Fellow Grapolers.

I feel it is necessary to update you all, old and new, on the state of the company. To many, being “Incorporated” means you are a well established, multiple employee, profit generating business.

We continue to be a small independent company.

Being independent with independent retailers produces special relationships with all our beautiful retailers.

I want you all to know we don’t receive high volume shipping discounts. What they charge us is what we charge you. These fees are incredibly disappointing.

Our last full overseas order confirmed a few things.

1. Full on debt financing without major retailer support is dreadful.

2. A couple great years (2020, 2021) of impressive sales numbers throughout our retailer zone of primarily Ontario and very decent ecommerce sales stretching clear across Canada with the U.S. chipping in on an ever increasing rate was definitely inspiring!!!

With only those 2 years of claiming a small profit it is a wonder why I still do this.

I think it is just a part of me now but with a more manageable debt level I think this is definitely doable.

To close out this message I would like to welcome my long time friend, Joe Joliat to the board of directors! Joe has brought some valuable insight as well as his valuable connections into the fold. Welcome Joe! Couldn’t have done this one without you.

Also a continued appreciation to all my other helpers who are always willing to lend a hand.

Try a Grapole^®. You won’t be disappointed!