Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Colin Moise, owner of Renegade Harvest, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Proudly located in Ontario, Renegade Harvest Ltd is a socially responsible specialty food and meat-product manufacturer dedicated to using Canadian ingredients to support small to medium-sized farms. Renegade Harvest Ltd’s distinctive benefits include offering unique ingredients harvested from farming operations that implement ethical, organic, and free-growing practices. All the while limiting the use of conventional, factory-farmed ingredients showcasing the diversity of Ontario products, such as bison, duck, bergamot, and Chaga mushrooms.
Tell us about yourself
I was raised by a family of farmers, hunters, and anglers. I am a French Canadian and am familiar with the diverse fish, game, and vegetation native to Southern Ontario. Colin discovered his love for cooking at a young age. I began honing his nose-to-tail, seed-to-fork culinary style in our nation’s capital, Ottawa, Ontario. I had the privilege of learning about global sustainable practices while cooking amongst a group of talented chefs across Ontario.
I was inspired to take a culinary journey. With the desire to incorporate authentic Canadian ingredients in his dishes, I traveled to both Canadian coasts to explore Canada’s flavors. With over 16 years of experience as a chef, I defined my cooking style while working in critically acclaimed restaurants for large event caterers and the culinary tourism industry. Soon enough, I found that my true passion was sharing my favorite flavors and recipes, and so began Renegade Harvest.
The concept of Renegade Harvest was born of a desire to showcase unique and unconventional ingredients harvested ethically. The “renegade way” is to go out and hunt, fish or forage for your ingredients. The ethos of Renegade Harvest also involves building connections with farmers and customers alike and exploring the Ontario forests where many of Renegade Harvest’s ingredients originate. I believe that fostering relationships and collaboration between consumers and producers is critical in reconnecting people with food, culture, and heritage.
The Renegade Harvest Homestead series combines quality ingredients and unique recipes. Take, for example, the Beef and Nettle sausages. Here you’ll taste the hard work of Enright cattle Co’s beef mixed with wild nettle foraged from the fertile soil of Hastings county. In the end, you can feel comfortable knowing you’ve chosen a product that celebrates local food. Together we can all make a difference.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Going to launch with a variety of farm partners, foragers, and friends and become a father at the same time!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Cash Flow, Operations and Product Dev all share their mix of challenges, but with the right support (my family and close friends), I am able to work through all of these challenges and find a new opportunity for learning around every corner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I would say my top three pieces of advice would be, Focus on your product your partnerships and pay attention to your cash flow. Prioritize what is more important to you and stay true to that. I focus on sharing the flavors of Ontario discovered through the relationships with our neighboring farmers, ranchers, and foragers, by offering a selection of products made from homestead recipes, all the while celebrating wild and ethically sourced ingredients.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am honored to share my culinary experience with everyone that enjoys Renegade Harvest. I truly hope I can diversify your pantry by sharing my passion.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.renegadeharvest.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renegadeharvest/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-moise-10191117a/
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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