May 2014
(Submitted by Frank Rupcic, General Manager, Venture Niagara CFDC)
A St. Catharines couple has come up with a whole different way for people to enjoy wine with their meals. But, if bourbon, rum or tequila is more to your liking, Jane and Robert MacLean have a product to suit those particular tastes as well.
They're the brains behind MacLean's Wine & Liquor Barrel Smoke Chunks for the barbeque.
"These smoke chunks ensure your food is succulent and tender with the distinctive extraordinary flavor of red wine, bourbon, rum and tequila," Jane, of MacLean's Outdoor Living, said. “To cook with wood chunks to enhance the flavor of your meal, simply soak the chunks in water, then add to the barbeque for a delicious wood smoked taste.”
The chunks are made from reclaimed wine and liquor barrels, some of which are secured locally, while others are brought in from the United States and, on occasion, from France.
“The raw material can be a challenge to find,” Rob said. “I can usually find used wine barrels in the Niagara Region, but when they are not available I have suppliers from California and even France if I need to. The bourbon is brought straight from Kentucky, and I have a supplier in the western United States who provides us with all of the tequila and rum barrels.”
The barrels are imported into the U.S. from Mexico and the Caribbean, broken down and then shipped to the MacLean's in St. Catharines. “We approached Canadian Tire last year about starting some type of wine barrel or vine smoking woods for the BBQ and it grew from there,” Rob said. “We realized that we could buy retired wine barrels locally and then we started to talk about an entire liquor line of smoke chunks with Canadian Tire. “That's when we started working on other varieties, like the rum, bourbon and tequila.”
Other customers asked if the couple could supply them with finished wine barrel heads for the stores – TJ Max, Home Goods and others - so the couple went a step further and started making home décor products.
The couple's home décor products include wine and bourbon platters – both stationary and Lazy Susans - wine stave sentiment boards, coat and pot hooks, tea lights, chalkboards, bottle holders, barrel hoop wall sconces, as well as small pieces of furniture, including side tables.
“Our serving platters, trays and various home items are crafted from authentic wine and bourbon barrels to complete the theme for your next party or for everyday use,” Jane said. “After years of aging, the unique characteristics are brought out in our beautiful items and each one is unique.”
Their company has been in business for just under a year and, in addition to Rob and Jane, has four other employees – two full-time and two part-time. The company occupies 3,000-square-feet at 143 Cushman Rd., Unit 1, in St. Catharines.
In addition to some valuable work experience, the couple have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic, all of which has helped them be successful.
“Jane was with Walt Disney Company for many years as the Director of Publicity and Promotions in Canada, and I was the Vice President of Operations for a brokerage firm in Toronto,” Rob said. “I started our first company – Char-Buster – about 13 years ago and we have worked for ourselves - developing products for the barbeque market - ever since.”
The couple was able to start their latest venture with the help of Venture Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation. Venture Niagara is a member of the Western Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Association. The Corporations offer a range of programs to support community economic development, as well as business growth.
In addition to business information and planning services, Community Futures Development Corporations can provide access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses. They are staffed by professionals and governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors.
“The help that Venture Niagara has given us has been crucial to us being able to start this new business and get it going,” Rob said. “We put a lot of our own money into it, but needed more help to get it off the ground.
“They were instrumental in allowing us to do this. They have been very helpful and have supported us along the way.”
To learn more about MacLean's Outdoor Living, check out the company's website at www.macleansoutdoor.com.
