Our Team

Kevin Petty

Community Engagement Consultant

Kevin guides our clients through the steps of starting a co-op – from helping them define their vision to filling out their incorporating documents, setting up their bylaws, and seeing their business through. He excels at reaching out and connecting clients with helpful people and resources, building relationships, and helping navigate group dynamics.

In his work with Co-operative First, Kevin enjoys connecting with community leaders in economic development and seeing their passion and creativity in solving their own problems.

How he got here

Born and raised in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, Kevin studied psychology at the University of Saskatchewan, before going on to get an MBA from St. Mary’s University in Halifax. There he was part of a cross-Canada research group called “Measuring the Co-operative Difference”.

Kevin has also been an entrepreneur: he started and ran an artisanal cheesemaking business in the heart of dairy country north of Saskatoon. This experience informs the great advice he gives to clients who are just starting out in business.

In his free time, you’ll find him…

  • Going to the park with his two kids
  • Teaching skating lessons at the outdoor rink
  • Playing rec hockey

Fun Facts

  • He makes great pickles, and is happy to share his family recipe

Favourites

  • Podcast: Philosophize This!
  • Musicians: Canadian singer-songwriters, like Begonia, Joni Mitchell, Frazey Ford, and Jim Cuddy
Back

“Heather and the team at Co-operatives First are top-notch. Not only their knowledge but their understanding of the project. They have truly helped us along every step of the way. Their timely response and knowledge of the steps are extraordinary. They are forthcoming with information. This is one of the most knowledgeable and friendliest teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Weyburn Theatre

“Co-operatives First made the process of establishing our Artisan Co-operative a very clear and easy process. The expanse of available tools and resources provided by Co-operatives First answers many questions and lightens the workload. Greatly appreciate having the connections made with Trista and Kyle, they keep the co-operative moving forward.”

Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op

“Our experience working with the Co-operatives First team was absolutely fabulous. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have such a wealth of skill and resources available to a non-profit. They were invaluable to our successful launch!”

Heart Linked Community Services Cooperative

“Working with Co-operatives First was fantastic! We are still new to the cooperative world, and we relied heavily on their advice and expertise when drafting our rules/bylaws, and our memorandum of association. The team has experience with many different cooperative models, so they provided advice on what has and hasn’t worked for other cooperatives. We wouldn’t have been able to incorporate without their help!”

Ananda Cooperative

“We have had a very positive experience with everyone at Co-operatives First. They have helped us in multiple ways. Right from the first step in knowing how to incorporate, how to set our business and offering ideas for us to help steer us in the right direction plus allowing us to really make our own decisions. If our decisions go off track, they have gently guided us back to where we needed to be. The Co-operatives first guys are always eager to answer questions, and give ideas to us that got us off the ground.”

South East Butcher Block