When Gary Crane was about 10 years old, his father purchased a meat plant in Perkins, Okla., located between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. He would grow up in the business and go on to be its second-generation owner-operator. Now, 60 years later, with two more generations involved in the business, he is starting to take a well-earned step back or two.
“I’m 70; I’m wore out!” he exclaims, even though he still has his tasks at Ralph’s Packing Co. Ralph’s has, under his and wife Tess’ guidance, evolved from a slaughter and meat-cutting operation to one of the country’s most awarded small meat processors. With daughter Erica Hering and son-in-law Jason guiding the business forward and their teenaged sons already learning the ropes, Ralph’s is well-positioned to grow its business further than ever.