Hey there, I'm Blaine: The Fourth Generation Meat Cutter and Owner

Hey, friend! I'm Blaine, and I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to share a little bit about myself, our family business, and our beloved Croghan Bologna. As a fourth-generation meat cutter and owner, I've been fortunate enough to carry on a tradition that spans over 135 years. Let's take a casual stroll through my story and discover what makes our meat processing facility so special.

Honestly, I never really planned on becoming a meat cutter. In fact, my parents actually advised against it. Running a small business is no walk in the park, and back then, the meat industry for small businesses wasn't as popular as it is today. But I've always been a bit stubborn, and I couldn't ignore the calling. Plus, meat cutting turned out to be surprisingly artistic and subjective. Every meat cutter has their own style, which keeps things interesting for me. Wearing multiple hats as a small business owner suits my random and hyperactive nature. Who knew that jumping around and multitasking would be my thing?

My journey truly kicked off during my college years when my dad needed some extra help. My best friend and I stepped in and ran the shop for the summer, and that's when something clicked for me. I realized that I had a knack for this meat-cutting thing, and that certainly gave me a boost of confidence. I also developed an immense pride in the products we create. I mean, after 34 years, I still eat our bologna every week. That has to count for something, right? I couldn't bear the thought of people missing out on our amazing products, so I knew I had to convince my parents that this was what I was going to do.

What sets our meat processing facility apart is our unwavering commitment to tradition and the exceptional quality of our products. Stepping into our shop is like stepping back in time. The storefront remains the same as it was all those years ago, and it's filled to the brim with nostalgia. Our famous Croghan Bologna, a summer ring sausage with Swiss roots, holds a special place in the hearts of our community. Generations have savored its unique flavor, and I'm always moved when customers tell me that our bologna is the taste of home for them.

One of the most memorable moments in my career was when older women would assumed I was the "help" because I'm a girl. They would always say “Honey, can the butcher cut that for me?” Little did they know that dad was on the delivery route and the only butcher in house was me- ha! But I didn't let it bother me. I simply put my head down, focused on my craft, and let my work speak for itself when I came out I’d asked “he wants to know if this is ok?”…it was always “Perfect!” and I would chuckle.

Running our small family business is not just about profits for me. It's about upholding the legacy my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather built with such pride. It's about creating products I can be genuinely proud of and always striving for improvement. But above all, it's about taking care of the people—our customers, employees, and community.

Ensuring the quality and safety of our products is a top priority. We follow USDA guidelines to the letter, maintain HACCP plans for all our products, and have a USDA inspector on-site every day. We even have a strict monthly testing protocol in place. It's crucial to me that every product we create meets the highest standards.

Being a business owner is no cakewalk, my friend. Contrary to popular belief, it's not all vacations and relaxation. It's about constant problem-solving and firefighting. But there's a unique satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges. When the dust settles and everything falls back into place, I feel invincible, knowing I've tackled whatever was thrown my way.

Striking a balance between tradition and innovation isn't easy, especially in today's fast-paced world. But I always remind myself of the wisdom passed down through the generations. They weren't fools! While technology has its place, I appreciate the craftsmanship and skills that can be lost when relying too heavily on it. So, I blend the best of the old and the new, ensuring that our traditional practices remain at the heart of our operations.

My commitment extends beyond the walls of our facility. I'm actively involved in various community boards and organizations because I believe in making a positive impact. Supporting local events, lending a helping hand, and nurturing connections within our community are essential to me. Sustainability is also a priority. By sourcing local ingredients and American products, we not only support local businesses but also build resilient supply chains for a sustainable future.

While we cherish our existing products, my curious mind always yearns for new recipes and ideas. However, we're a small business, and expanding our product line takes time. But fear not, my friend—I'll continue to strive for excellence and aim to make a difference in the lives of our community, providing nourishment, joy, and a taste of home for generations to come.

I'm truly grateful for your support and for being a part of our journey. Together, let's celebrate our rich history, honor traditions, and look forward to an even brighter future.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me, Blaine, the fourth-generation meat cutter and proud owner of our family business. I can't wait to continue sharing our passion and products with you.

Until next time!