Hello,
As I begin retirement in the next week I want to say it has been a pleasure working with all of you in the mustard industry over the many years. My mustard years started at a Demeter seed cleaning plant in Warner, AB in 1980 as a summer worker while going through university. My full time career started in April 1986 and virtually continued full time through August 2024. I was fortunate to work with my mother, Marie-Luise, for 15 years before she retired after 34 years in 2001 with Demeter Agro. I learned so much in those early years from many but notably from her and John McDonnell. My first 22 mustard years were with Demeter Agro and the remaining 16 years with Olds Products. My roles changed over my career and included accounting, sales, sourcing, and logistics. Much was accomplished together and I am so thankful for the two teams I was on!
I am thankful to my wife for her giant support throughout my career. In the early years there was more travel, our two girls were young and Kelly’s career was also growing. In the later years Kelly was at the pinnacle of her career but the family and I never had a want.
I became directly involved with growers during my time with Olds Products and I will cherish those experiences and the many friendships that have resulted. Our grower contract program is unique in the industry and Olds has the finest growers! Greg is more than ready to run! I am thankful to Odie and his management team for giving me the opportunity in 2008 to be a conduit to mustard growers through our dedicated contractors (Bart and Peter). Although I worked remotely from my office in Lethbridge it was always as though my office was in Pleasant Prairie. Over the years I worked closely with many in the office and it was always a pleasure working with you to achieve our goals. I am in awe of the sizable annual investment in people, building and equipment over my career with Olds. Growers and researchers, if you have the opportunity, you need to see the facility in Pleasant Prairie and also meet more of the terrific people.
I am thankful to the mustard researchers and the advances made to mustard varieties the past 50 years. In my career I have known four mustard breeders (Keith, Gerhardt, and Bifang in Canada plus John Hemmingway in the UK). I recall a USA processor commenting years ago on the great passion given by Gerhardt, Phil and his group. The passion is still there. The Canadian mustard industry is the leader because of these researchers.
Odie has asked me at times if I am excited with the direction at Olds Products. My reply is/was yes, but even on days where maybe it was not clear, I was aware that it is up to me to make each day exciting and great . That is the secret. Thanks to Harold (grower near Swift Current) for reminding me of that a few years ago. We all need reminders. God is good and I am thankful for the countless blessings in my life.
I will go into retirement with excitement. Yes!
Sincerely,
Walter