A Strong Foundation
With the second generation came an infusion of new ideas and energy. George and Chuck re-invented the Company as the USDA began to regulate poultry in 1956, the larger poultry slaughtering operations began to move to the Southern United States, and markets began to demand more innovation. Unafraid to change with the times, slaughtering was discontinued and canning lines were started bringing a unique offering to the foodservice distribution channel. The product offering was diversified with chicken still at the heart of a wide range of shelf stable, foodservice products including; canned boned chicken, chicken broth, chicken a la king, chicken & dumplings and many other poultry based items. During the 1960’s a strong manufacturing foundation was established as distribution expanded nationwide. Building on the success of this large customer base, the Company continued to innovate by introducing a proprietary line of shelf stable entrée salads in 1970 and refrigerated salads in the early 1980’s. Chuck retired from the Company in 1983. George led the Company for nearly four decades until his retirement at the end of 1998. In addition to carrying on the traditions of hard work and integrity he was taught by his father, the Company established rigorous disciplines for outstanding quality and food safety programs as well as world class productivity under George’s leadership. Like his father, George taught his two sons the business starting from a very young age.
