{"id":2867,"date":"2024-12-09T04:44:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T10:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/?p=2867"},"modified":"2024-12-20T02:51:37","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T08:51:37","slug":"reinhard-muhlenfeld-a-respected-canadian-entrepreneur-with-a-kind-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/reinhard-muhlenfeld-a-respected-canadian-entrepreneur-with-a-kind-heart-2867","title":{"rendered":"Reinhard M\u00fchlenfeld: A Respected Canadian Entrepreneur with a Kind Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Reinhard O. M\u00fchlenfeld, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, built a world-class pet food company while dedicating himself to supporting healthcare, culture, and education in Alberta. His journey is a testament to resilience, compassion, and leadership. More on <a href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/\">edmonton1.one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2df43e98862\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2df43e98862\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/reinhard-muhlenfeld-a-respected-canadian-entrepreneur-with-a-kind-heart-2867\/#Youth_and_Early_Steps_in_Business\" >Youth and Early Steps in Business<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/reinhard-muhlenfeld-a-respected-canadian-entrepreneur-with-a-kind-heart-2867\/#Founding_Champion_Pet_Foods\" >Founding Champion Pet Foods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/reinhard-muhlenfeld-a-respected-canadian-entrepreneur-with-a-kind-heart-2867\/#Commitment_to_Community_and_Recognition\" >Commitment to Community and Recognition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/eternal\/reinhard-muhlenfeld-a-respected-canadian-entrepreneur-with-a-kind-heart-2867\/#Awards_and_Legacy\" >Awards and Legacy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Youth_and_Early_Steps_in_Business\"><\/span>Youth and Early Steps in Business<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinhard was born in February 1931 in Berlin, Germany. A curious and active child, he loved football, reading, and excelled in school. However, World War II brought tragedy: he was orphaned, separated from his siblings, and sent to live with relatives. At 14, Reinhard moved to England, where he worked on a farm, saving every penny to attend agricultural school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After completing his studies, Reinhard pursued industrial engineering, an ambition he fulfilled years later. In 1975, he was offered a two-year contract in Alberta to build a feed mill in Sexsmith. After the contract ended, Reinhard and a business partner bought a mill in Barrhead, near Edmonton, which they later sold and split the profits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinhard continued his entrepreneurial journey, establishing and selling various ventures until he shifted his focus to producing pet food. He sold his house in Gloucestershire, England, and moved with his wife and children to Alberta. In 2004, after 29 years in Alberta, Reinhard and his family became Canadian citizens, appreciating the opportunities the province had offered them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-12.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-12-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-12-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/1-12-696x522.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Founding_Champion_Pet_Foods\"><\/span>Founding Champion Pet Foods<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinhard\u2019s business flourished, and one visit to a feed mill changed his trajectory. Spotting a bag of imported pet food, he recognized a gap in the Canadian market. Determined to become Alberta\u2019s first pet food producer, he launched Champion Feed Services Ltd in 1985 at a small factory in Barrhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With minimal equipment, Reinhard partnered with local farmers and entrepreneurs, creating a straightforward and highly effective business model. Over the next 30 years, Champion Pet Foods grew into Canada\u2019s largest independent pet food manufacturer, exporting to over 70 countries while significantly investing in and supporting the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinhard\u2019s leadership philosophy was grounded in fairness, honesty, and respect. Employees and business partners admired his integrity, and his hiring practices reflected his inclusive values. He employed first-generation Canadians, focusing on their potential and fostering their development. His staff felt valued and motivated, creating a loyal and productive workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2871\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-4.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edmonton1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2024\/12\/2-4-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Commitment_to_Community_and_Recognition\"><\/span>Commitment to Community and Recognition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinhard and his wife extended their generosity beyond their business, supporting healthcare, arts, and education initiatives in Alberta. Their donations enabled the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation to enhance neurosurgical care with advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment, improving treatment for strokes, brain tumours, and other conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also contributed to the Calgary Children\u2019s Hospital, helping it become a national leader in pediatric healthcare. Reinhard established scholarships for financially struggling students at the University of Alberta and supported programs promoting non-profit sector development and international studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, Reinhard initiated a pet food donation program for Edmonton\u2019s animal rescue efforts. After enjoying an autumn concert, he became a financial supporter of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, which now considers him one of its leading patrons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Awards_and_Legacy\"><\/span>Awards and Legacy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinhard\u2019s dedication earned him numerous accolades. In 2008, Ernst &amp; Young named him Entrepreneur of the Year in Western Canada. In 2007, he received the Premier\u2019s Award for Excellence and the Alberta Leadership Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On February 9, 2018, Reinhard M\u00fchlenfeld passed away, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, business acumen, and community impact.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reinhard O. M\u00fchlenfeld, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, built a world-class pet food company while dedicating himself to supporting healthcare, culture, and education in Alberta. His journey is a testament to resilience, compassion, and leadership. More on edmonton1.one. Youth and Early Steps in Business Reinhard was born in February 1931 in Berlin, Germany. A curious [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":462,"featured_media":2874,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1164],"tags":[2449,2450,2447,2443,2455,2448,2440,2444,2442,2453,2452,2446,2441,2454,2451,2445],"moimportance":[78,81],"motype":[1158],"moformat":[2456],"class_list":{"0":"post-2867","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-alberta-business-icons","9":"tag-alberta-community-impact","10":"tag-alberta-entrepreneur","11":"tag-alberta-healthcare-support","12":"tag-alberta-leadership-awards","13":"tag-alberta-philanthropy","14":"tag-barrhead-business-leader","15":"tag-calgary-childrens-hospital","16":"tag-canadian-entrepreneur","17":"tag-champion-pet-foods","18":"tag-edmonton-symphony-orchestra","19":"tag-ernst-young-entrepreneur","20":"tag-pet-food-industry","21":"tag-pet-food-production","22":"tag-reinhard-muhlenfeld","23":"tag-university-of-alberta-hospital","24":"moimportance-golovna-novina","25":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","26":"motype-eternal","27":"moformat-c-l"},"modified_by":"Viktorij Voitova","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2867","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/462"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2867"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2867\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2877,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2867\/revisions\/2877"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2874"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2867"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2867"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2867"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2867"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2867"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmonton1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2867"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}