When Samarveer Kamra arrived in Canada to study at UFV, he carried with him a vision: to build something of his own. Today, as the founder of Dairy Plus Canada, a growing company making waves in the dairy industry, he is living that vision—one forged through resilience, innovation, and an unshakable work ethic.

Samar’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited early. A pivotal moment in his boarding school years that involved failing a subject and a conversation with his father set him on a path of discipline and determination. “My father told me at a young age that this is my life, and if I choose to fail, that’s up to me—but I have to face the consequences down the line,” he recalls. That lesson shaped how he approached every challenge ahead.

After studying in Europe, he transferred to UFV, where he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration and immersed himself in research and mentorship opportunities. At UFV, Samar worked as a research assistant under Dr. Satwinder Bains and Dr. Gary Fehr, experiences that sharpened his analytical skills and broadened his entrepreneurial mindset. He also credits Dr. Mike Ivanof for providing “real life knowledge on business and the true importance of innovation”—lessons he says he uses every day. His coursework in innovation and business strategy fueled his ambition, providing the foundation for what would become his thriving career.

Breaking into Canada’s highly regulated dairy industry was no easy feat. Before he could even begin producing dairy products, Samar had to complete additional coursework, gain government approvals, and prove he was capable of running a processing facility. “You can’t just wake up and start a dairy business,” he explains. “It took years of training, paperwork, and resilience just to get access to raw supplies.”

Despite these obstacles, Samar launched Dairy Plus Canada, starting with a 3,500-square-foot facility and later expanding to a 15,000-square-foot plant. Navigating strict industry regulations, he successfully secured distribution agreements with major retailers across multiple provinces. His company has seen significant growth and continues to expand its reach in the competitive food industry.

His path, however, was anything but easy. “Starting a business means constantly bleeding financially, mentally, and emotionally. But you get up and do it again,” he says. That mindset, he says, taught him to stay calm, consistent, and focused. He also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right business partners, embracing failure, and remaining relentless in pursuit of success.

Beyond financial achievements, Samar remains deeply grounded. His humility stems from the support of his family and the people who stood by him during difficult times. He credits his wife, also a UFV graduate, for being a pillar of strength throughout his journey. “I learned a very important lesson from Esther: In business, good times don’t keep rolling always,” he says. “This taught me to remain calm, steady and consistent.”

For current students and aspiring entrepreneurs, Samar offers this advice: “Success isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about learning from it. Be prepared for challenges, embrace discomfort, and never stop pushing forward.”

With his dairy business in Canada on track for exponential growth, Samar continues to redefine what’s possible for UFV alumni in the business world. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the value of education, and the impact of unwavering determination.