There was little question about where Jordan Bremer would continue her education after graduating from high school.
“I already had a job at the Meat Lab, before I even had my acceptance to Iowa State,” Bremer (’15) says. “It was just an easy decision. I knew I had the Meat Lab, and I knew that it was like a second home.”
Growing up in her family’s business gave Bremer an early introduction to Iowa State University. Her father, John Tiefenthaler, has worked closely with ISU experts through short courses offered by the Meats Laboratory and more recently with the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) to develop a succession plan for Tiefenthaler Quality Meats in Holstein, Iowa.
The Meat Lab is known for its short courses, which cover everything from snack sticks to curing hams to fresh cuts of beef and pork. Matthew Wenger, training and outreach coordinator, says they’ve built a reputation as a trusted partner for meat processors of all sizes, in Iowa and globally.
“The mission of the land-grant institution of extension is to take the information to the people, and that’s what we’re doing day in and day out,” Wenger (’00) says.
Known for its skinless brats, Tiefen-thaler Quality Meats expanded to include a smokehouse, retail shop, and wholesale for around 90 Iowa grocery stores. During his 30-plus years in business, Tiefenthaler has relied on the Meat Lab to help him manage growth and provide quality products.
“I learned as I went, and that’s where Iowa State was huge,” Tiefenthaler says.
As the family business moves to the next generation, Tiefenthaler says having CIRAS as a partner has made all the difference.
“All the support and wisdom they gave us, we took it and we ran with it,” he says. “I don’t know if they know how much of an impact they’ve had, because everything we’ve come up with out of all those meetings has resulted in 100% following through. It’s happening.”
Bremer is confident in taking over the family business because of the knowledge and experience she gained as a student and knowing the support the university provides for small businesses. It means a lot to continue serving their community.
“There’s a lot of pride knowing that you were able to create something that everybody loves,” Bremer says. “It’s just another way to prove to myself that I’m where I need to be and doing what I need to be doing.”
