Terra Firma

Led by CEO Paul Katovich, HighLine Grain Growers, Inc. supports farmers from seeding their crops to shipping their harvest from storage facilities using major railroad and barge transportation options.

The co-op also provides information and bulletins on market prices and bids, crop varieties and weather, and an online course on dealing with stress as farmers. All of it is available on an app, too.

“We exist to serve the multi-generational farm family,” Katovich says. “We recognize that we didn’t build the platform we’re responsible for today. It was passed down to us and we’re charged with being good stewards of it.”

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Paul Katovich – HighLine Grain Growers Inc. Paul Katovich's expertise helps 3,000 Eastern Washington members of HighLine Grain Growers Inc. get their crops to markets around the world.

When Kaylie Reicks talks about needing internet connections in the barns at Reicks View Farms, it’s not so the pigs she and her older brother, Brady Reicks, are raising can stream entertainment.

The internet in the barns and a new communication system are essential modern touches enabling farm employees to better communicate and share data and information on operations on the 65,000-sow farm in Lawler, Iowa, a small town about 80 miles west of the Mississippi River.

So, while the Reicks are continuing a five-generation family tradition of farming as co-owners of the farm their parents founded in 1979, they’re embracing the future as much as honoring the past.

Reicks View Farms – Brady Reicks and Kaylie Reicks Brother and sister Brady Reicks and Kaylie Reicks continue a family tradition of farming in Iowa while ensuring sustainability.

Owned by husband and wife Jimmy and Linda Baird, Little Kentucky Smokehouse and its affiliated companies produce hams, barbecue products, breakfast sausage and salads, including chicken, ham, and pimento cheese made from time-honored and tested recipes to retailers throughout the U.S., including the HEB, Kroger, and Hannaford Supermarkets as well as Walmart.

“We had very humble beginnings and could never have dreamed this company would become what it is today,” Linda says. “We credit God, the team effort of all of our employees and the relationships we’ve been able to develop with our valued customers. Our growth depends on our customers’ business.”

Linda and Jimmy Baird – The Little Kentucky Smokehouse Jimmy and Linda Baird mix family tradition with modern production, packaging and pasteurization at The Little Kentucky Smokehouse.

The Maven Restaurant Group’s boutique dining concepts having proven popular in Greater Atlanta, founder and CEO Louis Soon looks to expand to Alabama and other Southeast locales.

Written by Neil Cote and Produced by Liz Fallon and Mike Szajner.

Louis Soon – Maven Restaurant Group - Terra Firma The Maven Restaurant Group’s boutique dining concepts having proven popular in Greater Atlanta, founder and CEO Louis Soon looks to expand.

Nate Offenberg bought Pacific Farms from his father and his father’s business partner in 2012, and as CEO has overseen the exponential growth of the garlic and vegetable ingredient supplier.

Nate Offenberg – Pacific Farms - Terra Firma Nate Offenberg bought Pacific Farms from his father and his father’s business partner in 2012, and as CEO has overseen exponential growth.

How has John Colapinto refreshed his career? By guiding Garden-Fresh Foods as it offers healthier choices to its customers and ensures its workforce is valued.

John Colapinto – Garden-Fresh Foods - Terra Firma John Colapinto refreshed his career by guiding Garden-Fresh Foods to offer healthier choices and ensure its workforce is valued.

Brice Phillips representing fourth-generation ownership of Phillips Seafood, he’s committed to his family company continuing into a second century with sustainability its core value.

Brice Phillips – Phillips Seafood - Terra Firma Brice Phillips representing fourth-generation ownership of Phillips Seafood, he’s committed to continuing with sustainability its core value.

With more than 36 years of fast-food experience, Troy Morrison founded North Texas Bells in 2011. Now, the company owns more than 60 Taco Bells, with a goal to have more than 100 locations by the end of 2024.

Troy Morrison – North Texas Bells - Terra Firma With 36 years of fast-food experience, Troy Morrison founded North Texas Bells in 2011 and the company now owns more than 60 Taco Bells.

What’s in a mug of ale or a burger at Engrained Brewing Co.? Community, emphasizes founder Brent Schwoerer.

Brent Schwoerer – Engrained Brewing Co. - Terra Firma

Through progressive personnel policies and sound business management, Kelly Saad enables Vistar to be an employer and specialty products distributor of choice.

Kelly Saad – Vistar - Terra Firma Through progressive personnel policies and sound business management, Kelly Saad enables Vistar to be an employer and distributor of choice.

As the co-owner of Amoretti, Maral Barsoumian is proud of how the ingredient company grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. With increased production, she’s ready to see her products in every American kitchen.

Maral Barsoumian – Amoretti - Terra Firma As the co-owner of Amoretti, Maral Barsoumian is proud of how the ingredient company grew during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ever aware of the family tradition valued by Loffredo Fresh Foods, President and CEO Brian Loffredo is tapping new markets with ready-to-eat foods and a new line of spices.

Brian Loffredo – Loffredo Fresh Foods - Terra Firma Ever aware of the family tradition valued by Loffredo Fresh Foods, President and CEO Brian Loffredo is tapping new markets.