What started out as a side business three decades ago has blossomed into an unexpected life and fulfilling career for Kevin Doyl.

“The business has been growing steadily over the last many years,” says Kevin, who along with wife Darlene operate North Country Meats.

Being a butcher and running a meat processing business was not Kevin’s original goal when he moved to Thunder Bay. He came from southern Ontario to study at Lakehead University, enrolling in the forestry and biology programs.

It was while pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree that he met Darlene, who was attending several classes. One thing led to another and they became life partners and then business partners. Kevin’s introduction into the business came in 1990 when Darlene’s father Aaro and her late brother David, who had set up Country Good Meats, needed a plant to produce deli meats.

“We built the business supplying Country Good Meats with product, and then we branched out,” Darlene explains.

When their product proved popular, they approached other grocery stores to stock their coolers. Today, North Country supplies processed meats to 50 stores in a supply network that stretches from Thunder Bay, west to Manitoba and east to the Quebec boundary.

About a decade ago, the Doyles decided to expand their Euclid Avenue operation. Along with the processing plant, they now have a storefront that offers their full line of smoked meats and a full-service fresh meat counter. Along with Kevin and Darlene, there are nearly a dozen people on the payroll.

“We started it nine years ago and it’s been growing ever since,” says Kevin.