Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patrick Dupuis, owner of Old School Cheesery, located in Vermilion, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a family artisan-owned and operated cheese company. We make small-batch high-quality cheese that promotes traditional cheese-making practices. We do not use any preservative additive and/or colorant. Whatever mother nature provides us with, we use. We use natural ingredients no powders (real garlic, chipotle, peppercorn, and dill weed). We supply restaurants grocery stores across Alberta.
Tell us about yourself
I retired from a 25 years military career and wanted to own my company. After many long discussions with my wife about what I should be doing, my wife suggested that I should look into cheese making since I am a big cheese lover, so I did. Finished my MBA and started this family-owned company with the intention of giving it to my daughter. Working with her is a blessing. I did spend lots of time away from home in the military, but now I get to work with her every day. I am very grateful for this unique opportunity.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The rapid growth of the business. Not only in production but in its popularity across Alberta. Our company is becoming a household name in our region for quality artisan cheese. We are also now a tourist attraction for food tourism as a member of Economusée. Making our part of diversifying our local economy.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You are accountable for everything that's happening to your company. Decisions are good bad have a direct impact on what you the company, what you are doing, and the people who work with you.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Financial: When you are starting or planning an expansion, always plan for more money than you think. It is harder to get more money when you have started than when you are in the planning phase.
- Help/Support: build a support network, and do not be afraid to ask for help in your business community. Many owners have gone through what you are going through, and they are more than willing to share some words of wisdom.
- Time to relax: Always plan and spend time with your loved one and by yourself to enjoy life. You never know what might happen.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As an entrepreneur, you spend lots of time working on your business. Still, it is very gratifying to see your product in a store or advertise on the radio and that customers praise it. Take the time to enjoy it!!!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.oldschoolcheesery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldschoolcheesery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldschoolcheesery/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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