MEAT People

Dr. Loni Lucherk on Meat Judging, Scholarships & Giving Back

Neil interviews Dr. Loni Lucherk about how the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) supported her and her students through significant scholarship funding, convention experiences, and an industry “family” atmosphere. She describes her path into meat science from Grandview, Texas through 4-H/FFA and meat judging, leading to graduate degrees and a career coaching collegiate teams, and notes West Texas A&M’s recent contest successes. Dr. Lucherk emphasizes encouraging a wide range of hardworking students to apply for SMA scholarships, attend conventions to see diverse industry careers, and develop confidence, performance under pressure, competitiveness, and problem-solving through judging. She discusses giving back through time, talent, and treasure, her family life, and invites SMA members and businesses to visit WT’s meat lab and recruit students.
 
Topics
01:37 How SMA Changed Everything
03:29 Helping Students Find SMA
04:56 From Ranch Life to Industry
06:30 Her Meat Science Origin Story
09:31 WTAMU Wins and Programs
11:27 Scholarships Like Sports
13:10 Meat Judging Under Pressure
14:43 Officials and Giving Back
17:12 Family Life on the Road
19:25 Why Texas Tech
19:59 Why Texas Tech
20:45 Lubbock Ag Program Growth
21:53 Life in Canyon Ranch
22:17 Background Helps or Not
24:03 Judging Builds Careers
24:55 Mentors and Confidence
29:20 Keeping Students Involved
32:08 Competition and Coaching Styles
34:04 Gender and Industry Shifts
36:05 Mentors Shoutout and Wrap

Dr. Drew Cassens: How Meat Judging Transforms Lives

Neil welcomes Dr. Drew Cassens from the Southwest Meat Association (SMA). The conversation dives into the impactful work of SMA, particularly focusing on the scholarships they provide to students in the Animal Science Department at Texas A&M University. Drew shares his academic journey, from undergraduate studies to obtaining a Ph.D., and emphasizes the importance of networking and the valuable opportunities that come with participating in SMA events and meat judging contests. The discussion also highlights the family-like atmosphere within the meat industry, the importance of hands-on education, and the significant accomplishments of Texas A&M's meat judging team, including their recent championship wins. Drew underlines the value of student involvement, mentorship, and the development of skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, which are essential for a successful career in the meat industry.
 
Topics
01:06 The Impact of SMA Scholarships
02:08 Networking and Career Opportunities
03:56 The Importance of Meat Judging
06:37 Coaching and Mentorship in Meat Science
11:46 Recruitment and Career Development
17:05 Building Relationships and Networking
17:47 Effective Teaching Styles
18:13 Hands-On Learning in Meat Production
19:40 Student Experiences and Adaptability
20:46 Judging and Decision Making
24:07 National and International Competitions
27:41 Team Dynamics and Coaching
30:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Generations of Dedication: Jim and Cathey Ondrusek

Jim and Cathey Ondrusek share their extensive history with the Southwestern Meat Association (SMA) and the meat industry. Jim, whose family has been involved in the meat business and with SMA for generations, recounts his family's immigration story and the evolution of their meat market from its early days to now. Jim talks about the work ethic instilled in him by his great-grandfather and grandfather and the legacy he's built over his 50-year career in the meat industry. Cathey shares her perspective on the familial bonds formed through SMA and the impact of their scholarship programs. The episode highlights the importance of relationships, work ethic, and community within the industry.
 
Topics
00:50 Jim's Family History in the Meat Business
02:35 Work Ethic and Early Career Lessons
05:10 Legacy and Relationships in the Meat Industry
07:48 Consulting and Product Development Challenges
11:43 SMA Community and Personal Reflections
20:56 Navigating Tough Times with Faith
21:57 The Value of Hard Times
23:46 Community Support in Crisis
26:57 Mentorship and Heroes
33:35 Succession Planning and Retirement
36:02 Father-Son Dynamics in Business
38:18 Unexpected Career Paths
40:08 Concluding Thoughts and Invitation

Family & Community in the Meat Industry: Cody & Chrissy Lane

Neil hosts a heartfelt conversation with his best friend Cody Lane and Cody's wife Chrissy, delving into their long-standing relationships and shared experiences within the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) and Peterson's. They share personal stories, professional challenges, and the significance of the SMA as a supportive community and family in the meat industry. The discussion includes how they started their careers at Peterson's, the benefits of being part of the SMA, and the importance of maintaining strong personal connections within the industry. Through anecdotes and reflections, the episode underscores the value of friendship, family, and community in both personal and professional spheres.
 
Topics
01:19 The SMA Family and Personal Reflections
02:05 Emotional Conversations and Support
04:52 Confidence and Faith
05:47 The Value of SMA and Community
07:20 First Encounters with SMA
08:23 Funny Stories and Memories
10:04 How We Started at Peterson's
14:56 Chrissy's Journey with Peterson's
16:43 Parenting and Childhood Memories
17:13 SMA: A Family Vacation and Business Opportunity
18:00 The Role of SMA in Business Networking
18:46 Aggies and Meat Judging
19:21 Impact of COVID on Education and Business
19:47 Leadership and Service in SMA
21:16 Building the SMA Community
23:42 SMA's Evolution and Services
26:42 Encouragement and Personal Growth
30:47 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Building a Cold-Storage Construction Legacy: Wade Hudson

Neil speaks with Wade Hudson from the Southwest Meat Association. Wade shares insights into his background, starting with his father's transition from a commercial kitchen rep to a full-time construction business in the 1970s. Wade discusses his path into the family business, which involved hands-on experience in the field before moving into the office, and emphasizes the importance of earning respect through hard work. He also touches on the demanding nature of the construction industry, the importance of networking and support through associations like the SMA, and the challenges of finding reliable employees. 
 
Topics
00:55 Wade Hudson's Background and Family Business
04:57 Challenges and Insights in the Construction Business
09:10 Parenting and Career Choices
13:53 Current State of the Construction Industry
15:19 Reflections on Industry Events
16:03 Insights on Political Perspectives
18:52 Generational Differences and Technology
19:54 The Value of Mission Trips
20:57 The Importance of SMA Membership
23:16 Challenges and Successes in Business
29:29 Employee Appreciation and Longevity
30:32 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

‘Sausage Royalty’ Rodney Roth of Double R Brand Foods

Neil interviews Rodney Roth, CEO of Double R Brand Foods. Roth shares insights into his family's multi-generational business, starting from his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor and butcher, to his current leadership. The discussion covers the origins of the family business, the success and challenges faced, the introduction of innovative products such as sausage slices, and the importance of marketing and consumer relations. Rodney also talks about his involvement in the community and the role of his sons in continuing the family legacy. The episode is filled with anecdotes about historical figures related to the business and strategic moves that have kept the brand competitive and growing over the years.
 
Double R Brand Foods: https://rrbrandfoods.com/
 
Topics
01:28 Rodney Roth's Family Legacy
04:26 The Rise of Blue Ribbon
05:46 Acquiring Home Smokehouse
07:51 The Role of SMA
11:28 Innovations in Sausage Marketing
15:33 Evolution of Sausage Products
17:03 Challenges in Sausage Production
18:24 Innovation and Consumer Preferences
19:55 Legacy and Family Business
24:07 Community Involvement and Awards
25:31 Future Generations in the Business
28:25 Final Thoughts and Farewell

David Cone: The Journey of Chappell Hill Sausage

The guest is David Cone of Chappell Hill Sausage, who shares the history and evolution of the family business, starting from a custom kill plant in 1968 to becoming a renowned sausage company. David delves into the entrepreneurial spirit of his parents, the transition from a slaughter facility to a sausage company, and the challenges faced along the way. He also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and maintaining the legacy of his family's business. Throughout the conversation, David reflects on the values of hard work, family cooperation, and the support of the SMA community.
 
Visit https://www.chsausage.com/
 
Topics
01:48 David Cone's Background and Chappell Hill Sausage Origins
04:12 Family Involvement and Business Evolution
07:50 Challenges and Transitions
15:43 Current Operations and Community Impact
17:55 Discussing Faith and Religion
22:01 Volunteering and Community Involvement
27:57 Challenges and Successes in Business
31:51 The Importance of SMA and Networking

Navigating the Meat Industry With Amy Springer

Neil welcomes Amy Springer, who has been with Handtmann for 15 years. Handtmann specializes in selling meat processing equipment. Amy shares her journey in the meat industry, including her roles on the board of SMA and organizing the 'Best of the Wurst' contest, an annual blind vote event judging sausages from various companies. Amy discusses her success strategies, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships and her unique perspective as the first woman in sales for Handtmann. The episode also touches on Amy's involvement in the bakery industry, how her volunteer efforts have contributed to her success, and her personal life, including her travels and family. The conversation highlights the camaraderie and community within the meat industry, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in sales, the meat business, or organizational involvement.
 
Topics
00:34 Meet Amy Springer: The Sausage Equipment Expert
01:01 Amy's Journey with Handtmann and SMA
03:33 Success in Sales and Building Relationships
06:55 The Best of the Wurst Contest
09:19 Leadership and Involvement in SMA
13:40 The Excitement of the Dove Hunt Event
18:29 Balancing Work and Personal Life
20:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Meet the Meat Board: Nick Nickelson, Don Rea & Greg Kimmel

Neil talks with Nick Nickelson, Don Rea & Greg Kimmel at the Meat Board in Fort Worth, Texas. The discussion delves into their rich careers within the meat industry, covering topics from their unique backgrounds, the evolution of their business, and their leadership styles. The episode highlights Greg's role as General Manager and his cowboy heritage, Don's journey from a small packing house to running large-scale operations, and Dr. Nick's expertise in meat inspection and microbiology. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) in their careers, underscoring the value of networking and community within the meat industry. The episode concludes with reflections on the dynamic nature of their work and the impact of their collaborative efforts at The Meat Board.
 
Topics
01:25 Greg: The Meat Cutter and General Manager
03:17 Greg's Cowboy Heritage and Family Background
05:20 Don Ray's Journey in the Meat Industry
07:42 Dr. Nick's Path from Academia to Industry
11:19 The Challenges and Triumphs in the Meat Business
14:16 Building a Successful Partnership
33:59 Leadership Styles and Industry Insights
35:29 The Strategic Acquisition of KPR Foods
37:39 Defining Leadership Styles
39:50 The Rosenthal Family Legacy
41:47 Career Transitions and Challenges
47:38 The Butcher Shop Vision
52:04 The Role of SMA in the Meat Industry
01:03:12 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Al Almanza's Journey through the Meat Industry

Neil welcomes Al Almanza, a veteran of the meat industry with extensive experience in various facets, including regulatory roles. The conversation explores Al's humble beginnings in San Antonio, where he started working at a local meat packing company during high school, and traces his career progression. Al talks about his educational experiences, transitioning from high school to different roles within the industry while working towards a degree in biology. He discusses his significant roles, from being a food inspector to ultimately becoming the administrator of FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) under different U.S. administrations. Al also touches on his career at JBS, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges and rewards of his various positions. The episode highlights the vital role of agriculture and safe food practices, as well as the importance of supporting the industry's future through scholarships and mentorship.
 
Topics
00:57 Early Life and First Job in Meat Industry
03:31 Career Progression and Mentorship
06:29 Transition to Regulatory Roles
09:29 Leadership and Industry Insights
17:04 Reflections and Final Thoughts