Dakota Butcher owner named SD Small Business Person of the Year

Randy Gruenwald receives top honor from the U.S. Small Business Administration

Randy Gruenawald, owner of Dakota Butcher, Clark, SD, is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) South Dakota Small Business Person of the Year. A full-service meat locker, Dakota Butcher provides custom processing of domestic meats and wild game.

Gruenwald purchased Dakota Butcher in 2009 and expanded the company to Watertown. He is also growing the Dakota Butcher brand further across South Dakota and recently opened a new site in Madison.

Originally Dakota Butcher started with four employees and now provides jobs for 70 people.

“Randy has shown great confidence and leadership in growing his business and reaching new markets,” said Lori Finnesand, Program Director, GROW South Dakota, an SBA Resource Partner. “Dakota Butcher grew by holding customer service to a high standard and earning loyalty in new locations. Randy succeeds by consistently providing quality products, creating jobs and contributing to local economic development.”

Beyond the business, one of Dakota Butcher’s main focuses is community outreach including actively contributing to youth programs. As an example, Gruenwald share expertise with Future Farmers of America classes to help educate the next generation of ranchers and farmers on meat processing.

“It is wonderful to recognize and highlight the positive contribution Rnady and the Dakota Butcher team make in South Dakota,” said Jaime Wood, SBA South Dakota District Director. “Dakota Butcher is the epitome of how small businesses are the backbone of our communities and economy.”

The Small Business Person of the Year award is given annually by the SBA SD District OFfice to a small business that demonstrates growth, staying power, an increase in number of employees, and contributes to the community.