About
Manjit Minhas is a Canadian entrepreneur recognized for her innovative approach to business and dedication to the brewing industry. She co-founded Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries at a young age, turning it into a major producer of beer and spirits. Her passion for growth and quality has led her to invest in other areas, including reality television, where she appears as an investor on the Canadian series Dragons’ Den. With a welcoming personality and strong work ethic, she has built a reputation as an approachable business leader. Through her company, Manjit has not only made a name for herself in the beverage world, but has also inspired countless individuals to explore their own entrepreneurial dreams. Her career is a testament to how dedication, creativity, and perseverance can pave the way for success in a competitive industry.
Manjit’s business empire focuses on making quality drinks that cater to a wide range of tastes. Her breweries and distilleries are spread across North America, producing popular beverages sold in Canada, the United States, and beyond. Her story is a blend of determination and a knack for spotting opportunities, which has helped her remain relevant in a constantly changing marketplace. Over the years, she has shown that with a clear vision and the right attitude, anyone can forge a successful path, no matter how tough the competition.
Though Manjit now holds a prominent spot in the entrepreneurial world, she stays grounded by remembering the early challenges she faced. Her warmth on television and her numerous public speaking engagements reflect a desire to share her knowledge and learn from others. She remains a strong believer in collaboration, often crediting her success to teamwork with her family and business partners. This spirit of cooperation is part of what has allowed her to navigate the hurdles of the beverage industry and keep her brands going strong year after year.
Before Fame
Long before she became a household name, Manjit was raised in a family that valued hard work and determination. Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, she attended the University of Calgary for a time, though she found her true calling outside the traditional classroom. As a young adult, she discovered her passion for business and the food and beverage industry. She recognized that there was plenty of space in the market for new ideas, even though it was already populated with major players.
At first, she was eager to explore different avenues, including marketing and distribution, to understand what consumers truly wanted. Instead of following the usual career tracks, she jumped into co-founding her own venture with the goal of creating quality beverages at a reasonable price. Resources were limited in the early days, and she had to rely on creativity and close support from her family. This experience taught her the importance of perseverance, budgeting, and building strong relationships with suppliers and customers alike.
It was also during this early phase that Manjit developed her business philosophy centered on staying open to fresh ideas and trusting her instincts. She studied market trends, listened to customer feedback, and tested new products. Over time, she refined her strategies, eventually seeing the fruits of her labor as her company expanded. These formative years shaped her approach to entrepreneurship, which balances realistic goals with bold thinking.
Trivia
- Early Start in Entrepreneurship: Manjit began her journey in business during her teenage years. She first tried her hand at a family liquor store, which later guided her understanding of consumer preferences in the beverage market.
- TV Presence: As an investor on Dragons’ Den, she has offered guidance and capital to budding entrepreneurs. Her focus often involves evaluating a product’s market potential and the people behind it.
- Co-Founder with a Family Member: She co-founded her brewery alongside her brother, Ravinder, illustrating how family collaboration can serve as a cornerstone for business success.
- Passion for Mentorship: Beyond television, Manjit frequently shares her knowledge through speeches, panels, and interviews, reflecting her belief in the power of mentorship.
- Multiple Revenue Streams: Her company’s range includes beers, spirits, ciders, and other beverages sold in various countries. This diversified approach helps protect the business from shifting market demands.
- Belief in Hard Work: Manjit is open about the long hours she commits to her ventures, encouraging others to understand that entrepreneurship requires a strong mindset as well as perseverance.
- Global Reach: Although based in Canada, her brands are stocked on store shelves across the United States and in select international markets. This expansion has elevated her status as a global entrepreneur.
Family Life
Family has always played a major role in Manjit’s life. She often credits her parents for instilling a strong work ethic and sense of determination. Growing up, she watched her parents work hard, which influenced her desire to carve out her own success. From a young age, she learned the importance of financial literacy, budgeting, and cooperation—skills that proved invaluable when she started her own company.
She and her brother, Ravinder, share responsibilities within their business ventures. Their sibling bond and complementary skill sets have been key factors in the steady growth of their company. Outside of work, Manjit is a wife and mother, balancing her responsibilities in a high-stakes business world with her commitment to family life. She has mentioned that her household routine keeps her grounded and reminds her what’s truly important in the grand scheme of things.
This focus on family extends to the values she upholds in her company. She treats employees like an extended family, emphasizing open communication and respect. Many of the people who work in her company have been there for years, creating a sense of camaraderie that supports innovation and stable growth. Her family-focused mindset is evident in the way she discusses business, consistently highlighting the value of community and ethical leadership.
Associated With
Manjit’s journey as an investor on Dragons’ Den has placed her alongside fellow business figures such as Michele Romanow, Arlene Dickinson, and Jim Treliving. While each investor brings unique expertise, Manjit’s background in the beverage and manufacturing industries distinguishes her within the panel. She often focuses on products or services that show potential for large-scale production and market expansion.
Her friendship with other Dragons stems not just from working together, but also from shared values around supporting new talent. Though they may compete in certain sectors, they collectively believe in uplifting entrepreneurs who show passion and preparedness. By collaborating on the show, they provide insightful feedback, guiding hopeful founders toward sustainable business growth. This synergy reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that has made the series a hit among viewers and an influential force in Canadian startup culture.
Outside of the Dragons’ Den circle, Manjit maintains connections with leaders in various fields, from beverage industry executives to business school educators. Her interest in learning from different perspectives has led her to participate in conferences, charitable events, and mentorship programs. This has enlarged her network and helped her stay ahead of trends, whether they involve new technology or shifts in consumer tastes.
