meatpeople

MEAT People

Business EN ↓ 30 episodes

MEAT People is the official podcast of SMA (Southwest Meat Association)— a twice-monthly audio and video series designed to connect, celebrate, and inform SMA members and industry stakeholders. Hosted primarily by SMA Member, Neil Dudley with Pederson’s Farms, with rotating co-hosts and guests. MEAT People will showcase stories from across the meat processing and packing industry, highlight SMA’s resources and events, provide updates, and foster networking within this unique and collaborative industry community. The tone will be welcoming, conversational, and informative — like catching up wit...

Author

meatpeople

Episodes

Karrie Menz on Leadership and the Evolution of the Meat Industry 26.06.2025 33:01

On this episode we welcome Karrie Menz of Surlean Foods. She discusses her upbringing in a small farming community in Fredericksburg, Texas, and her initial unplanned entry into the meat industry, spurred by her education at Texas A&M University and early experiences on the meat judging team. She details her significant role and career growth in quality assurance at Owens Country Sausage. Karr...

Amber Ondrusek & the 100-Year Legacy of Columbia Packing 11.06.2025 35:03

In this episode we welcome Amber Ondrusek from Columbia Packing, a 100-year-old family-owned meat business. Amber shares the rich history of the company, starting with her great-grandfather Joseph's journey from Czechoslovakia in 1913 to its official incorporation in 1923. Amber discusses the evolution of the business through various generations, the challenges and successes faced along the way, a...

Building Legacies: Rick Kimbrell and StartKleen Legacy 28.05.2025 41:21

In this episode of the Meat People podcast, Neil sits down with Rick Kimbrell, founder of StartKleen Legacy, to discuss his career and contributions to the food safety and sanitation industry. The conversation covers Rick's family legacy in the business, the early struggles and successes in establishing StartKleen, and the importance of leadership and training programs. Rick also shares personal a...

Lacy Bates: SMA Membership Development Manager-69th Annual Convention & Suppliers' Showcase 15.05.2025 41:37

Lacy Bates, SMA Membership Development Manager, joins Neil Dudley to discuss SMA’s upcoming 69th Annual Convention & Suppliers' Showcase at the Hyatt Hill Country in July. Lacy and Neil give a brief review of what to expect at this year's convention, including the speaker lineup, SMA Foundation scholarship fundraising efforts, and the family friendly atmosphere. Links: https://southwestmeat.or...

Dr. Joe Harris: SMA President & CEO -Welcome to the SMA family! 30.04.2025 48:49

Neil Dudley and Joe Harris welcome everyone to the show as they discuss the open, friendly environment of the Association, highlight a few impactful SMA members and share the mission of the Association. Links: https://southwestmeat.org/ https://southwestmeat.org/hall-of-honor/ https://southwestmeat.org/benefits-of-membership/ 2025 SMA Convention Page : https://bit.ly/3GAI5y4 Topics 01:20 Meet...