Industry Experts and Professionals
At Meat Commodities, we’ve brought together some of the most experienced professionals in the industry to provide excellent service and industry experience. Whether you’re looking to find a new product, resolve supply chain issues, or tackle any number of challenges, our team is here to help.
MEET OUR TEAM
Get to know the Meat Commodities staff and find out what experience they’re bringing to the table:
President/CEO
Anthony Adams
Since starting at Meat Commodities in 1990, Anthony has been instrumental in the company’s shift from a regional beef brokerage company to a diversified trading company handling beef, pork, and poultry. In 2003, under his direction, Meat Commodities established MCT Transportation, LLC to aid with the company’s diversification. Anthony is involved in day to day trading activities and is responsible for all facets of the business. Anthony graduated from The Ohio State University in 1989.
VP/Director of Sales
Aaron Klimchuk
Aaron, originally from New York, graduated from Denison University in 2014, where he played varsity golf for four years. He joined Meat Commodities in September of 2016 and, with an unwavering passion for sales and a sharp strategic mindset, has not only excelled but also driven significant growth and innovation as Vice President and Director of Sales. His outgoing personality has allowed him to quickly develop strong relationships in the industry and pursue new business opportunities for the company. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.
Vice President
Scott Adams
Scott Adams, originally from Asheville, graduated from Colgate University in 2018, where he competed as a varsity golfer for four years. A fourth-generation member of Meat Commodities, Scott joined the company in 2019 and, with his strategic vision and dedication to sales, quickly made an impact. Now serving as Vice President, he focuses on fostering strong industry relationships and driving new business opportunities that contribute to the company’s ongoing success and growth.
When he’s not at work, Scott enjoys playing golf, following the Ohio State Buckeyes, playing hockey, and spending quality time with his family.
Trader
Tony Oneka
Tony joined Meat Commodities in 2004 tasked with spearheading the company’s growth in the Pork Sector of the business. After graduating from Doane College, he gained his experience as VP of Procurement and Logistics at Cook Family Foods, which then transitioned into a position responsible for buying hams and pork trim for ConAgra.
Trader
Rod Hessenius
Rod brings 30+ years of experience to Meat Commodities, previously managing sales at PM Beef Plant in Windom, Minnesota and as GM of Dakota Packing. Since joining Meat Commodities in 2010, he has been heavily involved in all trading and lends his vast expertise in sales and production to assist team efforts.
Trader
Robby Hessenius
Robby joined Meat Commodities in 2015 after managing several Hertz car rental locations throughout the US. He is a graduate of Loras College, where he was a member of the wrestling team. Robby has been instrumental in developing relationships and exploring new business opportunities including Meat Commodities venture into Pet Food business.
Trader
Reece Bormann
Reece joined Meat Commodities in 2020 with over 10 years of meat industry experience. His previous experience took place in sales roles at JBS, Sam Kane Beef, and Director of Sales at FPL Foods. Reece's plant and sales experience assists the team through daily trading efforts.
Trader
Taylor Umbarger
Taylor joined Meat Commodities in 2023. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech in 2023 with a degree in agricultural business. Previously, Taylor interned at Louis Dreyfus Company, an international commodity merchant firm. Taylor grew up in Bel Air, Maryland, playing soccer and showing horses.
FSQA Director
Blake Bullard
Blake joined Meat Commodities in 2024 as FSQA Manager. Given his extensive industry experience, he will also be heavily involved in business development and support. Blake graduated from NC State in 2000 with a degree in Animal Science. He went on to be the QA Manager at Martin’s Abattoir from 2000-2013. He then worked with Kansas City Sausage in partnership with Smithfield Foods, and most recently was the assistant plant manager at Smithfield Foods' Tar Heel plant in North Carolina.
Claims Supervisor
Shanda Martens
Shanda joined Meat Commodities in 2006 with 5 years of industry experience in cost accounting. As her roles have changed, she has become the lead in customer claims resolution. Along with that she helps to maintain vendor/customer Food Safety documents and helps to coordinate logistics of orders. Shanda graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville.
Logistics/Claims Coordinator
Mindy Nelson
Mindy joined Meat Commodities in 2024, leveraging over 24 years of experience in project management, supply chain, logistics, data analysis, and internal corporate auditing. Her primary focus is ensuring logistical precision, managing claims support, delivering exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, and providing daily support to traders. Mindy graduated from Appalachian State University.
Logistics & Inventory
Janie Vance
Janie joined Meat Commodities in 2015. She came in with industry experience from working with a grocery food broker for over 5 years. Janie oversees inventory allocations, customer distribution and coordinating the logistics of orders. She graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
ERP System Manager
Craig Weitzel
With Meat Commodities since 2017. Responsible for the administration of the company’s ERP system. Graduate of California Polytechnic State University.
Office Administrator
Angie Ball
With Meat Commodities since 1998. Responsible for office administration and IT support. Graduate of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
IT System Administrator
Betty A Truelove
Betty joined Meat Commodities in 2024. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University with BS in Computer Science & Engineering as well as a Master’s Degree from Queens University in Charlotte, NC. Her primary responsibilities include all services and support of the Information Technology department. She joins our team after 14 years at Wells Fargo where she was a Principal Engineer. Her expertise spans risk assessments, compliance technology, and data analytics, as well as in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity and software solutions.
Order Management Supervisor
Jessi Engeman
With Meat Commodities since 2011. Coordinates all order management activities, including order entry, order handling and order changes. Graduate of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
Order Management Specialist
Erica Johnson
With Meat Commodities since 2016. Responsible for order changes and various other order management tasks. Graduate of the University of North Carolina-Asheville.
Order Management Specialist
Susan Marshall
With Meat Commodities since 2018. Responsible for formula pricing computations and various other order management tasks. Graduate of Indiana University, received her MBA from Ball State University.
Order Management Specialist
Jennifer Mann
With Meat Commodities since 2013. Responsible for order entry and various other order management tasks. Graduate of Post University.
Financial Controller
Drew Power
With Meat Commodities since 2021. Responsible for all accounting activities, including financial reporting, treasury management, customer billing, accounts payable and inventory. Graduate of the University of Mississippi. CPA with 10 years’ experience in public accounting.
Credit Manager
Kristin Cooper
With Meat Commodities since 2004. Responsible for credit and collections, plus various human resources related duties. Graduate of the University of North Carolina-Asheville.
Financial Analyst
Chad Magnuson
With Meat Commodities since 2022. Performs various accounting related tasks, provides support to all team members. Graduate of University of Wisconsin.
Billing Specialist
Nan Spickerman
With Meat Commodities since 2019. Responsible for customer billing and various other accounting tasks. Graduate of the University of North Carolina–Asheville
Accounts Payable Specialist
Karen Kriegsman
With Meat Commodities since 2021. Responsible for all accounts payable related activities. Graduate of the University of Georgia
Inventory Specialist
Rachel Randolph
With Meat Commodities since 2022. Responsible for all inventory related transactions. Graduate of the University of Alabama.
Staff Accountant
Patrick Willis
With Meat Commodities since 2022. Performs various accounting related tasks, provides support to all team members. Graduate of Duke University, received his master’s from Western Carolina University.
Order Entry
Ryan Cook
Ryan Cook joined Meat Commodities in 2024 after many years in sales, customer service, inventory management, and order entry. Originally from Mount Holly, NC, Ryan moved to Black Mountain, NC with his family in 2015 and enjoys adventuring with his family, taking dogs out for a walk, playing golf, and supporting his San Francisco 49ers! Ryan’s main role at Meat Commodities will be order entry, including various other order management tasks.
QA Assistant
Morgan Lovelace
Morgan graduated from Appalachian State University with a BS in Food Systems Management in 2017. She began her career working as a Food Safety/Quality Assurance Auditor in Charlotte, NC. Morgan started at Meat Commodities in 2024 after moving to Asheville and will be working closely with the traders, inventory, and logistics departments.
Staff Accountant
Alyssa Wachtel
With Meat Commodities from 2024. Responsible for inventory related activities. Extensive background in accounting for hospitality and the food and beverage industry. Graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
Staff Accountant
Jen Fairclough
With Meat Commodities from 2024. Responsible for all accounts payable related activities. Graduate of the University of Missouri at Kansas City
Reach Out to Meat Commodities
If you’re interested in seeing the value Meat Commodities can add to your business, our team members are available at your convenience.