Debby Carlson

Canadian Made Crickets

When asked what it takes to create a successful business, most entrepreneurs would cite a need for perseverance and an ability to take some measure of risk.

For Debby Carlson of Canadian Made Crickets, it was an absolute belief in her business concept, despite running into many roadblocks, that propelled her company to success.

The original idea emerged when she co-owned a business that imported exotic animals and bred reptiles and birds.  The company required insects to feed the animals but the only source was in the U.S. which meant costly shipping and other issues.  

Debby recalls, “I became determined to start an insect breeding company here, but there was little information on how to go about it.  How do you mass produce them, what kind of temperature, humidity, containers …I didn’t know anything and everything was considered a trade secret.”

After constructing her own 1400 sq. ft. building in Selkirk, she experimented

her way to success.  “There was a lot of trial and error…thousands of dollars worth but I knew this was a market that nobody was tapping.”

Despite a steep learning curve, the business has outperformed its original projections by more than 45% last year alone.  However the profit statement is not Debby’s only satisfaction.  “I’ve been able to prove to everyone who thought this business idea was ridiculous and weird that I could do it.

On the horizon is the creation of another new building — a total of 10,000 square feet that incorporates all of the latest technology and Debby’s learnings over the last six years.

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