About us
Paul MacInnis
Paul was born and raised in the Annapolis Valley in a home that revolved around cooking and eating together. Working on farms and in restaurants only enhanced his deep appreciation for food.
In his 20s, he moved to St. Margarets Bay, where he and his family established Oceanstone Inn. As an executive chef and restaurateur, Paul translated his beliefs and values into action; his food and beverage program showcased local products and ingredients at a time when it was still quite challenging to do so. He spent much of his free time in the water surfing, kayaking, and snorkelling.
After his family sold the Inn, Paul followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded several companies, working as an event producer, consultant, and marketer in various industries. While on vacation in Lunenburg, he came across the idea of scallop farming and has been learning about the practice ever since.
Paul believes that scallop farming serves as an engine for social, environmental, and economic benefits, and he is eager to collaborate with the Mahone Bay community to establish a farm that everyone can take pride in.
Chaz Thorne
A Lunenburger born in Bridgewater, Chaz grew up around friends and neighbours who made their living in fisheries. He moved away in his early 20s, pursuing a career as an actor in Toronto. There, he would occasionally work in fine dining restaurants, which ignited his love and appreciation for exceptional food.
After returning to Nova Scotia in 2001, he harnessed his artistic and entrepreneurial talents to build a successful career as a feature filmmaker. Some of his most notable films, including Just Buried and Poor Boy’s Game, were filmed locally, and he continues to enjoy lasting friendships with local crew members.
Chaz met Paul more than ten years ago; they recognized an opportunity to collaborate and founded their own strategic planning and marketing consulting firms. Work that has allowed them to have a positive impact in a variety of sectors, including health care and early childhood education.
Chaz has worked extensively with non-profits, including a stint on the board of Feed Nova Scotia, where he gained first-hand knowledge of the need for improved food security.
When Paul proposed that they found a scallop farm in the province where he was born and raised, he was all for it.
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