When you find something that’s precious you hold onto it for as long as possible. When that something is Newmac Animal Feeds, the Paterson-run business that’s been around since the 50’s, it becomes cherished not just by the individual, but also by the larger community.
“My dad,” says Deanna, “he was operating mostly lumber at the time and when my brothers were in high school he wanted something they could join him with, so that’s where the feed got a lot more prominence.” Deanna’s family then took the large piece of land they were on, developed it, and expanded it to include other businesses.
Although her father was keen to keep Newmac Animal Feeds in the family, he never pressured Deanna to stay on, even though her brothers were both well established in the family business. But once she started exploring the business aspect of it, she developed a keen interest. “I was always interested in the bookkeeping side of it, so that’s the part I take on.” While Deanna handles the bookwork, Jeff looks after most of the business decisions and Rob is the expert on animal nutrition.
