My name is Andrew, and I was raised on a cattle ranch in South Texas, so I know a thing or two about meat. The ranch taught me how to be a hard worker. I have my masters in meat science and muscle biology. I worked at HEB, the largest grocery store chain in Texas. I can say that I am blessed and humble since
starting this business in 2004. If you want to have your protein in the state of Texas, I’m your guy. I know this state and I know protein from birth to plate.
My hunch is that someone you trust mentioned my name. That’s because I put people first in my line of work. Do you miss the days where a handshake meant something? Same here. My philosophy in running a business is to give it your best and to be honest and forthright in everything you do because I don’t like BS. I want to work with people of integrity and value a true partnership over transactions. I don’t take myself too seriously because I’ve learned to be humbled by this business.
I started Destination Foods Group in 2004, and like every entrepreneur it took sacrifice. When things looked the bleakest was when we finally got our break. My experience was a blessing and humbling experience that has made me who I am today.
​
Having the knowledge, experience, and exposure in the industry gave me the determination to keep going. I grew up on a ten-thousand-acre ranch deep in South Texas where I learned not only how to run a post hole digger, but also the feeding, breeding, and processing of an animal.
In college, I had the first internship of its kind with HEB cutting meat and working in a grocery store. And I fell in love. I worked my way up to manager before I got the urge to attend grad school. People always ask if my masters in Meat Science and Muscle Biology is about grilling. No! It’s everything from separating muscle groups on a carcass, to using electrical probes on little itty-bitty muscles to see twitch to determine tenderness. It’s the science of how muscle is converted into meat: whether it be beef, chicken, lamb, or hogs. I returned to HEB and developed a quality assurance program which is has now turned into an entire department. It’s one of my proudest accomplishments.
After many years with HEB, I went to work for ConAgra. I oversaw operations, procurement, and supervision of plants for my division which focused on further processing to fully cooked production. Translated: I’ve spent a lot of time in a plant and I know the right ways to get a product off the ground.
When ConAgra wanted me to move to Chicago, my family and I weren’t too excited about the prospects of a cold winter. Lo and behold I was approached by a successful, specialty family-owned business which brought me back to Texas. During two formative years as the President, the desire to start my own thing really kicked in.
I’ve seen and done a lot in the years. We’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the industry’s top companies--both big and small--while always maintaining a hands-on approach, which is how I always wanted it to be.
Fun Facts
The Italian Sub (all the way) from Firehouse Subs is my go-to lunch.
One day I want to go airboat hunting in Louisiana.
My labradoodle, Marlee, is our office dog.
We're a small but mighty team...meet Lora!
My name is Lora, and I’m the Director of Sales and Marketing at Destination Foods Group.
I’m Texas born and raised and am a 1999 Animal Science Graduate from Texas A&M University. and a member of the 1998 Texas A&M Meat Judging Team.
I first became involved with the industry in 2003, working at Daymon Worldwide as a meat and seafood broker. I covered H-E-B fully cooked, seafood and processed meats during my tenure.
Fun Facts
My favorite food is a ribeye with
a baked potato.
I have cattle barn roots.
I'm a proud mom to two boys.
Core Values
Integrity
We’re always going to focus on what’s best for the partnership we’ve built. We’ll watch your back. We value our word and yours. Call us old-school, we live by a firm handshake.
Expertise
We’re bring a lot of experience to the table. We’re able to help with almost all facets of the industry; and if we don’t know, we’re well connected enough to find an expert who does.
Grounded
We don’t take ourselves too seriously here. We know that each day is a gift...as cheesy as that sounds. But we know that each day in business is one that we worked hard for and we’re going to celebrate it.
People Singing our Praises
Tim Haas, CEO
“They will go out of their way to find ways to make deals work in which all players win."
Jim Wells, CEO
"Their willingness to go above the norm with collaboration and engaging to help grow our business has always been appreciated."