“This past week we finalized an agreement to both sell a large portion of our company to a Toronto-based investor and launch with Loblaw’s (Superstore) across Canada,” said Mike Barbour, a former Weeks Jr. A Crusher who founded the business GoodStuff. The company sells coconut water, a hydration and replenishment product, as well as their newest product which is coffee-flavoured coconut water.
Barbour first launched his product in local Sobeys stores. He describes that as the foundation of the business and one he won’t be abandoning. But he’s thankful now for the opportunity to sell to both major grocery stores.
“In Atlantic Canada we have done really well, especially in the summer months,” he said.
While his goal has always been to see his product go national, Barbour admits he didn’t think it would happen this quickly.
Barbour said he is thankful for his loyal supporters at home in Pictou County who bought his product and encouraged him.
“I feel like I had New Glasgow in my corner,” he said.
He’s thankful too for the mentors he’s had in Pictou County growing up including Jon Sim, Colin White and Dave MacIntyre.
“They’ve showed me in particular that it’s very doable for a kid in Pictou County to chase after something and make it come alive.”
