The Citizen, 1995-08-30, Page 13Huron Feeding Systems
Building & planning for tomorrow
In the late 1970s Joe Seili
came to a decision regarding
his professional life. At the
end of another season of
building silos, Joe saw
himself with two choices —
to apply for Unemployment
Insurance benefits or start his
own business. He chose the
latter, he said, because being
your own boss seemed like it
should be fairly easy. In the
years since his outlook has
changed, however.
"He soon found out that
running your own business
takes hours and hours of
commitment and hard work,"
says his wife Deb, who of
course helped out right at the
beginning doing the light
paperwork involved at the
time.
In 1978 Huron Feeding
Systems, for the sales and
installation of farm feeding
equipment was born. The
first office was located in the
Seili's 400 square foot Ellen
St. home's garage. Joe was
president in charge of sales
and the organization of
ordering, receiving and
shipping. Deb was vice
president and helped with the
ordering and shipping in
addition to doing office work
and payroll.
Huron Feeding Systems
began with one car and a
couple of friends who
worked part-time, but it
wasn't long before they
added a van to the company
fleet.
In 1987, the Seilis built a
new facility at the present
location on George St in
Brussels' Industrial Park.
With 1,560 sq. ft., Deb says,
they wondered how they
-would ever use all the space.
By 1988 Huron Feeding
Systems had six vehicles, 12
employees and two way-
radios. In 1991 another 1,120
square feet was added then
three years later a forklift
was purchased for unloading
transports. That was also the
year that they went to
computer.
This year, Joe and Deb
purchased the lot behind
Huron Feeding Systems,
which is used as employee
parking.
Very much a family
enterprise the Seilis three
children have been involved
in the business from the
earliest possible opportunity.
Their eldest, Jacquie, 19,
recently completed a co-op
term in the office as part of
her Business program at
Owen Sound.
Sixteen-year-old Mike has
worked the last two summers
on the bin crew, while nine-
year-old Christine now helps
by putting things in order,
photocopying and even
answering the phone on
occasion.
Locally Huron Feeding
Systems has contributed to
other businesses through the
purchase of vehicles, tools,
hardware, meals and fuel.
They have remained loyal to
Canadian Westeel storage
bins for grain and Caldwell
aeration from the United
States.
Other lines have been
added over the years. Huron
Feeding Systems now
handles Val-Metal
conveyors, PAX and GSI flex
auger, PAX and A.P. feeders,
Rowe stabling and DMC
stirators.
Their biggest selling item
in 1994-95 has been PVC
plastic used for hog penning,
while new this year is Bodco
straw choppers and manure
equipment.
In the close to 20 years
since it began Huron Feeding
Systems can boast of many
accomplishments. Joe has
received awards for being
among the top dealers in the
Western Region of Ontario
for Westeel and Caldwell
nine out of the past 10 years.
The company offers its
clients trained sales staff,
good service and practical
ideas for individual farm
situations that promise the
best return.
Having fulfilled a goal to
operate a successful family
business the Seilis
continually look ahead. Their
goals for Huron Feeding are
to expand the shop and
offices as well as include a
recycling outlet for PVC in
small quantities.
Deb and Joe will celebrate
their 20th anniversary in
November and while having
their own business means
they work together every day,
it doesn't mean they have any
more spare time to discuss
personal life, Deb. jokes.
***
CLEANERS &
STIRRATORS
WESTEEL
H
[LA
AERATION
Agricultural Products
Grain Bins
Huron Feeding
Systems
Brussels, Ontario
519-887-6289
VAL METAL BODCO
PAX FLEX AUGERS
Sales —Installation—Service
THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1995. PAGE 13.