A blog series that focuses on challenges and opportunities faces by aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.
A Cut Above the Rest: The Journey of Weaver Meats
By: Staci Heaberlin, Business Banking Manager, Bank President, Afton
January 2, 2025 | Growing Business, Customer Stories
Meat processing is all about craftsmanship: turning farm-fresh livestock into the high-quality cuts we know and love. It’s a labor of skill, precision and passion that’s been passed down through generations through hard work and dedication. Just ask Kyle Weaver, owner of Weaver Meatsopens in a new window. His grandfather started the modest operation in the 1970s, but it has now grown into a cornerstone of the local community in Afton, Iowa.
Taking over the business wasn’t just a career move; it was a call for Kyle to preserve a legacy that had been passed down through the years. Read on to learn more about this thriving business.
Carving Out the Future
For 30 years, Kyle’s grandfather, Leonard Pettit, owned a custom meat processing business in Afton. His business was a staple in the small-town community and surrounding area in Union County. But, when Leonard decided to retire in 2001, he didn’t have a successor to take over, so he closed his business.
“I had gone to school for accounting and finance which led to a career at a large manufacturing corporation,” said Kyle. “I hadn’t thought about being a part of the business until I was home on a winter break in 2013 and my grandfather made the comment that I could open his business back up and run it myself.
“I told him I’d have to think about it and he said, ‘give me a number when you’re ready.’ A few months later, in October 2013, I re-opened the family meat processing business under the name of Weaver Meats.”
Today, Kyle’s business is a custom, USDA-inspected meat processing locker that butcher's beef, pork and lamb. During the hunting seasons, the company provides custom deer processing.
A Recipe for Successfully Passing Down a Trade
Although Kyle had been around meat processing most of his life, he understood the importance of learning from someone who had been in the industry for years. Kyle and his grandfather worked together to preserve the legacy of the business and expand on it. They modernized the facility, invested in new equipment, improved operational processes and expanded product offerings while still honoring the traditional methods that had made Leonard’s business a community staple.
“During this time, I learned the ins and outs of meat processing from my grandfather,” said Kyle. “He taught me a lot, including learning how to make his original recipes, which we still make today. It’s great to see the customers that my grandfather had now coming into our building to place orders and see it open again to benefit the community.”
A Balanced Business
Approximately 60% to 70% of the company’s business comes from farmers bringing in their own meat. Many sell it to friends and family after processing. Another 30% of the business is third-party labeling for other businesses that bring in their own livestock to resell under their company name and brand.
Weaver Meats also offers a line of frozen retail beef and pork products, including ground beef, pork chops, summer sausage and brats. Their carryout catering line includes a variety of meat products, including pulled pork, sliced ham and brisket. In addition, they offer a corporate bundle wholesale line for businesses to order during the holidays.
To keep up with the influx of orders, Kyle places an emphasis on finding and retaining reliable employees.
“We’re open 53 hours a week: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays,” said Kyle. “The demand for high-quality cuts is on the rise, so we must have a skilled, streamlined and committed team to keep up with production. I’m lucky that we have great employees in place who work on various aspects of the business, from accounting to processing beef, pork, lamb, deer and whatever else is on the docket for the day.”
Beefing Up a Partnership
In the meat processing industry, financial needs can be unique and complex. Kyle needed a banking partner that understood the local economy and was invested in their success. Cue Northwest Bank (formerly First National Bank).
“My family has banked with Northwest Bank for over 40 years,” said Kyle. “They are a local small business, just like myself. It was an easy decision for me to use them when I needed to get my first commercial loan to open my business.”
Over the years, the bank has helped him grow his business every step of the way, providing the financial backing needed to expand his facilities and invest in new equipment, ensuring that Weaver Meats can meet the increasing demand for high-quality products.
Beyond just seeking financial support, Kyle has reached out to his bank for valuable advice and a personal touch that larger national banks can’t provide.
“Anytime we look into a project expansion, Staci Heaberlin at Northwest Bank gives me her input and points me in the right direction,” said Kyle. “She goes above and beyond to direct me to studies or market trends to help my business and help me as a business owner.”
Kyle also regularly uses Northwest Bank’s Business Onlineopens in a new window to help him quickly view recent transactions and statements.
Grilling Up Growth
Setting clear and actionable goals is essential for the success of any business. Every year, Kyle focuses on both short-term and long-term objectives — whether they include increasing production capacity by upgrading equipment, expanding his product line to include more specialty cuts or strengthening relationships with local farmers to ensure a steady supply of high-quality livestock.
One of his key long-term goals is to expand his current building to handle more orders and build a larger processing assembly line to take on more business.
“My goal is to grow the business to the point where I can pass it on to someone else in the community,” said Kyle. ”I know a lot of times owners of small businesses hold on to them so long that it's hard to pass them off to a successor, so I want to start succession planning now.”
Kyle is looking forward to expanding the business while maintaining the personal touch and commitment to quality that has made Weaver Meats a local favorite.
Running a small business is no small feat. But, with determination and the right partnerships you can find success like Kyle has. Ready to start your small business? Let us help. Contact a commercial bankeropens in a new window today.