About ColdStar Solutions Inc

Vancouver Island residents depend on us for on-time food delivery.

ColdStar Solutions Inc., based on Vancouver Island, is a leading grocery wholesaler, transport company, and public cold storage operator. We specialize in hauling food products across Vancouver, the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands.

Our History

ColdStar was founded in 1999 by Kelly and Jennifer Hawes as a refrigerated-only trucking company servicing Vancouver Island. Formed on July 1, 2014, from the merger of Victoria-based Wilson Foods (est. 1994) and ColdStar Freight Systems Inc., ColdStar Solutions focuses on enhancing the grocery market on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Our Mission

Our mission is to drive growth and profitability within the Independent Grocery market. We build trusted relationships with customers and vendors, listen closely to their needs, and provide innovative solutions.

Community Commitment

We believe in the power of food to connect people and break down barriers. Our Community Food Project exemplifies this belief, providing food to those in need and supporting various community initiatives.

Leadership Team

We believe in the power of food to connect people and break down barriers. Our Community Food Project exemplifies this belief, providing food to those in need and supporting various community initiatives.

Kelly Hawes – Chief Executive Officer

Kelly is the CEO of ColdStar when not busy posing for GQ magazine.

mailto:khawes@coldstarsolutions.com
Located at: Head Office

Trevor Sawkins – Chief Operating Officer

In charge of the “hood”.

tsawkins@coldstarsolutions.com
Located at: Head Office

Lynsey Robertson – Chief Financial Officer

Keeper of the “Cold” cash.

lrobertson@coldstarsolutions.com
Located at: Head Office

Jennifer Hawes – Human Resources

The people person.

jhawes@coldstarsolutions.com
Located at: Victoria Warehouse (Henry Eng location)

Andy Ellison – Logistics Manager

Andy is a real “hands on” kind of guy.

aellison@coldstarsolutions.com
Located at: Victoria Warehouse (Henry Eng location)

Travis Shaw

Travis Shaw – VP, Wholesale

Over 30 years in the grocery wholesale industry.

tshaw@coldstarsolutions.com
Located at: Head Office

Awards & Recognition

We are honored to be recognized for our business practices and contributions to the transportation industr.

2023 Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award

We were honored with the 2023 Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award for our exceptional performance and community contributions.

2020 Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance – Fleet Award

In 2020, we received the Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance – Fleet Award for our leadership in the use of natural gas vehicles in our fleet.

2017 ITWAL Retail Distributor of the Year

We were named the 2017 ITWAL Retail Distributor of the Year for our outstanding distribution services.

2014 Natural Gas Vehicle Industry Achievement Award

In 2014, we received the Natural Gas Vehicle Industry Achievement Award for our significant contributions to the natural gas vehicle industry.

Keeping Good Employees on Board

In 2010, we were featured in Dawn McCooey’s book on best hiring practices, Keeping Good Employees on Board.

Vancouver Island Business of the Year Award 2009

In 2009, the Business Examiner honoured us with the Vancouver Island Business of the Year Award in the category for over 50 employees.

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Finalist

In 2005, Cold Star Freight Systems Inc.’s founder, Kelly Hawes, was a Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Pacific Region, Business to Business Products.

BC Ethics in Action Society Community Care Excellence Award

In 2004, we were awarded a Community Care Excellence Award by the BC Ethics in Action Society.

Vancouver Island Small Business of the Year Award 2003

In 2003, the Business Examiner named us the Vancouver Island Small Business of the Year Award in the category for under 50 employees.

Charity Work

Our team is committed to giving back. We support numerous causes, including:

  • Sponsoring children through World Vision
  • Supporting local sports teams
  • Raising funds for cancer societies and participating in Relay for Life
  • Donating refrigerated trailers for fundraising events
  • Supporting troops and veterans through Red Shirt Fridays

Additionally, we contribute to various fundraising events and causes, focusing on children and families in need.