Our Tradition

Our Team

Each committed member of the Surlean Foods team offers valuable ingredients that have continued to build our success. With over 250 associates, Surlean Foods continues to grow. Some key members of our team that continue to lead our growth are:

Daryl Scott
President
Leading the company's growth, Daryl Scott is the President of Surlean Foods. Daryl started his career in the food industry in 1994, immediately after completing his studies at Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with an emphasis on Meat Science. In performing many job duties during his career, Daryl has gained extensive knowledge in many aspects of the food industry. Daryl worked as production supervisor and plant manager before being promoted to President in 2004.

Ryan Scott
Production Manager
rscott@surleanfoods.com
Ryan Scott attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development. After college, Ryan began his career in the meat industry as Slaughter Manager for L&H Packing Company. Here, Ryan gained great knowledge not only in slaughter operations, but also in the cattle and food industries. In March of 2007, Ryan joined the Surlean Foods team as Production Manager, leading daily plant operations.

Chad Wilhite
Vice President of Sales & Procurement
cwilhite@surleanfoods.com
Chad Wilhite has been with Surlean Foods / L&H Packing Company since 2000, where he has held management positions in sales and procurement for both companies. As Vice President of Sales & Procurement for Surlean Foods, Chad currently oversees the company's meat procurement and utilization, as well as international sales and marketing. Chad is a committee member for the Southwest Meat Association (SMA), while also being active in the American Meat Institute (AMI) and Meat Importers Council of America (MICA). Having completed two internships involving agriculture business and the United States Department of Agriculture, Chad holds a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture and Life Sciences from Texas A&M University.

Travis Holmes
Vice President of Technical Services
tholmes@surleanfoods.com
Travis Holmes has been with Surlean Foods since May 2000. Currently our Vice President of Technical Services, Travis is responsible for all of Surlean Foods' quality and food safety programs. Having previously worked for Hormel Foods, Travis has experience with products ranging from canned items, precooked bacon, luncheon meats, and taco meat, to raw products including hamburger patties, sausage and pickled and marinated products. Travis stays on top of industry issues and the latest technology by participating on industry committees and attending industry summits.

Harry Spahn
Vice President of Customer Service
hspahn@surleanfoods.com
Harry Spahn has been in the food industry since 1971, and employed with L&H Packing Company / Surlean Foods since 1976. Currently the Vice President of Customer Service for L&H Packing / Surlean Foods, Harry has management experience in many different areas of the business. Since starting his career with the company, he has worked as Quality Assurance Manager, Safety Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent and Director of Personnel, Sales and Customer Service. Harry has built relationships with many national distributors and transportation companies to manage the sales and distribution of Surlean Foods products to retail, food service, and quick service restaurant operators. Harry is a 1970 Texas State University graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Cindy Showalter
Director of Research & Development
cshowalter@surleanfoods.com
Cindy Showalter has been working in the food industry for ten plus years, working as Director of Research & Development for Surlean Foods for over 4 years. Having worked on both the quality assurance and R&D sides of the business, Cindy helps Surlean Foods deliver both quality and innovation. Very active in the industry, Cindy is a board member for the South Central Region of the Research Chefs Association (RCA). She is active in the local and national sides of the RCA, as well as the Institute of Food Technologists. Cindy is a Registered Dietician and is active in the American Dietetic Association. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Foods, Cindy completed her Didactic Internship at Texas State University in 1999. Cindy serves as a mentor for culinary students at local institutions.