Colin MacDonald: The Unheralded Co-Founder Of Clearwater Foods

It's hard to think of Clearwater Foods without conjuring to mind John Risley. But while Risley was the public face of the company, his former brother-in-law, Colin MacDonald, was not only the co-founder of the company but responsible for its day-to-day operations through much of its history.

MacDonald deserves as much credit for Clearwater's success as his higher-profile partner.

In the latest episode of the Insights podcast, MacDonald takes Don Mills and David Campbell through the company’s development and growth, as well as the ultimate decision to sell to a B.C.-based company and a group of First Nations led by Membertou in Cape Breton.

He talks about his long partnership with Risley and the reasons for their estrangement. This is a rare and very candid conversation with one of the region’s least-known but most successful entrepreneurs.

You can listen to MacDonald, Mills, and Campbell's conversation in the player above or download the show on your preferred podcast platform.

The Insights podcast combines the experiences of an economist, David Campbell, and a social scientist, Don Mills, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Atlantic Canada, promote data-driven decision-making among policymakers, and encourage a wider dialogue and debate leading to greater prosperity for the region.

Search for “Huddle Insights” on podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify, and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode. You can also listen to past conversations there.