Good Morning from New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island
I hope you had a good week, and thank you for allowing me into your space and time today.
If you have been following the last five weeks, this morning’s writing represents ‘Chapter 6.’
Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four
Here are the last few sentences of Chapter 5.
Not soon after, I had a new landlord. He offered two months’ rent back if I could move within a couple of weeks.
He wanted to tear the old house down and build a new office building.
I needed to find a new place and fast.
Chapter 6
The vision was to take Prince Edward Island bottled fruit to the masses of people away. But, unfortunately, I didn’t think I could make a living selling to local shops.
Toronto seemed like the place. So I called and asked friends living there, “where should I sell my preserves?”
One store was consistently mentioned: Holt Renfrew.
So, set my sights on getting to Toronto and selling my treats to Holt Renfrew.
I borrowed a friend’s old Honda Civic. Headed to Froggies ( a used clothing store) and bought a ‘new to me’ zippered Mary Maxim sweater with a moose on it. And I found a pair of jeans that looked new and fit well.
Loaded the car, filled the tank and headed out on the road to Toronto. I never even thought about calling ahead.
Prince Edward Island had a ferry running between Borden and Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick. If you timed it right, nineteen hours of driving would get one to Toronto, with the help of six cans of Coca-Cola and six washroom breaks. One year I drove it ten times.
The first time I went to Holt Renfrew was memorable.
Standing at the front doors of Holts Renfrew flagship store on 50 Bloor Street was a big man. He greeted shoppers wearing a long wool coat with a lambswool collar, top hat and white gloves.
I thought, oh well, I am here now, no turning back and showing him the moose knitted on the back of my sweater.
I marched up with a box of preserves under my arm and asked him, “where can I find the gourmet food department?” He replied, “second floor.”
Entering the store, I notice a woman in a formal gown playing a grand piano.
Taking the escalator up and past the chandeliers, I found the gourmet food section.
I headed straight to the cash counter and asked for the manager. She said, “that would be me.”
“Hi, I am Bruce, and I just drove from Prince Edward Island. I make preserves would like to sell them in your store.”
Judy’s response was, “sorry, but everything we sell here is from Europe and very exclusive to us.”
“Oh.”
I asked, “who does the buying for the store?” She said, “David.”
“Can I speak with him?”
Judy told me I had to make an appointment. “Ok, can I make an appointment to see him now?”
I stayed in the store looking at the product offering. Sure enough, everything was from Paris, Belgium, England, etc.
I noticed that all the preserves listed sugar as the first ingredient.
After an hour of hanging around the store in clothes that did not represent their customers’ fashion, Judy picked up the phone and made a call.
I wasn’t sure if she was calling security.
Two minutes later, David, the buyer, introduced himself and invited me to his office.
Sitting across his desk, I shared my goal of selling preserves in his store. He repeats the exact same words as Judy.
He spoke of everything being from Europe. And his customers had discerning tastes who appreciated exclusivity.
“Thank you, David, I understand, but what do you think of when I say, Prince Edward Island?”
He thought for a moment, then replied, "clean air, good food and nice people.”
I asked another question.
“Would you want your customers thinking the same thing?”
He stated emphatically, “but, we are very exclusive.”
I said, "David, I am very exclusive as well. My products are not available anywhere!”
He didn't know what to say.
“Here are three jars for you to try.”
- Strawberry Grand Marnier,
- Wild Blueberry Raspberry Champagne
- Raspberry Champagne
“I will leave them with you. Please keep my products in mind. I want to do business with you. I am driving back to the Island, and here is my phone number.”
Four days later, I get a phone call from David.
“Bruce, these are the best preserves I have ever tasted and wish to place an order.”
I wrote as he told me what he wanted. It was a lot.
“When do you need it, David?”
“Two weeks.”
“Thank you, David.”
I hung up the phone and freaked. How am I going to do this?
Ok, now I have a severe problem. A large order, a need for a new place and need more money.
First things first.
Get the order done.
After my late night waiting on tables work, I would visit the favourite watering holes of friends on my way home. Then, finding capable friends, I put forward an invitation to come back to my place to make jam.
It worked. The order shipped on time.
~ R. Buckminster Fuller
Driving by a faded yellow building near the airports’ approach lights, I noticed a for rent sign in the window. I pulled in, wrote down the number.
The next day, I met with Roy Birt, and we struck a deal. I could rent the small space to make preserves. It had a back door, a front door, and a window. In the same building was their convenience store. The back door was for receiving. The store had sizeable walk-in pop fridges; fortunately, they let me put the fresh berries in them there.
This week, I was sad to read that Roy’s brother Roger, the engine behind R. Birts and Associates, had passed away. He was a real go-getter with a true entrepreneurial spirit. Anything is possible type guy.
Not long after becoming a tenant of Roger’s, I shared a story with him.
It was about me seeing one of Charlottetown’s largest landlords collecting bottles at the side of the road. And it was not for Island beauty’s sake.
I mentioned it seemed foolish a man of such wealth would be doing something like this. Roger scolded my attitude. Rightfully so. He told me empty collected bottles helped begin his own entrepreneurial journey.
And shared, “you do what you need to do.”
"Judgements prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances." ~ Wayne Dyer
Lesson learned.
This lovely humble gentleman Roger and I spoke of lived through the Depression-era. He formed habits necessary to survive. The practice of a penny saved is a penny earned that served him and his family well.
"Human beings have the remarkable ability to turn nothing into something. They can turn weeds into gardens and pennies into fortunes." ~ Jim Rohn
I shipped the products to Holt Renfrew with our label.
Prince Edward Island Preserve Company had arrived.
Eventually, we private labelled products for them and became their ninth best selling item in their store.
Other stores took notice, and more orders started coming in.
One lady was so impressed she ordered twenty-five thousand dollars worth. She built lovely baskets and sold them to Bowring’s.
Forty-five days later, I can't find her to get payment; I called Bowrings to see if they could pay me directly.
Too late, they paid her. She bankrupted her company.
We did not see five cents.
Friends and acquaintances invested money, enabling the business to continue.
Paul Madden from Sandwich, Massachusetts, was an antique dealer. He drove a Mercedes 500SEL.
He walked into where I was making preserves one day. He had an empty jar with our label on it in his hand. He’s 6'4," and 350 weight size was intimidating.
"Holding up the empty jar, bellows I am looking for the maker of this."
"That would be me, sir."
"Jam is a hobby of mine," he said.
"I have tasted a lot (and with his size, I believed), and these are the best I have ever tasted."
"I want to buy six cases."
"Thank you, sir, but I only sell to stores. I had told stores I wouldn't compete with them."
He starred at me, thought for a second, and then banged his fist on the counter.
"Young man, I want to buy six cases now, and I want to pay you the full price."
I thought, ok, I will sell them to him at the same price the store sells them for.
If you make listening and observation your occupation you will gain much more than you can by talk. ~ Robert Baden Powell
After loading the six cases into his car, having the money in my hand, I thought, this is the answer to cash flow.
I need to find a place where instead of chasing the world to make a living, I can invite the world to our place and make a life.
So the hunt begins for the right place.
A tiny ad in the local paper leads me to it.
NEW GLASGOW here we come.
Thank you for reading and staying with me on this writing journey. I am learning and appreciate grammatical correction. So don't be shy. Please comment.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
If in New Glasgow, visit our new Espresso bar. The Garden Cafe located beside our main building.
With love from Prince Edward Island,
Bruce + Millie
ps. Your Morning Smile
Jean-Paul Sartre is sitting at a French cafe, revising his draft of Being and Nothingness. He says to the waitress, "I'd like a cup of coffee, please, with no cream."
The waitress replies, "I'm sorry, Monsieur, but we're out of cream. How about with no milk?"
Comments
Paula Mueda said:
Wonderful story – thanks for sharing!
August 07, 2021
Shirley Monsebraaten said:
I am still looking for the very old photograph of my Father, Olaf Stevenson, of Cavendish on his way with a team of beautiful horses hauling cream cans to the New Glasgow Creamery.
July 25, 2021
Anne Gillis said:
another great read…..
July 19, 2021
Phil Britton said:
Your saga continues also with the other products that you offer. The pure infused maple line from Hutchinson Acres offer flavors that are an exciting addition for salmon salads.
The COW line was also enjoyable. Using you resources to help others is a blessing only you can give to your area. It is your awareness of nutrition, quality and your humanity that makes me looking forward to what is next.
July 19, 2021
Kathy said:
Love the story Bruce!! All the ups and downs, wow! Your cousin across the pond!
July 18, 2021
Janet Dickie said:
As always – totally entertained with your last journal of your beginnings – SO love your determination ! And even better …my sister arrived yesterday for a visit ( she lives on the island ) haven’t seen her due to COVID in such a long time and toting along a bag of my fav preserves from your store – strawberry rhubarb and my sisters fav – blueberry — what a pick me up for sure ❤️Til next week
July 18, 2021
Jen Cash said:
Love reading your story about your journey. Enjoyed it with a piece of warm, crunchy Asiago garlic toast topped with my favorite wild blueberry & raspberry with champagne preserves. An interesting combination of sweet and savory! Delectable. My husband copied me and now a favorite of his too.
July 18, 2021
Cherye-Monique Edgar said:
Oh that is great news about New Glasgow! I am going to visit my sister in Halifax in August and will add it to my list of “must do’s”. She loves Espresso!
July 18, 2021
Cathy Hammond said:
Loving your history. Shows what determination and hard work can do. Amazing story.
July 18, 2021
Jack & Lillian Paul said:
Another enjoyable Blog… thank you for all of them.
We love the jams as well. Just about time to order some more.
Lillian
July 18, 2021
Valerie Dawes said:
Great reminiscences Bruce. We remember the yellow building by the airport. We’ve been redoing albums and have a few pics of the creamery before the restaurant was added. Also remember the coffee house downtown.
July 18, 2021
murdock morrison said:
Another great story of how you were able to cut corners and make things work. This is a truly inspiring story for young entrepreneurs who have a dream and want it to be a success by just staying the course and overcoming obstacles. And I knew Roger Birt myself as I golf at Eagles Glenn and worked there as well as a course marshall and Roger was always willing to stop and see how things were going. Yes , he even put on his old work clothes and go with the maintenance staff to work on a project – an amazing man . Look forward to the last chapter . Murdock
July 17, 2021
Sharon Kalich said:
As I read your blog every week, I am amazed at the number of people you have touched with your words and PEI products. All over North America and further. What a purpose and legacy you have built! You have made a difference in this world and that is something to be proud of. Something we all need to strive for. Even in the littlest things.
July 17, 2021
Dr Bob said:
Bruce – so enjoy our chats each Saturday, though one-sided of course, as you share your life and love. Taking your chapters and slightly editing (seems like a lot of extra "u"s tucked in odd places to an American and sharing with my wife.
Result? She said, “Honey, why don’t you ask about where to stay et al and we’ll head up to PEI next Spring. We KNOW where to eat and visit face-to-face right in New Glasgow.” I like that idea – will have to google the tourism board and have the joy of making plans for a week or two on your isle.
July 17, 2021
Lori said:
This made my morning with the joke at the end. I love reading your blog thank you for posting it. It is the only one I read. So hello from Port Coquitlam B.C.
July 17, 2021
Kay Schuld said:
Another good & interesting chapter, can’t wait for the next one. Such good perseverance
you have & I’m sure that’s why you are successful.
July 17, 2021
Susan B said:
Once again Bruce, thank you for sharing !!
I’m enjoying your journey so much.
WOW Holt Renfrew, you really started at the top.
Have a great week.
Susan B
July 17, 2021
BErnice TUrner said:
Reading your blog every Saturday is truly a bright spot in my day. Thank you so much for this wonderful history of your wonderful company. A great read. Bravo!
Bernice Turner
July 17, 2021
Dale Harman said:
Bruce I have totally enjoyed your five part story. Building a life if far more important than making a living. You have truly created a remarkable place with beautiful gardens, a wonderful store and our favourite Island restaurant. You have had many challenges but with the help of God and friends here you are. You and Shirley are truly a blessing!
July 17, 2021
althea said:
Morn, Bruce. Chuckling, visualizing your intro to HR in Toronto – the doorman, etc.
Oh yes, remember Bowring’s closing up. Congrats, also, to finally using apostrophes correctly. Yaaay! (to readers: this is a private ‘joke’). Love and blessings. A.
July 17, 2021
Valarie LaBore said:
sigh Now I have to wait another week to learn more about your wonderful journey. :)
Your Morning Smile reminded me of visiting a tearoom for afternoon tea once. I asked for cream & sugar for my tea. It was brought to me in a small pitcher. As I poured it in, it immediately curdled. Anyone who knows their tea, knows you are served milk for the tea, even though the term “cream” is still used, because the tannic acid in the tea will cause cream to curdle. The server said they didn’t carry milk. So I drank it black. My husband still laughs at me for not asking for milk instead, but my dear, it just isn’t done!
Val
July 17, 2021
Jane said:
I am enjoying your story very much. It truly is uplifting! My husband and I visited PEI in the Fall of 2017 (we are from California), found your store, and brought home many goodies to share with our family and friends. Thank you for sharing your stories and deliciousness!
July 17, 2021
Ashley said:
Do you have any pictures to go along with your history? I’d love to see them! Really enjoying your posts.
July 17, 2021
BELINDA WHITTLE said:
Your story is so interesting. I’m hooked and waiting each week for Saturday morning to arrive. (And I wouldn’t waste my time if it wasn’t interesting)
You may want to publish this story in a small book someday with pictures like the ones on your posts. Your ‘voice’ is as unique as your preserves. Add in some thoughts and advice if you need more material. :)
July 17, 2021
MIkel & KAy Stevenson said:
When we visited PEI in 2016 to learn more about Mikel’s relatives who immigrated there from Scotland in 1820, we took a little bus tour to Green Gables. On the return trip the tour driver told us a little of the story of the beginning of The Preserve Company before we made the stop there. You were not there that day to add more details he told us. How fun it has been for us to read the more complete version here!
Thank you for sharing your journey. We have shared The Preserve Company products. with friends and family in Michigan, Arizona, California and Washington State…always welcomed and appreciated. P.S. Strawberry w/ Grand Marnier is our adult granddaughter’s favorite.
With appreciation and respect,
Mikel and Kay
July 17, 2021
Julie MacKenzie said:
I loved Chapter 6. I can hardly wait for the next one. Thanks for sharing your story Bruce. I look forward to your blog every weekend.
July 17, 2021
Karen C said:
My friends and I took a 4,000 mile round trip in August of 2017. We left our home in Kentucky and headed to Montreal. From there we headed eastward and enjoyed the beautiful landscape along the way. One of the highlights of our adventure was stopping for lunch and shopping at The Preserve Company. I bought some lovely mugs which are a wonderful reminder of our journey. I would love to return someday and spend more time exploring the island. My best to you and yours. Have a wonderful day!
July 17, 2021
Tony Rizzuto said:
Thanks for this installment Bruce! One of the things that struck me today in reading it was your unapologetic confidence that seemed to grow and help you along this journey as you perfected your craft. I know it doesn’t come easy – and it’s especially hard for “public-facing” professions and competitive businesses like retail. But there are parallels! For example, I train a lot of young professionals in the social service fields and many of them find it difficult to think about speaking about their work or research in front of other professionals like at conferences – especially the first time. They get afraid of failure and being judged. But one thing that seems to help is when I tell them they have good training, good preparation, a good product, and most of all – unique experience that blends it all. No one in the world can do what you’re about to do because although many in the audience may have the same ingredients – no one else uses them the way you do! That really seems to help a lot and it’s great to see their confidence grow. Keep those chapters coming!
July 17, 2021
Patricia Jones said:
Have been reading your history..fascinating.. At times I have to wonder if you were very naive, or smart..but whatever perseverance and a bit of luck paid off..
The jokes are “my kind” of humour.. amusing things that could really happen..
Jokes like..
Many years ago at lunch with a business associate..the waitress asked us." Will that be soup? Or juice?“. My friend , not half listening , looked puzzled.” What on earth is super juice?"
True story..have a great day..
Pat
July 17, 2021
Deborah Powell said:
I have to stop reading so fast it’s so disappointing when it ends and I have to wait until next week. Lol
Thanks,Bruce. So enjoyable.
July 17, 2021
Barbara Lankler said:
Dear Bruce,
I became very anxious when I wasn’t greeted by your wonderful blog earlier this morning…concerned that you might be ill or who knows what. Then up you came in my email….phfff!
Like so many, I look forward to each new chapter in your amazing journey. Thank you so much
for sharing this and your many other thoughts and insights. We have had the pleasure of having lunch at your delightful place in previous visits and look forward to coming again.
All the best,
Barbara
July 17, 2021
Suzi said:
“I am learning and appreciate grammatical correction.” Grammar was never a strong suit of mine, but the only complaint I have is it ends too soon! Love your adventure! You are blessed! and through your adventure, you are blessing your readers. Thank you!
Suzi
P.S. Any chance you have a picture of you in the moose sweater? And, wasn’t the moose supposed to be on the front?
July 17, 2021
Katherine said:
I’m enjoying your stories, you’re an excellent writer.
July 17, 2021
Derinda said:
What a wonderful account of your journey into the business world, you definitely were persistent, in a good way. Cant wait to hear how you managed to secure the Preserve Co. For all your success, you are humble enough to help others with your beautiful Garden of Hope. You really are an Inspiration Bruce.
Derinda
July 17, 2021
Catherine Abel said:
Morning Bruce
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading chapter 6 this morning while having my morning tea and toast with your wonderful Blackberry and Apple preserves. I, for some reason haven’t read the other chapters and wanted to know if I can them somewhere on your website.
We arrive in PEI from Toronto area on August 7 and as we drive the route will think of your many trips back and forth.
Catherine
July 17, 2021
Sue Skeffington said:
Although one could say, and the rest is history, I so look forward to your next chapter!
July 17, 2021
Michele Sparling said:
Am thoroughly enjoying following your journey to being the company you are today. “Thank You,” for sharing.
July 17, 2021