Toronto, Canada’s financial capital, is home to numerous enterprises and renowned companies. With each passing year, the city witnesses an increase in business establishments, corporations, and entrepreneurial ventures. Today, we delve into the story of a notable Canadian businessman of American descent, George Weston, who began his journey at a Toronto bakery and eventually founded George Weston Limited. Learn more about his life and accomplishments on toronto1.one.
How It All Began: The Start of a Business
George Weston was born in Oswego, New York, in 1864. At the age of four, his family moved to Toronto. After completing school, George decided to join the workforce.
He started his career as a baker’s assistant on the outskirts of Toronto. A few years later, Weston became a bread seller and soon purchased a bread route. In 1884, he bought the bakery from his former employer. At the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, Weston baked 250 loaves of bread daily, delivering them personally to his customers using his own cart.
Within five years, Weston’s bakery had expanded to include two bread wagons. As his business grew, he introduced mechanical mixers for dough preparation. This innovation, coupled with the high quality of his products, earned Weston’s bakery a stellar reputation.
Bakery Expansion
By the 1890s, George Weston had renamed his business G. Weston’s Bread Factory. His ambitions only grew. In 1897, he established the Model Bakery in Toronto, a two-story facility capable of producing 3,200 loaves per day.
The bakery’s popularity soared, and by 1899, it was shipping bread to 38 towns and cities beyond Toronto. Two years later, the Model Bakery supplied bread to over 100 communities across Ontario.
In 1901, Weston sought to further expand his operations. He partnered with J.L. Spink, the owner of a flour mill in Pickering, to form the Model Bakery Company Limited. However, the partnership ended after a few years. In 1911, Weston merged his bakery business with other producers in Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg to create the Canada Bread Company. The Model Bakery became one of Canada Bread’s assets, with George Weston serving as a director. Additionally, Toronto became home to Weston’s Biscuit Factory, producing cookies and biscuits.
A visionary entrepreneur, Weston prioritized automation in baking. He consistently invested in modern equipment, enabling mass production of high-quality baked goods. By the early 20th century, George Weston Limited had grown into one of Canada’s largest baking companies.
Other Activities of the Entrepreneur
George Weston was not only a successful businessman but also an active participant in politics and philanthropy. From 1910 to 1913, he served as an alderman on the Toronto City Council. He was also known for his charitable contributions.
Weston passed away in 1924 due to a stroke. His business was inherited by his eldest son, Garfield Weston, who expanded George Weston Limited even further.
George Weston’s journey exemplifies persistence and hard work. Starting with nothing, he built a thriving enterprise that left a lasting legacy. We hope this article provided valuable insights into his contributions and the rich history of Toronto’s business landscape.