Summary:
Recorded August 26, 2021 – In business for over 30 years, we speak with Pete Neal of Neal Brothers. He shares how it all started and what continues to drive him professionally and personally, with purpose.
Show Description:
For brothers Pete and Chris, it all began with croutons, made in the family kitchen in Aurora, Ontario. Inspired by experiencing specialty potato chips during a road trip with some buddies, these guys have come a long way.
For the first 8 years brothers Pete and Chris were not sure if the business would be able to pay the bills. Years of ‘hardship and pain’, they often questioned themselves. They were bread cutters not breadwinners 🙂
The brothers began distributing the croutons themselves when they noticed there was an increased awareness and demand for Mexican food, then found in only a small ethnic area of a store.
Seeing the opportunity to create Mexican tortilla chips that were superior to what was available at the time, the brothers began working with a local Mexican family and made organic blue corn tortilla chips. They worked together and branded them under the Neal Brothers brand.
Philosophically, Pete and Chris felt that they could make a good product without unnecessary additives. They felt strongly that using sustainable organic ingredients was the way to go. From there, they looked at a natural accompaniment to the chips and they began making salsa.
Today, in addition to the nacho chips and the salsa, they sell a variety of snacks, alcohol free beer, pasta sauce, BBQ sauce, compostable straws and utensils and underwear (yes, we said underwear, for a good cause).
Growing up with a garden in the backyard and eating fresh foods, along with a family routine of sharing meals together, breaking bread allowed them to be more mindful and present.
Having and maintaining the business hasn’t always been easy. The threat of losing a major part of their business, combined with Pete’s daughter having addiction and mental health issues, materialized in a depression for Pete, who suffered a severe mental breakdown just before Covid struck (Sept. 2019).
After hitting rock bottom, Pete now reflects as he walks through his neighbourhood, realizing that ‘behind almost every door, there’s something’. Recognizing that there are challenges and some people are suffering and hurting, Pete feels strongly about helping others in need.
Pete is feeling different these days. He credits his therapist for helping him through a dark time and he’s feeling good and grateful. “They who are rich are content with what they have.”
Pete now looks forward and sees positive change for the business. The brothers want to step back from the day-to-day running of the business and bring in strong leadership to take Neal Brothers to the next level.
Pete’s excited about the launch of Crank Coffee Co.! He loves coffee, he loves the industry and he feels the brand will resonate with consumers because of what it stands for.
Pete loves Toronto, the multi-cultural fabric, the diverse restaurants and entertainment. He and his wife are music lovers and support and appreciate Massey Hall. Being a food lover, he’s excited to get back into city life and embrace all the city has to offer. Toronto is a city within a park and he sees a positive future ahead.
Pete and Chris support various Community Food Centres, and Pete advocates for mental health through “Family Navigation Project” and “Pine River Institute”, as well as working with organizations that deal with Juvenile Diabetes.
Website: nealbrothersfoods.com
IG: @nealbrothers
