&W. Young, but extremely motivated, Yuri figured out how to put together enough money and made the tough decision to focus solely on running a business, rather than studying them at school.

Since then, Yuri has grown that single A&W franchise into dozens, as well as managed, developed and invested in a number of other businesses including Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse and Pizza Hut franchises across Western Canada, doggedly building a $60 million business portfolio by the time he was 30.

In 2010, Yuri founded Fulmer Capital Partners (now Fulmer & Company) to continue doing what he does best — helping businesses grow. Currently, Fulmer & Company owns and invests in a collection of companies in the hospitality, business-to-business, manufacturing, construction, digital technology and consumer service industries. To date, Fulmer & Company businesses have been named among Canada’s Fastest Growing Private Companies five times. And yes, Yuri’s counting.

Right from the start, serving the local community has also been an important part of Yuri’s work. Over the years, he’s been actively involved in local non-profit, educational and arts organizations, and serves as an accredited Director in a number of corporate and civic boards. Currently, Yuri is an Honourary Governor of the Vancouver Foundation (Canada’s largest community foundation), National Chair of United Way Centraide Canada, and Co-Chair of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.

In 2019, Yuri established The Fulmer Foundation to take Fulmer & Company’s community investment to the next level, continuing his long-standing commitment to helping improve social issues with more than just financial support. One of the foundation’s biggest undertakings is the management and support of Goodly Foods Society — a social enterprise working to repurpose surplus produce from local suppliers, while creating employment opportunities for people in need.

As much as recognition is not what drives him, Yuri feels truly honoured to have received a considerable amount for his contributions to others, including: Canada’s Top Forty Under 40 (2008), The BC Community Achievement Award (2010), The Spirit of Vancouver Award (2011), The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) and The Order of British Columbia (2010), our Province’s highest honour, for Yuri’s “dynamic entrepreneurship and committed volunteerism”.

Away from the office, you can often find Yuri enjoying the great outdoors near and far, fishing, diving, canoeing, kayaking, climbing and exploring. Or, you know, not find him.