Community Spotlight
Making the Impossible Possible
Boris Serebryany on leadership, innovation, community, and his journey from newcomer to Grocery Business Hall of Fame inductee
Recently, Boris Serebryany, a member of our community, was inducted into the prestigious Grocery Business Hall of Fame. This distinction recognizes his many years of contribution to Canada’s food industry, his leadership, innovative vision, and commitment to public service.
The news was met with particular enthusiasm by those who have worked alongside him for many years. In a congratulatory message published by Upper Crust and its allied group of companies, colleagues and employees highlighted not only his professional achievements, but also the character and values that have shaped his career.
“Your journey from modest beginnings to building one of North America’s most successful baking enterprises is both inspiring and a powerful example of how vision, hard work, innovation, and staying true to one’s principles can lead to extraordinary success.”
— Upper Crust and its allied group of companies
Through his leadership, Upper Crust and its allied group of companies have created opportunities for countless individuals. Generations of employees, including many who, like him, came to Canada in search of a better life, have been able to build careers, support their families, and become part of a shared success story.
The company’s message also recognized his longstanding contribution to Canada’s food industry and the positive impact his work has had on the lives of many people.
These words reflect how Boris Serebryany is viewed by many of those who have worked with him over the years. Behind his induction into the Hall of Fame lies more than business success and professional recognition. It is the story of an immigrant who arrived in Canada with a dream, helped build a major enterprise, created opportunities for thousands of people to grow professionally, and remained committed to the values that guided his success.
In this conversation, Boris Serebryany reflects on his journey, his family, business philosophy, leadership principles, and commitment to giving back to the community.
In Conversation
Boris, where did your Canadian story begin, and how did your journey take you from being a newcomer to becoming one of the industry’s most respected leaders?
I arrived in Canada from the Soviet Union in 1981 with my wife, Rita, and our young daughter, Carmela. Like many immigrants of that era, we were starting almost from scratch. Yet we believed in freedom, the value of hard work, and the idea that each person could shape his or her own future.
That experience had a profound influence on the way I approach both life and business. It taught me not to be afraid of difficult challenges, to look for opportunities where others see obstacles, to keep moving forward, and to help people grow alongside the company.
My career in the bakery manufacturing industry began in 1986. Over the years, together with an exceptional team, I had the privilege of guiding the company through every stage of growth, transforming a small operation into a large, modern manufacturing enterprise.
From personal experience, I understand how much effort is required to bring food to the consumer’s table. Behind every product are thousands of people involved in farming, production, processing, packaging, and distribution. It is a vast industry that plays a vital role in Canada’s economy and provides employment for hundreds of thousands of people.
My educational background is in engineering, and I have always been passionate about finding new solutions and improving production processes. Over the years, we introduced new technologies, modernized our facilities, strengthened our logistics capabilities, and continually sought ways to improve product quality.
“Making the impossible possible.”
Perhaps that is why one of my favorite expressions has always been: “Making the impossible possible.”
Over time, Upper Crust and its allied group of companies grew into some of North America’s leading baking enterprises. Yet I consider people, not the size of the business, to be the company’s greatest achievement.
I have always wanted to create an environment where employees could grow professionally, develop their talents, and build meaningful careers. It is especially rewarding to see many of those who started their journey with us go on to achieve remarkable success and become outstanding professionals in their own right.
At the same time, I have always believed that business should not exist separately from society. Together with my family, we have supported charitable, educational, and community initiatives for many years.
It is important to us to be actively involved in community life, to support young people, to promote education and sports, and to help those in need.
Of course, being recognized by the Grocery Business Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor. But awards matter most because of the people behind them: colleagues, partners, friends, family members, and everyone with whom I have had the privilege to work throughout the years.
Looking back, I realize that the true value of any endeavor is defined not only by the companies one builds. What matters even more is the impact one leaves on the lives of others. If my ideas, support, and experience have helped someone realize their potential, believe in themselves, and achieve success, then I can say that the journey has been worthwhile.
