CPABC Industry Update | Page 17

CPABC Career Connect Employer Profile Connecting with JD Sweid Foods A focus on people – customers and employees – is key to this homegrown success story JD Sweid Foods was founded in 1917 and has since grown to become one of Canada’s leading processors of poultry and meat products for retail and industrial foodservice markets. The company is the producer of Hampton House branded products for Costco and supplies privately branded products for many retailers. Headquartered in Langley, BC, the company employs more than 400 people at two plants in Canada. Tom Senft, CPA, CGA, is the company’s director of finance – corporate and he oversees its accounting and financial reporting, as well as being responsible for pricing reviews, ERP system development, and the operating and capital budgets. Tom also serves on the CPABC Board of Directors. Tom Senft, CPA, CGA, director of finance – corporate, JD Sweid Foods I n d u st r y U p d a te r e ce n t l y spoke with Tom to find out what he thinks will be the biggest drivers of success for his company, why he likes to give back to the profession, and what benefits JD Sweid derives from being a CPABC Career Connect Employer. Industry Update: What is the biggest challenge your company will face in the next five years? Senft: I think the Trans-Pacific Partnership ( TPP) trade agreement may pose the most significant challenge to our company. Similar to the eurozone in Europe, the TPP attempts to remove long-established trade barriers between Canada and its Pacific neighbours, including the US. Although we’re primarily a domestic supplier, the TPP already has us considering our strategic position in a very competitive market. WINTER 2016 | page 17