How we got started

Creating a strong base for economic growth.

In 1995, following a high profile career in the convention and hospitality industry, Klaus Fuerniss moved to Gibsons – an iconic small town on BC’s west coast. As a visionary entrepreneur, Klaus saw that this quiet area just 40km from Vancouver was ideally positioned and due for economic growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

In partnership with wife Monika and son Oliver, Klaus laid strong foundations for a flourishing, multi-faceted company with interests in hospitality, real estate development, and marine operations that now reaches from Canada’s Sunshine Coast to Vancouver’s Lower Mainland.

Under Klaus Fuerniss Enterprises’ corporate umbrella, enterprises in hospitality (BC’s first Wendy’s / Tim Hortons dual franchise anchors its ten stand-alone outlets), real estate development (The George Gibsons Marine Resort and Residences), and marine operations (Hyak Marine, Gibsons Marina, Sunshine Coast Kayaking) provide a strong economic base for the corporation and the community.

Caring for the community.

Klaus Fuerniss’ lifelong ethic of “giving back” ensures that KFE and its subsidiary businesses are good corporate citizens of their respective communities.

  • Donations

    Each year, KFE and its subsidiary businesses provide thousands of dollars of in-kind and cash donations to support the work of a wide variety of community non-profit groups in arts and culture, sports, volunteer and youth organizations.

  • Festival of Lights

    Through local Gibsons initiatives, (the annual Christmas Festival of Lights at Wendy’s/Tim Hortons and Sea of Lights displays at Gibsons Marina), Klaus Fuerniss Enterprises has donated almost half a million dollars to local schools, service clubs, food banks, animal welfare groups, and sports teams.

  • Smile Cookie Fundraiser

    Each year the national Tim Hortons “Smile Cookie” campaign raises thousands of dollars to assist local art, culture, and sports organizations, helping to build a more vibrant and sustainable local community.