keltic seafoods
Business Name: Keltic Seafood’s Date: Jan 22/09
Interviewee Name: Ellen Waldstein
Tell me a bit about your business:
Services to the fishing industry; unloading, packing, freezing, cutting. Point of sale ice and service fleet.
How did your Business get started?
This is a really great story. When the plant was going to be shut down a group of employees worked together to get the business back going.
What is the best achievement of your business?
We have wonderful partnerships with the local fishermen that return season after season. The reputation we have created within the industry. Our brand is recognized by a quality name.
What kind of challenges have you encountered operating your business?
The biggest challenge is our seasonality, sometimes you are busy and sometimes you are not. If we have some great employees and then have to lay them off then you may not get that employee back in the next season which can be quite discouraging.
How has Community Futures Mount Waddington helped you?
CFMW has been very helpful by being hands on; when we needed questions answered you never really have to wait to get a hold of someone. CFMW and Keltic work together to make one goal happen to continue service and keep employees working.
How has your business changed over the years?
In 2006 Keltic Seafood’s purchased cold storage from Marine Harvest. We needed more freezing capacity to keep up with demand.
What do you find rewarding about your business?
Being able to employ many different people anywhere from fisherman to plant workers. We are proud of the fact that we are hometown owned and we can employ many people here in this town.
What led you to get into business?
Following in the footsteps of the predecessors there was still a demand for fish processing in this area. Keltic created a niche for custom processing. You could bring your fish in and have it made the way you wanted.
Any advice you would give to potential entrepreneurs?
Make sure you research your idea. Begin to network with in your community and surrounding communities. Make sure you have enthusiasm, passion and believe in what you want to do.
What makes you business special and unique?
“As we grow we are becoming a bigger company but still maintaining the small town feel.”
Here at Keltic employees and fisherman feel like family and are treated that way. When employees go home they feel satisfied with what they have done at work. When working at Keltic, work is usually never boring. Everyday is different and you have to learn to adapt to each new thing.
