Canadian Meat Specialists

What will I be doing?

If you are the kind of person who works best working for themselves, the meat industry offers you unlimited opportunity. With knowledge and training in meat cutting behind you, the meat sector is full of potential if you have the drive to run your own business

Whether it’s running a specialty meat boutique in the big city or a neighbourhood butcher shop in a small town, you have the opportunity to build the kind of business you want and that suits you.

Running your own business is not for everyone; but if you have the entrepreneurial spirit and drive, the meat industry has lots of opportunity. Being your own boss means you not only have all the responsibilities of running an efficient meat cutting operation to serve your customers, but you also have the responsibilities of being a small business owner. That means taking care of details like your business premises, hiring staff, looking after bookkeeping and other business activities to grow the operation.

What training do I need?

For an entrepreneur in this industry, learning the meat cutting profession is only half the job. In addition, the entrepreneur must learn all the aspects of running his or her own profitable business. This can range from evening courses in running your own business to getting an MBA at a recognized business school or university.

What kind of salary and working conditions can I expect?

Owning your own business offers you unlimited earning potential; but most small business owners find they plough most of their earnings back into growing the company in the early years. Though you’re your “own boss”, you’ll have employees, customers and suppliers who rely on you.

What are my career options?

Owning your own business is one of the most transferable of job skills. Each day is a lesson in business which adds to your value as an entrepreneur or is transferable should you go to work for or run another company.

Who’s hiring right now?

Entrepreneurship is a do-it-yourself project.

Related Careers (w/links)

Plant Manager
Retail Meat Cutter
Sausage Maker

Yvo Schmucki

Entrepreneur and Owner

YB Quality Meat

As a Swiss butcher-trade exchange student, Yvo Schmucki looked around Central Alberta and saw opportunity in the meat processing business.

“I went back to Switzerland long enough to apply for a work visa and came back here as quickly as I could.”

Trained in sausage making, Yvo worked for two years at a specialty meat processor but soon started to build his dream – his own custom meat cutting operation.

Today, less than 6 years later, he and wife Bettina own YB Quality Meat in rural Red Deer. They employ 12 to 14 people full time and are one of the busiest custom cutters in the province and they are still growing

“We are expanding right now,” he said. “We are building a bigger sausage kitchen and more storage, making more room so we can work more efficiently.”

He is particularly proud of his company’s ability to attract and retain quality employees. “Custom cutting allows us flexibility. We can make a schedule that fits us and that’s easier on employees.”

“Food will always be around, whether the economy is good or bad,” he said. “I like the meat business; it’s interesting and there’s variety.”