Food and Beverage Manitoba

8 Type of Job: CFO/CEO Starting Salary Potential: $117,828.00 - $154,852.00 / $126,439.00 - $159,313.00 Educational Pathways: High School Post-Secondary: University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, RRC Polytch, Universite de St. Boniface Pamela Kolochuk By Trina Rehberg Boyko A griculture has always been a part of Pamela Kolochuk's life, having been raised on a farm in southern Manitoba. She spent her early career working in accounting and management for major agricultural producers in the province before landing at Peak of the Market, where she was hired as chief financial officer. Four years later, she took over as chief executive officer. "I feel that Peak of the Market is agriculture first and food and beverage second," Kolochuk says. "We supply food to consumers across North America, but it really starts with the grower at the beginning of the day." Her passion for the agriculture industry and her CFO experience helped prep her for her new position, as she was able to get to know the business, its people and its processes. "It wasn't a huge stretch by any means because I understood the business well and knew all the growers and dealt with them on a regular basis," Kolochuk says. "Understanding the business is key for anyone moving into a CEO role and also, knowing what the vision for the future is." With its 80th anniversary approaching in 2022, Peak of the Market has a strong history that Kolochuk wants to build upon. She plans on continuing the company's community work while highlighting the growers behind it all. "The key to our success is the growers we partner with and the relationships we have," Kolochuk says. "We want to share more stories and education. Who are the growers that produce our food? How can you learn more about the vegetables you eat?" Building those relationships is also Kolochuk's favourite part of the job. "I love seeing what's growing, what's happening in the fields, what new products our growers are coming out with," she says, adding that sweet potatoes are a new crop that's never been grown in Manitoba before. "Those are all fun things, and of course, we're always looking at ways to help the community." As for working in the agriculture industry itself, Kolochuk feels that job security is a draw. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, sales were up at Peak of the Market and growers supplying the company were busier than ever. "You're always going to have a job in Manitoba if you work in agriculture," she says. "People need to eat." Though growers drive the work that Kolochuk does, it's a team effort to keep it moving forward. She's hired a new director of marketing and communications, and heads a staff that covers sales, operations and everything in between. "As we hire, we're always looking for the right person that has the right attitude and the right experience," Kolochuk says. You don't need years of agricultural or food and beverage experience, she says, if you have the skills the job requires. "Just because you're a CFO and you're working in property management doesn't mean you can't work in food and beverage," she says. "There are so many similarities you don't see." The most important thing to remember? "Be curious," says Kolochuk. "The more curiosity you have, the further it will take you." Peak of the Market's Pamela Kolochuk Growing A Successful Career from CFO to CEO

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