I came to Canada from Holland and officially immigrated in July of 1984. I started out with a small farm of 97 acres of potatoes in 1985, and learned many lessons that year. I grew potatoes for the first couple of years without a contract. I finally got into a contract with McCain Foods, bought more land in 1989 and 1992 into grew 250 acres of potatoes. I decided to diversify rather than expand and this is when I got into the machinery business.    

In 1988, I started working on a project called a belt scale. I first sold belt scales and later potato planters. I started R & D in 1998. I now continue to grow potatoes and that gives me a chance to try out the equipment before I introduce it on the market. I like to keep in touch with the farmers to make sure that what I sell works well and that the machinery I sell is feasible for this part of the world.

My goals for his business are big!  I want to make a good living like others, and hopefully I can leave something for my children. I want to help farmers improve their quality of life and if I can help improve the environment at the same time, everyone will benefit. 

I love what I am doing. I will continue to expand as the opportunity arises. I don’t think that there is an end in sight and I believe my business will grow and will expand throughout the Maritimes and North America.

You have to have a lot of patience in farming; change takes time and involves a large capital investment.  We’re here today and as long as we keep at it, the grapes will come in.

To young people wanting to start their own business I say follow your dreams, follow your heart and keep on putting lots of hours in, never give up and you will get where you want to be.