The Citizen, 1995-08-30, Page 11Dauphin Feed and Supply
Taking agricultural expertise into business
Making the step to businessperson from farmer was
not a big one for Gary Dauphin. Ten years ago, an
opportunity to purchase the Dungannon Feed Mill arose,
and Gary, who had been involved in agriculture all his
life, first in farming, then in the feed business as a
salesperson, decided to make the move.
Though owning your own business can be challenging,
Gary knew his earlier experiences would serve him well.
"I've always believed that anybody who can farm, can
do anything," he says.
A few years after getting up and rolling in Dungannon,
Dauphin purchased the feed mill in Walton which,
combined today, employ 15 full and part-time
employees. Dauphin Feed and Supply has continued to
grow and prosper in the years since. In 1993 they
acquired the Top Notch Feed business in Brussels, which
was incorporated into the existing company. Today they
provide a full-line of milling for agriculture feeds,
handle full-line of commodities, as well as trucking of
grains. There is also a retail outlet at each location which
sells all animal feeds and health supplies and bird seed.
In today's competitive market, Gary recognizes the
importance of meeting the customer's needs. "We have
full servicing of livestock accounts, which is becoming
an ever more important part of this business. As farmers
become fewer, better service is essential. Farmers are
often too busy to come see us. If you don't go to them,
then you don't get the business."
Looking to the future, Gary says he and his staff "hope
to continue to provide the same quality of service to the
local communities that we've been able to do in the
past."
One of the special ways Dauphin's treats its customers
is in small lot custom grinding which they still do. "You
don't have to bring in a truckload. We still look after the
farmers who bring in the smaller grists."
Today, while many see bigger in business as being
better, one of the things that Gary feels is special about
Dauphin's is the fact that as a small business it is more
approachable. "Hands-on decisions are made right here.
Also, having been in agriculture I know where the
majority of our clients are coming from. I can
understand them ."
Gary and his wife Heather live in Brussels. They have
four children, Holly, 20, lives in London. Sarah, 19, is
enrolled at Fanshawe. Eighteen-year-old Rebecca is
attending F.E. Madill this fall as is Mike, 16, who also
works for his father in the summer and on weekends.
WALTON FEED MILL
THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1995. PAGE 11.
rHobby becomes R&J Custom Cabinets
Robert Glanville, of RR4,
Walton loves working with
wood. A licensed carpenter
who was employed by
someone else as a house
framer, Robert's hobby was
custom building cabinets and
wood furnishings.
By 1993, however, so
many people were asking for
his work that he was busy
enough to think maybe he
should start his own business
and R& J Custom Cabinets
was born.
Though he started out in a
tiny shed, located at his and
his wife Jackie's home, this
year, Robert
built a new 40
by 60 foot
shop. He has
incorporated
his original tiny
workplace onto
it as a finishing
room for a total
square footage
work space of
2,600.
Though Robert is presently
working on his own, he
hopes that someday he will
*.,4,1".'"*.
be able to hire at least one
other person to help him out.
The product Robert turns
,out is one of quality
workmanship and service at
a reasonable price. If it's
wood, Robert will build it,
from anything to children's
wagons to roll top desk,
kitchen cupboards, hutches
or vanities. The designs are
built to suit the customer's
needs
Since starting on his own,
Robert has enjoyed not only
the pleasures of being his
own boss, but the aspect of
learning it has brought.
"Starting up my own
business has opened up new
doors of experience."
L