Ross Shantz

Ross Shantz was born in 1939 in New Hamburg. He worked at Shantz Farms Ltd. with beef cattle, grain, corn and turkey production, hatchery and processing. This experience led to the development of Hybrid Turkeys (Hybrid) in 1970, which eventually encompassed fourteen farms, two hatcheries and had affiliated operations in Brazil, Hungary and Ireland. Hybrid became one of the largest primary breeders of turkeys in the world and sold breeding stock and other products more than forty countries. In 1981, Hybrid Turkeys was sold to Hendrix International of the Netherlands and Ross continued for five years as President and served five years on the Board of Directors.

Shantz has been President of Mercedes Corporation since 1986 and he has worked along with his brother Milo in every venture except the founding of Mercedes. Shantz has been involved in the operation of the St. Jacobs and Waterloo Farmers’ Markets, the Ontario Livestock Exchange, the St. Jacobs Outlet Mall, Countryside Furniture, a number of rental properties, and six long-term care homes for the elderly.

Shantz believes in contributing to his community. He has been active with Habitat for Humanity, Mennonite Economic Development Association, the House of Friendship and the Mennonite Foundation of Canada.

Mersynergy Charitable Foundation was created in 1983 as a vehicle through which to receive and distribute charitable gifts. The Foundation has close involvement with Mercare Homes, a residence for psychiatrically disabled individuals, foster care throughout Southern Ontario, the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse and Church Theatres, and the St. Jacobs Daycare.

Photograph courtesy of Forde Studio, Kitchener