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Yuri Leith Fulmer, OBC (born May 5, 1974) is an Australian-born Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is a member of the Order of British Columbia (2011),[1] and was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012),[2] and was named one of Business In Vancouver's Living Legends in 2021.[3]
Yuri Leith Fulmer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | May 5, 1974 Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Nationality | Canadian, Australian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur & philanthropist |
| Known for | Founding Fulmer Capital Partners |
| Political party | BC Conservatives |
| Website | fulmerandco |
Early life
editFulmer was born in Perth, Western Australia to a Canadian father and an Australian mother; as a result, he holds dual citizenship. He came to Vancouver in 1992.[4]
Career
editFulmer has been a transformative figure[5] in the food and hospitality industry of Western Canada. His journey began in 1997 when he acquired his first A&W (Canada) restaurant, leading to the formation of Western Restaurants Franchises Inc (WRFI). This venture expanded to include multiple A&W and Pizza Hut locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
In 2005, Yuri’s turned towards revitalizing Mr. Mikes Steakhouse and Bar, a chain founded in 1960 that had been reduced to just four locations. Mr. Mikes was rebranded and expanded to 21 locations, generating over $60 million in annual sales. This turnaround culminated in its sale to Yellow Point Equity Partners in two transactions between 2009 and 2010.
In 2010, Yuri Fulmer founded Fulmer & Company, shifting his focus toward investing in various businesses across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and consumer packaged goods. Since its inception, the company has made investments in over 30 businesses. Fulmer’s approach emphasizes entrepreneurship and business growth, with attention to the needs of the communities where these companies operate.
Philanthropy
editFulmer is recognized for his dedication to philanthropy, marked by significant leadership roles and substantial contributions to various organizations. Notably, he currently serves as the Global Chairman of United Way Worldwide, a position he assumed in 2024. In this role, Fulmer has been key in orchestrating global philanthropic initiatives, enhancing the organization’s impact on a worldwide scale. His journey with United Way began with the United Way of the Lower Mainland, where he was a major force in fundraising efforts, successfully raising over $30 million.
On June 18, 2020, Fulmer was installed as the fourth Chancellor of Capilano University.[6]
In 2019, Yuri established the Fulmer Foundation, which became a focal point for his philanthropic efforts. The foundation actively supports projects that foster community engagement and development. One of the foundation's major initiatives is Goodly Foods™, a social enterprise co-founded by Fulmer & Company in partnership with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Launched in March 2019, Goodly Foods aims to convert surplus produce into nutritious food products and provide employment opportunities to individuals facing significant employment barriers.
Politics
editOn July 22, 2024, Fulmer was announced as the Conservative Party of British Columbia candidate for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in the 2024 British Columbia general election.[7] Fulmer was defeated by Green Party candidate Jeremy Valeriote.
| 2024 British Columbia general election: West Vancouver-Sea to Sky | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | Expenditures | |||
| Green | Jeremy Valeriote | 10,221 | 38.15 | +0.85 | ||||
| Conservative | Yuri Fulmer | 9,555 | 35.16 | New | ||||
| New Democratic | Jen Ford | 7,018 | 26.19 | +1.03 | ||||
| Total valid votes | – | |||||||
| Total rejected ballots | ||||||||
| Turnout | ||||||||
| Registered voters | ||||||||
| Source: Elections BC[8] | ||||||||
Awards and honours
edit- Canada's Top Forty Under 40, 2008[9]
- British Columbia Community Achievement Award, 2010[10]
- Order of British Columbia[1]
- Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012 for his contribution to Canadian communities[2]
- The Joseph and Rosalie Community Vision Award, 2014[11]
- Business in Vancouver Living Legends, 2021[3]
- 2011 Recipient: Yuri Fulmer – North Vancouver: Order of BC[12]
- Entrepreneur of the Year, Finalist, 2010 - Ernst & Young[13]
- Chancellor of Capilano University[6]
- BC500 The Most Influential Business Leaders, Business in Vancouver, 2023[14]
References
edit- ^ a b "2011 Recipient: Yuri Fulmer – North Vancouver : Order of BC". Retrieved 2019-05-19.
- ^ a b General, Office of the Secretary to the Governor. "Yuri Fulmer". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
- ^ a b Fern, Adriano; es. "Living Legends". BIV BC 500. Retrieved 2022-04-25.
- ^ Parry, Malcolm (2014-05-28). "Trade Talk: Fulmer chair never stops looking | Vancouver Sun". Retrieved 2019-05-19.
- ^ "Trade Talk: Fulmer chair never stops looking". Vancouver Sun.
- ^ a b "Chancellor - Capilano University". www,capilanou.ca. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
- ^ "Yuri Fulmer at Conservative Party of BC".
- ^ "- Event Night Reporting". Elections BC. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ "Canada's Top 40 Under 40 - Honourees 2007". www.canadastop40under40.com. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
- ^ "British Columbia Achievement Foundation". www.bcachievement.com. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
- ^ "Yuri Fulmer honoured at 2014 United Way Pathfinders Dinner". United Way. 2014-10-29. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
- ^ "2011 Order of British Columbia". BC Gov. October 4, 2011.
- ^ "Ernst & Young celebrates Pacific finalists for Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010". newswire.ca.
- ^ "The Most Influential Business Leaders, Business in Vancouver, 2023". Business In Vancouver. 3 November 2023.