The Foundation of a Leader
After graduating high school, Philip pursued a business course at Saint John Vocational, a decision that set him on a path toward the industrial world. His first job as an office clerk at Schofield Paper sparked his interest in the inner workings of business operations, laying the groundwork for what would become a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. But life had other plans before his career could fully take off. When the Second World War broke out, Philip answered the call of duty, serving in the Royal Canadian Navy. The discipline, teamwork, and resilience he developed during the war would later prove invaluable in his business endeavors.A Partnership Forged in Ambition
Upon returning from the war, Philip rejoined Schofield Paper as their New Brunswick salesman. His innovative approach and relentless work ethic quickly made him a standout, driving significant sales growth for the company. It was during this time that he met Ernie Grandy, Schofield’s Nova Scotia salesman. The two bonded over their shared frustration with unfair wages and discovered a mutual entrepreneurial spirit. Together, they decided to take a leap of faith, founding Eastern Paper Products Limited in Nova Scotia in 1941.Humble Beginnings and Early Challenges
The post-war era was a time of booming demand, and Philip and Ernie seized the opportunity. With the support of key industry manufacturers and financial backing from a prominent external investor, they launched their business in Saint John. The setup was humble—a single-room office with a potbelly stove and a warehouse across the driveway—but their ambitions were anything but small.
Tragedy struck in the company’s first year when Ernie suffered a fatal heart attack. Despite the loss of his partner, Philip pressed on, determined to honour their shared vision. Harold Robertson, who had been managing the Saint John warehouse, stepped up to take on the Nova Scotia customer base. With a price book and a customer list in hand, Harold hit the road, helping to stabilize operations and keep the business growing.
Looking Ahead
By 1952, Philip had secured the funds to buy out the shares held by his late partner's representative and the external investor, gaining full control of the company. With the business now firmly in his hands, Philip began assembling a team that would help him realize his dream.
Bucky Killam, a trusted friend from his Navy days, joined as the first Nova Scotia Regional Manager, setting up the province’s first office and warehouse. The following year, Philip’s brother Charles, fresh from his own Navy service, came on board. Together, these three sailors brought their naval training—teamwork, communication, organization, and self-discipline—to the business, steering it toward a bright future.
Looking Ahead
What began as Eastern Paper Products Limited would later evolve into Poly Cello and, finally, Emmerson Packaging. But this is just the beginning of the story. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the journey of how a small, scrappy business grew into a leader in the packaging industry. The best is yet to come!
