Korkenmeier cherishes operating Korte Meat Processing in Highland
When the alarmed sounded for meat shortages related to the coronavirus pandemic, folks rushed to supermarkets in search of pork and beef, only to find shelves bare. If there was any stock, it was rationed.
But no one visiting Korte Meat Processing in Highland will be asking “Where’s the Beef?”. Refrigerators and freezers are loaded with freshly-prepared beef and pork. All processing is done on site and Amy Korkenmeier, part of the family-owned enterprise established in 1969 by Al Korte and Don Ricter, has risen through the ranks and is now part owner, manager and marketing director.
Amy was the first-born child of Dave and Therese Korte; she made her debut Jan. 20, 1983, in Breese. Brother, Kyle, and sister, Anita, followed. The family often went camping and Amy was an enthusiastic cheerleader in school and a self-professed social bug.
When Amy was 9 years old and and had been swimming in the pool at Highland Country Club, she was engaged in horseplay with a life guard and hanging onto a net attached to an extended pole. As the lifeguard playfully attempted to pull Amy and the net out of the water, the pole struck a live wire and electrocuted Amy.
Amy’s mother, acknowledging medical professionals were shocked and perplexed as to her minimal injuries, credits God with having protected her.
“God surely had us,” said Therese. “Without Him, we are nothing.”
Amy jokingly refers to herself as having nine lives and references another accident where she was bike riding down a steep hill and the bicycle had no brakes. She took a mighty tumble, going end over end, which resulted in serious damage to her nose necessitating plastic surgery.
At Highland High School, Amy enjoyed math, science, and biology, particularly gigging and dissecting frogs; she continued her cheerleading as well. When Amy was a freshman, she became friends with Jason Korkenmeier, a junior. She graduated in 2001 and then attended Patricia Stevens Career College and earned an associate’s degree in business management.
Three years after Amy’s birth, her parents bought out the grandfather’s half of KMP, and when Amy graduated college, she went to work with her parents at the business wrapping and stamping meat. KMP decided in 2000 to add a retail store to the establishment and Amy filled that slot in 2005.
She was very successful dealing directly with the public and attributes this to having observed her parents’ motivation, honesty and hard-working spirit.
“Our parents never gave up,” said Amy. “They always put others before themselves and certainly set a positive example, one I endeavor to replicate with my own children.”
In 1999, Ricter retired and the Kortes became the owners of KMP.
From friendship to marriage, taking over the family business
Her friendship with Jason continued and the young man had a frequent presence at the Korte home; the friendship ultimately blossomed into a romance.
“I liked the fact he was a farm boy and just fit in with our family,” recalls Amy. “And he enjoyed doing outdoorsy things like fishing and hunting. Plus he was tall, hardworking, kind and family-oriented.”
They married April 29, 2006.
Amy continued to assume more responsibilities and in 2018, Amy and Jason each purchased one quarter from Amy’s parents and, now, it is truly a family affair. But her parents and brother did not retire. Dave and Kyle butcher, saw, debone and process the cattle and hogs, approximately 20 heads of beef and 15 hogs each week under the watchful eyes of an inspector. They also process approximately 3,000 deer annually.
“The animals aren’t crammed into tiny spaces and we make sure they have clean, fresh water and no sharp edges where they could get injured,” said Amy. “Additionally, we actually speak to them in a kind and loving voice. When it’s their time to go, it’s done with a stun gun that causes death instantaneously and painlessly. That’s very important to us.”
Additional info about KMP, what the future holds
Amy’s mother, Therese handles accounts payable and receivable and is in charge of payroll. Amy handles pricing, scheduling, booking, marketing and their website.
Their retail store offers grass, grain fed beef, Amish chickens, a deli replete with virtually every cheese imaginable, seafood, salads, and a seemingly endless variety of sausages, brats, hot sticks, seasonings, rubs, sauces and jerky. The office walls are adorned with plaques and awards for their competition in numerous contests.
Because business is thriving and there is no shortage of meat, the Kortes are planning to open a second location in a couple of years. It will be a replication of their current location, but will offer a larger retail area. It is to be situated off U.S. 40 by the Park n’ Ride in Highland Amy said this addition will enable them to take specialty orders and serve more people.
Amy and Jason have two children, a son, Kyler, and daughter, Kendyl.