Member Spotlight: Freedom Pet Supplies Inc.
At Freedom Pet Supplies Inc., customers and partners are like a second family. Their model fully revolves around the success of their customers. Right on their website “About Us” page it is made clear that “The success of [their] business is dependent on the success of [their] customer’s business”. PIJAC Canada members since 2002, Freedom Pet Supplies Inc. is an important industry player and supporter of the association. In fact, they have recently made a significant contribution of $50,000 to help support PIJAC Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. It had always been clear that this company was generous and supportive of their partners, and with this act, we are reminded once again of the kind hearts that are a part of our association.
Just one-year shy of their 20-year anniversary, Freedom Pet Supplies Inc. has seen an incredible growth since their establishment in September 2001. John and Kelly Ayres started the business in a 15, 000 sq. ft leased warehouse with only six employees! They then expanded to a 50,000 sq. ft in the existing business with an additional 10,000 sq. ft of offsite storage. It was in 2007 that after having grown faster than expected that they started the construction of their 80,000 sq. ft warehouse to have all their products under one roof and to accommodate their 47 employees. The team moved into this building in February of 2008. Four years later, having grown once again, the construction of a 40,000 sq. ft addition to the warehouse started. Freedom Pet Supplies’ growth and surpassing of objectives is so impressive, we can’t wait to see where they go next!
For many years now, Freedom Pet Supplies Inc. has been a major exhibitor at both the Drummondville and Toronto PIJAC Canada trade shows. After the switch to the virtual format in 2020, they chose to focus their energy on a brand-new website. Freedom Pet Supplies Inc. has always held PIJAC Canada in the highest regard, which is why they chose to financially contribute this year to help the organization remain healthy. The cancellation of PIJAC Canada’s three trade shows in 2020 was a big hit to the association. This generous donation will help PIJAC Canada continue to provide services, develop education programs, and support members during this challenging time. Owners, John and Kelly Ayres, shared “Although we are in a difficult period, we all should be grateful to work in an industry that has remained strong through all difficult periods and has come out stronger, which will be the case again this time.” Freedom Pet Supplies Inc. look forward to being back with members, fellow exhibitors, visitors and the PIJAC Canada team at in-person shows at soon as possible.
The PIJAC Canada team sends their most heartfelt thanks to John and Kelly Ayres, and the entire Freedom Pet Supplies Inc. team for this generous donation.