Growing up in Ohio and Indiana before moving to Colorado with his family in 1987, Aron Ralston had little exposure to the wild outdoors. But by the time he hiked into a remote area of Utah’s canyon country in April of 2003, he was an experienced outdoorsman out for a walk in the park. Seven miles into the canyon that day, Aron accidentally dislodged a boulder that crushed and pinned his right hand. After six days of entrapment alone, he freed himself with a cheap multi-tool knife and hiked to a miraculous rescue. Since his amputation, Aron has written an internationally bestselling book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, 127 Hours, the major-motion-picture adaptation of his book, directed by Danny Boyle and starring James Franco, was nominated for 6 Oscars. Aron’s only disappointment was that the soundtrack didn’t have enough songs by his favorite band, Phish.

Biruk VanderStroet was 8 years old when he was adopted from Ethiopia and moved to North West Iowa.  Growing up on the streets and begging for food was Biruk's way of life before his adoption.  Shortly after arriving in the United States Biruk ask his new dad if he could raise chickens because he knew they laid eggs and he wanted to sell them and send the proceeds back to his village in Ethiopia.  11 years later Biruk's Egg Project is still going strong and changing lives in his birth town. 

Brett Cohrs is a CRM and Senior Vice President at Palomar Insurance and a recognized expert in Insurance & Risk Management for the food and agricultural sectors. He specializes in protecting the critical relationships and resources that drive these industries forward. Brett and his team are known for placing complex property and casualty coverage, utilizing direct London brokerage relationships and strong domestic insurer connections. Notably, his team serves as the endorsed broker for the United Egg Producers (UEP).

Brian and Gab Bosché have been top purpose-at-work experts for over a decade. And in the last 6 years, they have become the go-to leaders for helping individuals and teams tap into their Purpose.

Their accomplishments speak for themselves. 

• Trained more than 100,000 people on Purpose discovery
• ​​Authors of USA Today Top Book to Buy, The Purpose Factor
• Viral TEDx Speakers: Your Purpose is Your Permission
• More than 33 million content views
• ​​And cofounders of The Purpose Company, an Inc. 5000 Company

And now, you can access their complete Purpose discovery system taught to the U.S. military, Fortune 50 companies, and former professional athletes - for a ridiculously low price. If you are ready to get clarity on your exact Purpose, let's get you started. 

Brian Bosley is the creator of the innovative philosophy “Bamboo Progress!”; a straightforward, logical method of success coaching based on the philosophy that excellence in this world starts with first choosing to think, feel, and behave like a world-class performer. As owner of The Bamboo Lab located in Gladstone- Michigan, Brian is an in-demand Peak Performance Coach, Writer and Speaker with more than twenty-five years’ experience. His coaching expertise ranges from the development of leadership in multi-million-dollar companies to helping individual professionals expand and grow. He specializes in the professional services industry, and through his private coaching sessions and group training, he teaches his revolutionary Bamboo Progress System. He is a popular speaker and trainer on the topics of Leadership Development, Goal Achievement, Culture Enhancement, Client Service, and Change Acceptance.

Brian Fretwell is the Founder of Finding Good, a company dedicated to fostering more meaningful conversations and stronger connections. As a renowned speaker and author of "Experts of Our Potential," he developed the "Finding Good Methodology" after experiencing burnout, aiming to enhance resilience and engagement through transformational listening and asking better questions. His TEDx Talk has over 2.5 million views, and his social media content reaches millions monthly. Brian helps individuals and organizations build deeper connections, leveraging science and practical tools for impactful change.

https://www.findinggood.com/

Bruce Dooyema is Director of Deviled Eggs and Flock Logistics Coordinator for Versova, managing flock planning for their Iowa farms and strategic scheduling. With over 50 years in the poultry industry, starting on his family's Center Fresh Egg farm, he's a vital figure. Dooyema chairs the Iowa Egg Council and serves on boards for the American Egg Board, United Egg Producers, and World Poultry Foundation. He was inducted into the North Central Poultry Association Hall of Fame in 2024 and actively supports international missions providing eggs globally.

Budd Bentley's career is a fascinating journey from automotive technology to the world of poultry. Starting with manufacturing, his leadership philosophy was always centered on practical operations. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found a mobile app company in 2005, giving him valuable insights into innovation and market timing.

In late 2019, Bentley took on a new challenge as President  Prism Controls. Despite his unfamiliarity with the industry, he recognized the team's potential. Under his leadership, the company grew significantly and developed new technologies like Reach, Eggsite, and Therm. Bentley credits this success to implementing strong processes, stating, "Embrace the process, and the process will set you free."

Budd is transitioning to his next role as President of Big Dutchman USA, 

Chloe Kleinheinz - Updated - Director of Company Farm Operations Vital Farms

Chloe is a leader in the Egg production industry.  Growing into leadership roles and seeking out training and education.  She is passionate about leadership.  Chloe was the first listener to reach out to me when I started the podcast.  

Cody Pommer is an Electrical Superintendent at Interstates (Interstate Electrical), where he has worked for over 12 years. He is an electrician by trade, not an electrical engineer.

In his role, he oversees electrical installations, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity. He works with owners and contractors during the initial design phase, offering professional input and helping to remove obstacles for smooth project completion. he strongly advises farmers against attempting electrical work themselves to ensure longevity and code compliance.

 Daniel Burrus is a world-renowned futurist and business strategist who helps organizations anticipate and capitalize on disruptive technological innovations. He's a sought-after speaker, best-selling author, and trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Burrus's Hard Trend Methodology and Anticipatory Organization model enable businesses to navigate the future with confidence. His accurate predictions and insightful analysis have earned him a global reputation as a leading voice on the future of technology and business. 
Website - www.burrus.com
Books - 

The Anticipatory Organization: Turn Disruption and Change into Opportunity and Advantage  https://a.co/d/cl4e6Ih
Flash Foresight - https://a.co/d/edO8RxT

Emily Ellis serves as the Director, Communications and Content for the Animal Agriculture Alliance. She shapes the Alliance's brand and proactive communications strategy, leading media engagement and ensuring brand consistency. Emily also manages the College Aggies Online program and outreach to nutrition influencers. With a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Maryland, and previous experience at Maryland Farm Bureau, she joined the Alliance in 2020, representing the organization at key industry meetings and coordinating stakeholder communications.

https://animalagalliance.org/about/staff/

Emily Metz is a professional communicator, marketer, and strategist who has dedicated her career to her passion for agriculture. As President and CEO of the American Egg Board, Emily represents the interests of America’s egg farmers and champions "The Incredible Egg" on a global scale.

She directs the strategy for national and international demand, overseeing high-impact PR, consumer advertising, and strategic partnerships with CPG manufacturers and major restaurant chains. Under her leadership, the AEB maintains a robust research agenda focused on the future of sustainable nutrition.

Known as an explorer and experimenter, Emily is a leader who takes calculated risks and challenges organizations to dream bigger. She is driven by the power of possibility and believes in bringing people together for the greater good. Emily welcomes collaboration and novel thinking from diverse perspectives.

Emily Mulnix is the wife of Host Brandon Mulnix.   Emily is a Nurse and loves to travel and is an amazing mother to two children - Lily & Silas.   

Eric Rupnow is passionate about animal welfare.   He has over 29 years of experience across the barnyard and utilizes what he knows to improve the ventilation for animals.  With a degree in Animal Science from North Dakota State University, Eric is able to help farmers produce more from healthier livestock.  Eric is the MidWest Territory Manager for J&D Manufacturing where he provides ventilation equipment to new farms and replacement fans for existing farms.  Contact Eric today - ericr@jdmfg.com

Learn More about J & D Manufacturing - https://jdmfg.com/

A fourth-gen leader, George Weaver IV was thrust into the driver’s seat of Westfield Egg Farm after his father’s sudden stroke. Confronting legacy and imposter syndrome, he transitioned from napping under trade show tables to leading a 90-person team through the "maddening" craft of specialty eggs.

George proves that the complexity of quail, duck, and heirloom blue eggs is a strategic edge. By letting growers own their birds and barns, he built a resilient supply chain designed to withstand HPAI through diversification. Guided by faith, "Working Genius," and prison ministry, George leads with a shepherd’s balance: protecting the team while pushing for growth that keeps small farms alive. He demonstrates that leading a mature foundation requires the conviction to choose the "right" move over the "smart" one.

George Weaver IV (G4) is a fourth-generation leader at Westfield Egg Farm and Nature’s Yoke, continuing a Lancaster County legacy of specialty egg innovation. As head of Sales and Marketing, George champions a unique partnership model that empowers small family farms while delivering premium Free-Range and Organic eggs to the modern market.

George’s leadership has recently been defined by a true "trial by fire." He has navigated the complex industry-wide crisis of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) while simultaneously overcoming a significant personal health battle as a stroke survivor.

His story is one of profound resilience—balancing the demands of a multi-generational business with a renewed perspective on life and stewardship. George remains dedicated to "love in action," ensuring his family’s brands continue to set the standard for ethical farming, animal welfare, and the preservation of the American family farm.

Greg Schonefeld is the host of Eggheads Podcast

Eggheads is the go-to podcast for egg professionals who are interested in leadership and innovation in the egg world. Host Greg Schonefeld explores the evolving world of modern egg farming, from the latest in cage-free innovations and organic certifications to navigating the economics of large-scale production. Each episode features insights from leading experts and innovative thinkers, even beyond the egg industry, offering lessons from leaders in agriculture, backyard chicken enthusiasts, and premium brands. Stay ahead of the curve, sharpen your skills, and be part of the conversation that’s driving the future of the egg industry.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/technology-and-leadership-with-brandon-mulnix/id1740820604?i=1000656609625

Hal Kreher is a 2nd-generation Egg Producer out of New York.  His family farm is celebrating 100 years.  Growing up on the farm and helping it grow to what it is today.   

https://www.krehereggs.com/compost-fertilizer

 Hinda Mitchell, Founder/President of Columbus-based Inspire PR Group, is trusted by top brands across diverse sectors (corporate, food, non-profit, etc.). Speaker on crisis, engagement, media, and food issues. WBENC-certified. Leads innovative team, focused on impactful results and long-term partnerships. 30+ years' experience in crisis/corporate comms, issues management, and strategic planning. Past VP at national food comms firm and 16 years at comms agency. 

Jasen is the Vice President at Nest Fresh Eggs in California.  A family man raising kids in a great community with a great heritage.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasen-urena-27179013/

Jay Dee Graber, President of Michiana, is a second-generation leader deeply rooted in Northern Indiana's poultry industry. Growing up with his dad's broiler barns, he now spearheads Michiana, connecting farmers and integrators by providing essential equipment like feed, water, and ventilation systems. Jay Dee focuses on solutions that boost farm cash flow, serving both broiler and commercial layer operations while adapting to market shifts. Since taking leadership in 2018 and becoming president in 2020, he emphasizes strong financials and nurturing relationships. Jay Dee navigates industry challenges, including biosecurity, with open communication, particularly within the diverse farming communities Michiana serves. He champions building strong connections and helping others as keys to success in the dynamic poultry landscape.

Jay Halliday is the Marketing and Account Manager at Vaxxinova US, where he drives brand growth and customer engagement. With over 25 years of experience, he also owns Halliday Enterprises, a real estate investment company, and has a background as an entertainer. Passionate about business development and relationship building, he leverages technology to connect with people in the poultry industry. Halliday holds a BA in Spanish and Global Studies from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Walden University. He is actively involved in community as a Commissioner for the Willmar Christian Hockey League and former President of the "neXt" committee of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jim Dean serves as CEO of Versova Management and Center Fresh Group. With more than 50 years of experience in egg production, Jim founded Center Fresh Egg Farm in 1978 and while expanding it to nearly four million egg-laying hens, he also built an inline feed mill and egg-breaking plant in 2003. In 2011, as part of a new partnership with several egg farming families, Jim oversaw the acquisition of additional major egg production assets in Iowa and Ohio. This acquisition led to the formation of Centrum Valley Farms in Iowa and Trillium Farm Holdings in Ohio. For the next four years, these two farms operated independently, along with the continued operations of Center Fresh Group. Versova Holdings and Versova Management were founded in 2015 – comprised of Centrum Valley Farms in Iowa and Trillium Farms.

John Graham is an author, adventurer, former diplomat, and citizen activist . No guru and no saint, he's repeatedly sought the meaning of his life in many places where it wasn't. He finally found the purpose he sought in service—in helping solve significant public problems, and in making life better for other people. Making and implementing this discovery hasn't only brought him enormous satisfaction—it's been the adventure of his life.  Read more - https://www.johngraham.org/bio

www.giraffe.org

Karyn Rispoli is a prominent figure at Urner Barry, a leading business publisher specializing in market news and quotations for the food industry. As a market reporter and managing editor, she is particularly known for her expertise in the egg industry, frequently analyzing market dynamics and price trends. Rispoli has been a key voice in discussions on factors impacting egg costs, including seasonal trends, demand fluctuations, and events like avian influenza outbreaks. Her insights are featured in Urner Barry's publications, including the Egg Price Current, and she is a regular guest on industry podcasts, providing clarity on the complex world of egg economics.

Kim Weinstein is the Co-Founder and CEO of Scramble Staffing. She leads innovative recruitment strategies, transforming how the poultry sector and related industries secure top talent. With direct client and candidate engagement, Kim brings deep industry expertise to every search. Her hands-on approach and profound understanding of the poultry sector ensure successful hiring outcomes, delivering exceptional talent solutions for specialized industry needs.

https://scramblestaffing.com/

Larry Behrens is a veteran of the weighing industry, currently associated with BinTrac, a product of Herdstar. He has deep roots in a leading pork production area, which has influenced his vision for the role of scales in agriculture. His career includes a solid foundation at Avery Weigh-Tronix before his work with Herdstar and BinTrac. He is involved in business development and mentoring within the industry. Behrens' work emphasizes the importance of precise data from technologies like sensors and scales in revolutionizing feed measurement and inventory management for poultry and swine production.

Matt Paradise is a respected financial wellness expert, speaker, and the award-winning author of Financially Capable: A Friendly Guide to Building Whole-Health Wealth. Drawing from his personal journey, which includes overcoming teen homelessness and addiction, he empowers leaders and individuals to transform their relationship with money. Matt emphasizes that financial health is deeply emotional and goes beyond budgets, impacting overall well-being, productivity, and leadership effectiveness. He provides practical strategies for building healthier financial futures and fostering cultures of financial wellness.

https://www.mattparadise.com/

Meredith Dawson is the Managing Editor for Egg Industry Insight and WATT PoultryUSA, bringing her processing experience to provide insights on the poultry and egg industries. She joined WATT Global Media in 2021, initially as managing editor of the Egg Industry Insight weekly briefing and editor of the Poultry Trends annual report. Dawson holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in food and poultry science from Auburn University. Before her role at WATT, she gained practical experience as a Quality Systems Senior Supervisor for Golden State Foods and held positions as Quality Assurance Supervisor and Yield Specialist at Koch Foods.

Mike Weber is a 4th-generation egg Producer from Northern California.  He and his brother Scott took over for their father and have been growing the farm.  

Mohamed Mousa, a leading figure at Herbruck's Poultry Ranch since 2005, oversees all production departments across their locations. With a Bachelor of Science in Animal Production from Cairo University, his nearly five-decade career includes supervising farm builds and operations, and serving as a Complex Manager and General Manager. Mohamed's expertise extends to industry leadership; he's a board member of the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries and a past board member of the Ohio Poultry Federation, also having advised the Georgia Governor's Council on environmental matters. His deep industry knowledge and commitment to excellence make him a sought-after voice in poultry production.

Nath Morris serves as President of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), a leading organization for the poultry and egg industry. Before his current role, he was USPOULTRY's Executive Vice President – Expo, overseeing the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). With deep roots in Georgia's poultry industry and a background in various poultry companies, Morris brings extensive experience to his leadership. He also recently stepped down after 24 years on the Hall County Board of Education, serving as its vice chairman.

Raechel Van Buskirk is a creative entrepreneur at heart with an extensive background in food, beverage, and hospitality. Born and raised in Omaha, NE she believes in supporting local and helping other small business owners grow and succeed.

Guest appearance on Shark Tank:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGH1ZIzLg24

Randy Weinstein is the Co-founder and President of Scramble Staffing. With over 25 years of executive experience in the commercial moving, transportation, logistics, and distribution industries, he brings a unique, real-life perspective to talent acquisition. Randy specializes in new business development, team building, operations management, and strategic planning. His mission is to leverage his expertise to create lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships between candidates and employers, ensuring clients find the best talent for their needs.

https://scramblestaffing.com/

 Visionary exec Ryan Bennett excels at driving transformative change, fostering team synergy, engaging stakeholders, and maximizing performance. Proven expertise in aligning diverse stakeholders on ag policy. Built teams to achieve unprecedented results, unifying partnerships across tech, government, and industries. Nurtures investor relationships for fundraising and program implementation. Accomplishments include growing US Roundtable revenue 10x, leading global animal welfare standards via IPWA, and playing a key role in the 2014 Farm Bill. Contact: ryanrbennett@gmail.com. 

Sam Kabert is a leading expert in breathwork, nervous system regulation, and subconscious reprogramming. A bestselling author and TEDx speaker, he empowers high-performing leaders and entrepreneurs to overcome burnout, brain fog, and the pressure to perform. Sam's signature B.R.E.A.T.H. Method® fuses conscious breathing with nervous system science to rewire emotional responses and achieve stress-free success. He helps clients master emotional regulation and thrive with clarity and calm.

Sean Ryan is the Hardware Product Manager at Prism Controls (Previously Poultry Management Systems, Inc.), a role he's held for over 23 years. He is instrumental in developing technical solutions for poultry house climate control. Sean began his education at Grand Rapids Community College and later attended Calvin University. He also holds certifications in advanced technologies, including "Bootstrapping Computer Vision Models with Synthetic Data" and "Applications of AI for Anomaly Detection" from NVIDIA, demonstrating his expertise in cutting-edge technology.

With over 9 years of experience in IT management and business process management, I drive innovation and growth in an international environment as Business Development Manager at Respeggt Group. My expertise in optimizing IT infrastructures and implementing efficient business processes has enabled me to contribute significantly to the development and scaling of our company. The combination of technical know-how and strategic business development is my foundation for successfully leading the Respeggt Group the I attach great importance to working with my team to develop solutions that are not only technically convincing but also make economic sense. My goal is to ensure sustainable business success through continuous improvement and innovation.

Steve Welch serves as Director of Sales and Marketing at Hendrix-ISA, part of Hendrix Genetics, a global multi-species breeding company. He's instrumental in serving the U.S. market with high-quality layer genetics, including brands like Dekalb White and ISA Brown. Welch is a key figure in expanding hatchery operations, notably in Grand Island, Nebraska, to meet U.S. demand for layer chicks. He also drives the adoption of innovative technologies, such as Respeggt in-ovo sexing, to enhance efficiency and animal welfare by reducing male chick culling. His work ensures Hendrix Genetics provides high-performance laying hens suited for various housing systems.

Dr. William Herring is the VP of Research and Development at Cobb-Vantress, a global leader in poultry genetics. He joined Cobb in August 2022, bringing over 30 years of experience in livestock and poultry genetic improvement from roles at Genus PIC and Pfizer Animal Health, and academic positions at various universities. Holding a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Georgia, Dr. Herring leads initiatives like the Cobb Proving Grounds and the Cobb Research Initiative (CRI). These efforts focus on accelerating genetic progress for efficient and sustainable global chicken production, leveraging cutting-edge science and technology to ensure food security. He actively partners with customers and researchers, driving continuous innovation in broiler genetics.

https://www.cobbgenetics.com/en_US

William Rogers, The 2025-2026 Michigan FFA State Vice President. William is a freshman at Michigan State University studying Agribusiness Management. He is an active member of Farm Bureau, 4-H, and FFA. He hopes to one day own his own business, be an Ag teacher, and farm.