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The D'Aubins
We, the D'Aubins, are a family of 6. Ralph, Jennifer and kids: Katelyn, Christie, Haley, and Jacob.
Ralph, owner and head butcher, has been a butcher for the better part of 20 years; his experience ranges from working with local old school butchers to well-known retail outlets. As well, he has received certification from NSCC- Kingstec Campus.
Living in the beautiful Annapolis Valley his whole life, Ralph is well acquainted with the people and their animals. He is often heard referring to people by the animals they raise, before the people themselves. Ralph loves being surrounded by farms, fields, and forest and wants to do his part to sustain that way of life. Butchering sounds to some like an awful thing, but those that know Ralph know that he has a tremendous amount of respect for the animals in his care and only buy from farmers that treat their animals well.
People say that Ralph was born to work (he says he's built for it too ;)) This business will be successful not just because of Ralph's knowledge and expertise, but because of his passion; that's the essence right there. His work is his way of life, and he wouldn't have it any other way. To watch Ralph cut meat, make sausage, talk to customers, etc. you know he is where he is meant to be, it all just fits.
Jennifer, co-owner, has worked in the non-profit sector for over a decade strengthening communities and empowering individuals. Together with Ralph, she has parented their four children while working full-time...seems appropriate that self-employment should be the next step of the journey. Jennifer has lived in the Bridgetown community her whole life as did her mother and grandmother before her. She has a reputation for her loud infectious laugh, positive attitude, and willingness to help out, or speak up, where needed. An advocate for Ralph, their business, and the town, Jennifer looks forward to serving future customers.
The kids: Our oldest daughter Katelyn graduated BRHS in 2014 and is currently enrolled at NSCC while working part-time. Many of you may have had the opportunity to meet her this past summer as she has sold barbecued sausages for us at various venues. Hard-working, determined, and genial would be a few of Katelyn's attributes; Christie is quiet yet determined and a quick study. She has been working with us since we opened in 2014 and has been learning more of the trade working alongside Ralph. It's wonderful to watch her day in and out and see the evolution; Haley is a social butterfly, attends BRHS, and has quite the entourage of animals including goats, chickens, and rabbits which she supplies to the shop on occasion; Our youngest Jacob just started at BRHS this year. He is outgoing and enthusiastic and quite well known in our little community. You will see him from time-to-time working the front cash or in the back helping his dad.