Legend

2023 Inductee

Paul Higgins Jr. and Michael Higgins

Paul Higgins Jr. and Michael Higgins are the third generation to steer the family-owned and managed company Mother Parker’s Tea & Coffee Inc., which has been in operation since 1912. The brothers assumed joint ownership of the company and the role of co-CEOs in 1993 and have worked side-by-side in the business for more than 45 years. They both currently serve as co-chairman of the board. Together, they have steered the growth of the company, overseeing development and expansion of the company’s own brands and private label brands. They have been recognized by peers and industry partners through the years, with both receiving the 2012 Golden Pencil award, the We Care Hall of Fame 2017, the Retail Council of Canada’s Canadian Grand Prix Inaugural Lifetime Achievement award in 2016, and the Pinnacle Awards Supplier of the Year in 2015. Paul Higgins Jr. has worked in nearly every area of the family business and has served on several boards, including chairman of the Food Association of Canada, board member of the National Coffee Association, chairman of Food & Consumer Products of Canada and board member of St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation. Michael has worked extensively in sales and marketing for both the retail and foodservice channels of Mother Parkers. He has served as the director of the Tea Association of Canada and is a former member of the Board of Governors of St. Andrew’s College.