Going into their seventh season as owners/operators of Doug’s Homestead, a business that has been a part of the community for almost 25 years, Brent and Linette McClelland feel they have much to be thankful for.
The McClelland’s purchased Doug’s Homestead in 2007. “Doug” stayed on for a year, teaching them all about the business.
I put ideas to the “Doug Test still,” said Brent, he is my mentor—sometimes I listen... and sometimes I don’t,” he adds with a chuckle. He also says that the best thing he learned from Doug was, “Quality in and quality out,” that is what made Doug’s Homestead so successful.
The McClellands came from the Lower Mainland, spending a bit of time in Hedley and living right next to the Homestead.
Two years ago, the family made the decision to move into to Princeton.
“Princeton has that hometown feel, just what we were looking for—the place to raise our kids in.”
Brent says that the community of Princeton welcomed his family— “embraced them actually.”
“I just love the fact that I can walk down the street, knowing that people appreciate what we do.” He says that everyone is so friendly and that people are always willing to help.
Brent remembers the day he was trying to get an oven through the window, (too large for the door)—two local police officers pulled over to the Homestead to give him a hand. “It was just awesome.”
As well as raising their children in a community they love, the McClellands enjoy volunteering within the community. Linette does bookkeeping for Little Folks Nursery School and Brent enjoys coaching basketball at the high school. They also very much enjoy supporting local organizations such as the curling club, chamber, Rotary and groups such as the Fall Fair and Little Britches Rodeo.
The McClellands are always trying to come up with ways to enhance their business, to make things better for their customers.
This year, they purchased a brand new smoker for the Homestead. Having two smokers on site has enabled them to bring back Jerky Nuggets, an item that has been missed. Nine flavours of pepperoni are now available as well.
Brent is also pleased that the new smoker will aid in his new endeavor with local entrepreneur, Ed Vermette. Visit Doug’s Homestead this coming Friday (May 16) to witness an exciting new product launch!
Doug’s Homestead is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. After the May long weekend, they will be open seven days a week.
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