WASHINGTON, MO. — Family-owned Frick’s Quality Meats announced fifth-generation Ellory Frick Brunkhorst will succeed her father, Dave Frick, as president of the company, effective Sept. 1.

After leading the company as president for the past 30 years of Frick’s Quality Meats’ 130-year-long history, Frick will remain actively involved as a member of the board of directors, focusing on facilities design and expansion along with mentoring the next generation of leadership.

“When I took over from my father as president of Frick’s Quality Meats in 1996, I inherited a company strengthened by the generations before me,” Frick said. “Today, I have the privilege of passing that responsibility to Ellory. No one is better prepared to lead this company or more deeply committed to our people, customers and values. She represents the very best of what our family hopes each generation will bring to Frick’s — respect for our heritage, pride in our products and a clear vision for the future.”

Since joining the family business at age 15, Frick Brunkhorst has spent the past 25 years serving Frick’s Quality Meats across every area — from production floor to product development, branding and long-term strategic planning.

During her career, Frick Brunkhorst has made significant contributions to the company, bolstering Frick’s Quality Meats in its strongest period of growth. For example, she pioneered clean label and branding initiatives and introduced new products catered to contemporary consumers’ eating habits. She also championed wage increases for all plant employees.

“I am grateful for the trust the board and my family have placed in me to build on the values that have defined our company for generations while embracing the innovation needed to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers,” Frick Brunkhorst said. “Four generations of the Frick family before me have shaped this business into what it is today, and it’s a privilege to carry that legacy forward for future generations.”

During his three decades as president, Frick fueled the company’s growth, modernizing production capabilities, expanding processing capacity and strengthening the company’s reputation for quality. 

Founded in 1896, Frick’s Quality Meats produces premium smoked meats, known for its smoked hams, sausages and ready-to-eat meat products.

Rachael Oatman is the digital media associate editor for MEAT+POULTRY. She has been at Sosland Publishing Company since 2022, covering the industry and managing the digital media channels of the publication. She also writes and edits web stories, images, about the meat industry. Oatman is a graduate of John Brown University.

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