“While community and business go together and drive success, putting people first is key, and Jason crosses both thresholds and does both pieces so well,” says Melanie Lishchynsky, group consultant for Royal Bank of Canada. She has worked with MacNevin and Can-Seed Equipment on a number of community initia- tives, including a charity golf tourna- ment for the Easter Seals campaign in Saskatoon. “There’s something about Jason that shows a level of care and con- cern beyond just business. It shows in his actions and what he supports.” Taking over a company like Can- Seed that’s been in business for over three decades was of huge appeal to MacNevin because it allows him to work with people to create a better environment for those around him. At every step of his career, he’s been tasked with putting together the right team, he says. “I always try to utilize people for their strengths and build off their weaknesses. It’s challenging to ensure everyone is onboard with your vision. If they believe in it, it’s easy to bring people together,” he says. That vision has been key to the continued success of Can-Seed since MacNevin took over, according to Aidin Milani, sales and development manager pulses & spices for Buhler Inc. based in Plymouth, Minn. “Something unique about Jason is he has a different vision. He didn’t do things the same way they had always been done when he took the helm at Can-Seed. When taking over a busi- ness there can be a tendency to not want to rock the boat too much, but he was very ambitious in his plans,” Milani says. “The changes he created within the company organization-wise were great. I’ve never seen such a major transition in so quick a time. That’s unique. He’s very bold and takes good risks. That’s how he’s been able to expand so quickly.” Building relationships and customer service are his two priorities, with the “CAPACITYISTHEBIGGEST ISSUEINTHEINDUSTRYRIGHT NOW,DUETOTHEACRESBEING GROWNANDBUSHELSCOMING OFFTHEACRES.” –JasonMacNevin intention being to help build capacity for seed processors. “Capacity is the biggest issue in the industry right now, due to the acres being grown and bushels coming off the acres. We are focused on increasing capacity in-plant, which increases efficiencies, which increases profitability.” But doing that isn’t simple, Milani adds, and says MacNevin’s approach makes Can-Seed very effective in working with its customer base. “A part of this business is coping with the ups and downs of com- modities, trade, pricing. It all changes so quickly. It’s important to under- stand your customers and be flexible. If someone wants to expand, you need to get them the equipment they need at an expedited rate. If there’s a slowdown in the market, you have to work with them to keep their needs met, but maybe in a different way that takes that slowdown into account,” Milani says. “Jason is so flexible dealing with customers, understanding what they need and making it work for them. That’s critical. He helps them to get through their own business chal- lenges and that makes all the differ- ence.” Can-Seed Equipment’s new 10,000 square-foot facility will celebrate its grand opening July 17 and is located at 810 66th Street East in Saskatoon close to Miller Avenue and Marquis Drive. JULY 2019 GERMINATION.CA 43