The Spark

When local resident Kelsey Meston couldn't find the right gear to transport horse feed without the usual mess, she didn't just keep looking- she decided to build a better solution right here in Stettler County. Today, that backyard brainstorm is known as SwitchUp Buckets. Backed by a national distributor, this homegrown business now stocks over ten retail stores across Canada, two in the United States, and is already fielding calls from eager customers in Europe and Australia.

Rooted in Stettler County

Founded in 2023 under Freeroll Enterprises, SwitchUp Buckets is a true family affair. Kelsey and her husband, Jenner, run the entire operation right out of the County of Stettler. The idea was simple but brilliant: an innovative, reusable insert system that transforms a standard five-gallon pail into a heavy-duty, organized storage companion.

While it started out as a clever way to manage livestock feed on the road, people quickly realized these durable inserts are perfect for just about anything, from gardening and hunting to everyday workshop organization.

Kelsey launched the product directly to her neighbors and friends on social media in 2024. By blending Central Alberta’s deep agricultural roots with a product anyone can use, SwitchUp Buckets found an immediate, loyal audience right in its own backyard.

Why Stettler County is the Perfect Home Base

For Kelsey there was never any doubt about where to build her business. The County of Stettler offered the perfect mix of a supportive, built-in local market and an ideal central location.

"We're lucky that we're central to any services that we need," says Kelsey Meston, founder of SwitchUp Buckets. "Lots of the companies that we deal with are located in Central Alberta, or Calgary and Edmonton, so we're easily able to access them. Everything's within driving distance, or a day's travel, business-wise. The demographic and the location have been great for our business."

By staying close to home, SwitchUp Buckets proves you don’t need a big-city postal code to have incredible regional access. Stettler gives entrepreneurs the room to grow while keeping them grounded in a community that cares.

Built with Alberta Pride

Getting a new product off the ground takes grit. Kelsey spent a year and a half doing research, designing prototypes by hand, and eventually working with a specialized engineering firm in Calgary to perfect the technical design.

When it came time to manufacture, Kelsey faced pressure to take production overseas to cut costs. Instead, she chose to invest directly in local, custom tooling, keeping her manufacturing 100% Albertan. When early demand exploded, she partnered with a high-capacity injection molding manufacturer right here in Central Alberta. Every dollar spent to make these buckets stays right here to support Alberta workers.

Big Results, Deeper Roots

Her commitment to keeping things local truly paid off. SwitchUp Buckets has achieved an incredible 170% year-over-year growth, expanding from a local social media page to a bustling e-commerce site and a nationwide retail network. Secured by a Canada-wide distributor, you can now find their products in major agricultural hubs like UFA.

But for Kelsey, success isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about giving back. Local store owners love the product because it brings folks into town specifically to buy it, boosting neighboring main street businesses in the process.

More importantly, the Meston family makes sure their success is shared with the community. They regularly sponsor prizes and discounts for local 4-H groups, roping events, and barrel racing. This past May, they teamed up with the Stettler Agricultural Society to host the "Summer Kickoff", a multi-event educational clinic and jackpot weekend at the Stettler Ag Grounds that brought professional-level rodeo training right to residents of all ages.

The Catalyst for Growth: Support for Local Entrepreneurs

In 2025, Kelsey participated in the Catalyst Incubator run by Central Alberta Innovation Network (CARIN). It is a free, 8-week cohort-based program that is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology find their footing by providing direct training and expert coaching.

This program provided the strategic roadmap Kelsey needed to scale effectively. Together with her coaches, she refined the company's business plan and developed a sharp, targeted marketing strategy.

Bring Your Vision to Stettler

SwitchUp Buckets is living proof that a great idea born in a rural community can capture the international market. The County of Stettler offers exactly what a growing business needs: a loyal local customer base, fantastic central logistics, and neighbors who celebrate your success.

If you have a dream you want to build, you can build it here. Contact us today to discover how the County of Stettler can help your business thrive.