Superior Meats owner honored by Small Business Association

Jerry Stroot, the owner of Superior Meats, has been named Montana’s Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This prestigious recognition highlights Stroot’s outstanding contributions to his community and the local economy.

With over 34 million small businesses operating across the United States, small businesses are vital to job creation and economic growth. In fact, small businesses accounted for two-thirds of net new jobs over the past 25 years, and more than half of the U.S. labor force works for or owns a small business. 

During National Small Business Week (May 4-10), the SBA honors entrepreneurs who have made significant achievements in their fields. Since 1964, the president has issued a proclamation recognizing the invaluable role that small business owners play in driving the economy forward. 

This year’s National Small Business Week will feature events including a virtual summit, an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and a four-city roadshow, where small business owners can network, learn from industry experts, and form partnerships with public and private sector organizations. 

Stroot, who along with his wife Sandi, will attend the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., is deeply honored to be part of such an esteemed group of business leaders.

Superior Meats processes a wide variety of livestock to include cattle, sheep, hogs, bison and wild game. Each year, the facility processes approximately 1.3 million pounds of meat, or 200-240 animals per month. Stroot is proud of the range of products his company produces, including jerky, bacon, sausage, specialty cuts, and retail packages. 

“It’s amazing how much product we go through here," he said, reflecting on the company's impressive output.

In his pursuit of sustainability, Stroot secured a grant for a commercial digester a few years ago, aimed at reducing waste and slowing the trips to the landfill in Missoula. 

"It’s working, but it’s still a work in progress. There are only two digesters like this in the United States at slaughter facilities," Stroot explained.

The current digester struggles with processing bones effectively, so the facility plans to upgrade to a larger model that will handle the bones automatically, ultimately allowing them to pelletize the waste into fertilizer. Stroot's commitment to sustainability extends to his farming practices. He’s seen a visible difference in his own fields from using the waste material as a soil amendment. 

"It works," he smiled, noting the significant benefits for both his business and the environment.

Superior Meats employs 23 staff members year-round, with that number growing to 25 or 26 during the busy fall season. 

"We’re able to keep our employees working year-round, and in the fall, they work 50-hour weeks or sometimes more," Stroot adds. 

A few years ago, he expanded his facility to accommodate a growing demand for processing wild game. 

"I didn’t want to turn hunters away, but we just didn’t have the staffing to handle it," he recalls. 

After investing in new equipment and expanding the facility, Superior Meats is now well-equipped to meet the needs of both hunters and cattle producers. Over 1,200 wild game critters were processed during the 2024 hunting season.

Stroot’s investment in cutting-edge equipment is integral to the company’s efficiency. For example, a new smoker arriving in April will allow for faster processing with less manual labor. He has also invested in a high-tech bowl-chopper from Germany that can process meat and seasoning in just two minutes, reducing the time and effort it takes to prepare products like summer sausage.

Stroot’s dedication to local agriculture is a cornerstone of his business. He has fostered strong partnerships with local ranchers, ensuring a reliable market for their livestock and keeping revenue within the region. Emily Park, MSU Extension Agent for Mineral County and Executive Director of the Mineral County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), nominated Stroot for the SBA Business Person of the Year Award, praising his significant contributions to the local economy.

"His commitment to sustainable farming practices and sourcing livestock locally has allowed the business to thrive while promoting a healthier, more resilient regional economy," Park noted in her nomination. Stroot’s investments in modern equipment and his facility’s growth have created stable, well-paying jobs for the community, further boosting the local economy.

Beyond business success, Stroot is deeply involved in local events and educational initiatives, helping reinvest in the community. Park also commended Stroot for his resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he continued to maintain high standards of quality and service despite significant challenges. He disclosed that there are several meat-depots he works with which is where the ranch brings the animal to Superior Meats for slaughter and processing and then they take it back to their farm or ranch and sell it on their property. 

“There’s a lot of ranches that are doing this. Marketing their own beef now. I had one drive six and a half hours just because he wanted us to do the processing.”

Stroot credits much of his success to his dedicated staff who have been supportive throughout his journey. "It was me who got the award, but the reason I got it is because I have such a great team behind me," he says.

Although his three children have pursued different careers - Josh with the U.S. Forest Service, Travis in aviation, and Nicole as a veterinarian - Stroot’s daughter-in-law, Cali, works in the office. The family’s decision to move to Mineral County was motivated by a desire to raise their children in a safe, tight-knit community.

Stroot’s journey over his 29 years in business has not been without its challenges, but his determination and hard work have paid off. 

"There were years when I didn’t get a paycheck, but I just kept going. I had work to do," he reflects. 

But that’s the reputation you develop after taking the licks and holding your values tight to your chest with your nose to the grindstone.