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. Karrie also shares insights about Surlean Foods, emphasizing its family-oriented culture and the importance of quality and food safety in their operations. Additionally, Karrie reflects on her service on the SMA board, highlighting her commitment to training, regulatory guidance, and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitch

00:31 Meet Karrie Menz: Background and Early Life

02:21 Karrie's Journey into the Meat Industry

05:10 Quality and Food Safety in the Meat Industry

14:35 The Importance of Trust and Food Safety

17:24 German Heritage and Family Recipes

18:04 The Sausage Bible: Documenting Culinary Traditions

19:21 Food Safety and Family Involvement

20:45 Career Paths and Surprising Journeys

21:22 Shirley: A Family-Owned Business

22:50 Customer Collaboration and Product Development

25:39 Involvement with SMA and Professional Growth

30:50 Reflections and Future Engagements