Who is Neal
Early Life
From an early age, Neal had a passion for the performing arts. Although he was invited to attend a school for talented youth, circumstances led him down a different path. As life unfolded, Neal set aside that dream, focusing on other responsibilities. Now, with the freedom and resources to follow his aspirations, Neal is embracing his passion for the arts with renewed vigor and determination.
Career Life
Neal’s career has been both successful and diverse. In the 1980s, he began working with people, which led to a decade-long career as a Mental Health Worker throughout the 1990s. During this time, he worked in a licensed residential mental health facility, providing care for chronically ill schizophrenic men. As the new millennium approached, Neal felt the need for a change. He transformed his passion into a profession by entering the B2B software sales industry. Starting at a small local software company, Neal’s journey eventually led him to IBM through an acquisition. When IBM offered him a position in Eastern Canada, Neal chose a different path, founding his own company, EZServer. This company was later acquired by a software firm, where Neal became the CEO of ComTech, selling business receivables software globally.
Founding a Retail Brand
After stepping down as CEO of the software company, Neal and his wife Jo-Anne embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey by founding Growlies, a nationwide pet food retail brand with stores on both the East and West coasts of Canada. Their dedication to providing quality products helped Growlies become a well-known name in the industry. In 2021, Neal and Jo-Anne decided to sell the business and retire from the retail sector.
During their time with Growlies, Neal was actively involved in connecting with the community and the broader pet food industry. He hosted a weekly video series filmed in-store, where he shared insights and engaged with customers. Additionally, Neal launched an interview series in which he spoke with experts and innovators in the fresh pet food industry from around the world. These videos exemplified Neal’s commitment to education and his passion for fostering connections and conversations within the industry.
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