With many consumers turning to natural and organic products, Tall Grass Distribution Ltd., founded in 1997 by best friends Matt Breech and Ben Banky was perfectly poised to take advantage of the burgeoning green revolution.
The importer, distributor and manufacturer of natural and organic beauty products and supplements grew to have 45 employees in B.C. Alberta, Quebec and Ontario.
Tall Grass grew 250% over the past five years and became one of the largest suppliers of natural products to London Drugs and Save-On Foods.
Unforseen misfortune hit the company in 2008, when Banky, president and co-CEO of the company, was murdered by an employee at the office Christmas party.
Despite his personal sorrow, Breech led his grief-stricken team through a very difficult period and managed to keep the Tall Grass business growing.
“It was a challenge to buckle down and get our bearings, but we had to continue to build the company and build the dream,” said Breech.
“We were determined to continue to grow and thrive. Anything else would be letting down Ben’s memory.”
Breech took on full responsibility for Tall Grass, implemented a new product development strategy, and lead the company to revenues of more than $6 million in 2010, with 20% growth so far in 2011.
Breech commented that his attitude of the whole process being a journey is key.
“You have to enjoy building an organization and take it one day at a time,” he said.
“It’s important when you have a visionary and leader that you can continue their legacy, that’s a wonderful thing and you feel that person is with you every step of the way.” •
