"I was sick of the traffic, the lifestyle, the working in Toronto. I just didn't like it." That's what Terry Scott says prompted him to relocate with his wife and family to Meaford.
The former president and general manager of two Toronto-based companies in the dental business now runs Meaford-based Scott Clay Products with his wife Maureen.
Avid skiers, Terry and Maureen had bought a property in Meaford about ten years prior to their move. The gracious century home sits on two acres along the Bighead River, close to Beautiful Joe Park near downtown Meaford.
"The area had a lot of advantages for us" recalls Terry. "Because of the ski facilities nearby, there are good restaurants in the area. Meaford has a hospital, high school and a harbour."
The Scotts found there were many other amenities in this year round recreational area which appealed to them, from tennis courts to walking trails. "There is a degree of sophistication here that a lot of small towns don't have," adds Maureen.
They launched Scott Clay Products after research revealed that no Canadian manufacturer was supplying the country's market for clay flower pots.
They built their factory on an acre of industrial land in 1988 and shipped their first pots a year later. Since then, production has grown 15 to 20 percent annually, the property has doubled in size, and the factory has been expanded to 5,500 sq. ft.
The product line had increased from two lines of standard, plain flowerpots to five, plus bird baths and wall plaques - as well as some custom specialty items.
Distribution has spread throughout Canada and the United States. By 1992 the Scotts had to replace their 63 cu. ft. kiln with two 210 cu. ft. kilns to keep up with product demand.
An onsite retail factory outlet selling to local residents and tourists has also built up a loyal customer base within southern Ontario.
Hands-on managers themselves, the Scotts employ a number of full-time and part-time workers. "There is a very good quality of labour available," says Terry. "You can hire people who work hard.
Since their equipment service specialists are located in Toronto, Terry does some repairs on his own and ships faulty parts to Toronto rather than face a service call that includes travel time.
The Scotts find any such drawbacks are far outweighed by the lifestyle advantages. They particularly value the safety of the community for raising their three children.
"The schools have good sports teams and facilities. We always felt our children could walk safely to school to attend the good range of activities," says Terry.
"The development of overnight courier services and the fax machine make it very possible to locate businesses in smaller communities.
Scott Clay Products is now located in the former Amerock building. Their product line is available for viewing online.