August 2014

[Submitted by Allan Simm, General Manager, Oxford Small Business Support Centre]

Since the grand opening of this unique artisan cheese plant in October 2011, it has been a whirlwind for Shep Ysselstein of making cheese, developing sales and winning many awards.  This young entrepreneur’s personal dream has been a real source of enjoyment and satisfaction for him as his business grew.  It began

with assistance from Oxford Small Business Support Centre to construct a cheese plant next door to the family's dairy farm.  In less than three years, the business has developed to the point where Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese, including the signature "Five Brothers" brand, is a staple on many store shelves and in a variety of dining establishments.  The need to expand his plant’s space was increasingly evident. 

In 2013, Oxford Small Business acknowledged his entrepreneurial spirit and hard work as the Oxford Small Business Support Centre Access to Capital Entrepreneur of the Year.  The BDC Award will enable him to enlarge his aging storage facilities, expand to meet national demand and double his hiring.

For a close up view of this Oxford County success story, check out this Dairy Farmers of Canada video:  Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese

Congratulations Shep on winning the 2014 BDC Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award!  https://www.bdcyoungentrepreneuraward.ca/en/2014-finalists/cheese-champs