Born and raised in South Central Texas where my parents owned a small locker plant, retail meat market and ranch. Bachelor and Masters Degrees from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. from Colorado State University. Served as a Meat Science Professor at Oklahoma State University for 16 years. Joined Cargill Beef in Wichita, Kansas in 1999 focused on beef tenderness and instrument grading. Led the Cargill retail field sales team for three years and was responsible for retail and foodservice communications regarding food safety and various technical issues. Oversaw grading, brand certification, and animal welfare for Cargill Beef North America. Recognitions included Cargill Chairman’s Innovation Awards, Certified Angus Beef Industry Achievement Award (2024), North American Meat Industry Hall of Fame (2024) and Power Genetics Hall of Fame (2026). Retired in March of 2025.