Third-gen Cumbrae’s founder on business and his sons’ roles
Stephen Alexander, a third-generation butcher from Australia who founded Cumbrae’s in Canada, on his journey and his approach to his sons’
Article content
Stephen Alexander not only went into the family trade but brought it to Canada.
Alexander is a third-generation butcher born in Australia. He came to Canada just over 30 years ago and founded Cumbrae’s in 1994.
The custom butcher retail shops source meat and poultry from their own and a network of local farms, and sell such specialty items house-smoked pork and gourmet fare.
Alexander has described his business as ever evolving, beginning as a tiny shop and growing over three decades into several retail locations and a wholesale division.
Forgoing formal higher education in lieu of hands-on work experience, Alexander says his experience learning from his grandfather and his father in Melbourne was invaluable, and he continues their legacy here in Canada through what he describes as an impeccable work ethic passed on to him.
Although he has two sons approaching the ages where most young men would follow their patriarch into the family enterprise, Alexander demonstrates a remarkably relaxed attitude towards succession, supporting his sons as they follow their own path.
Please tell us about your family enterprise beginnings.
“My family originated from Australia. In the 1950s, my grandfather started our family-run butcher shops back in Melbourne. My father did his apprenticeship with my grandfather and then I did the same with my father.
After finishing my apprenticeship, I decided to travel around Europe and met a Canadian girl who eventually became my wife. We ended up settling in Toronto.
I was initially planning on going back to my family business but saw a great untapped opportunity to bring our family concept to Toronto. And that’s when the first Cumbrae’s launched in 1994.”
What was it like growing up in a family enterprise environment?
“Growing up in a family-run business was great. Working closely with my father allowed me to pick up a lot of life lessons. My dad emphasized the importance of a work ethic. He always had exceptionally high business standards and ethics and held me to them.
One of the best things I learned from my dad was the significance of a strong relationship and an understanding of the supply chain.
How did your role evolve into a leadership role?
“When I was younger, I was entrepreneurial and had a deep love of food (I still do).
School was never for me, so I naturally gravitated towards the family business. When I was 15 years old, I began working at the shop, part-time and after school.
At a young age, my father instilled the importance of understanding every facet of the business in order to be successful. From dishwashing, to taking care of customers, to understanding the mathematical business side – it was necessary to start at the bottom and completely understand every task.”
How did the business get through the pandemic?
“What got us through the pandemic is what gets us through a day’s work – a strong work ethic and to keep pushing on, the ability to solve problems and, most importantly, being empathetic, caring and understanding of what our employees were also going through. Together, we would help each other navigate through the pandemic.”
What is a milestone that is important to you?
“Opening new stores and seeing them become successful has been a highlight of the business. One of Cumbrae’s triumphs is introducing rare locally raised specialty breeds to the Ontario market, such as Wagyu [beef], Heritage Poultry and Berkshire Pork.”
How do you approach succession and your sons’ roles in the business?
“I have two sons. My oldest son, Jacob, just finished his undergraduate degree in arts and communication and is applying to law schools this year.
My youngest son, Ryan, is currently at university studying business and commerce.
More from Canadian Family Offices
- ‘Athletes are different than other wealthy people’
- How three family offices handle gold in their clients’ portfolios
- When a spouse dies, financial advisors have amazing opportunity to step up
- Family businesses risk future without ESG emphasis: report
“They have both worked part-time in the business when they’re not in school. I want them to pursue their passions and interests in life. If that’s working in the business, then great, if not, then that’s great, too.”
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Please visit here to see information about our standards of journalistic excellence.