My name is Mitul Kumar Patel, fondly known by my employees and local community as Mit. Prior to moving to Drayton, I spent six years in Saskatchewan as an international student with one goal in mind: To call Canada my forever home.
Being an international student was not easy – it involved a lot of sacrifice, hard work, and tears; although my family gave constant support and encouragement throughout the years. My first job in Canada was as a kitchen aid in a Caribbean restaurant. It was tough work, full of new lessons, but through it all, my dream to make my parents proud allowed me to persevere.
“I encourage people to move to the County and to recognize that small towns offer more than one might think – Canada has lots to offer.”
Through a family member I was introduced to the concept of running grocery stores in small town Canada. The idea struck a chord and so I decided to give it a try along with my brother-in-law, who became my business partner in this venture. Today, I am no longer an International Student, but an immigrant entrepreneur of Freshmart in Drayton, Wellington County. I spend my days helping run and maintain the store while sharing my experiences and perspectives with locals and visitors alike. In return, they have taught me about their hometowns and what it takes to be a local in small town rural Canada.
I recently bought a home in Drayton for my young family. On the weekends, we visit the local farmers’ market and stop by the library and the recreation center, play cricket and visit friends and family.
