Conaway Development Industries, Inc.
Principal Profile: Travis Starkey
National Sales Director
Travis Starkey has been involved in poultry processing for nearly twenty years. Initially working inside the plants, Travis sought to find solutions to the many mechanical interruptions to the flow of broiler and turkey processing. The problematic operation of the picking room and the downstream effects to a processor's bottom-line caused by these first processing issues captured Travis' attention and focus. His efforts there resulted in the improvement of the defeathering process while decreasing damage to the product. As his career progressed, Travis excelled at identifying engineering and mechanical issues and assisting with the solutions. By providing hands-on-training and expertise gathered from his experience, he has enabled numerous facilities to show improvement in their Agri-Stats rankings.
Travis' expertise in the plant picking room brought him to the attention of another industry legendary figure, Larry Dewberry, who recommended Travis to Stork (Stork Food Systems) as "the best he had seen." This introduction led Travis to Stork, where for three years as their Western Region Sales Representative his efforts in sales, service, and hands-on-training gained him even greater experience and industry recognition.
In need of someone with Travis's unique skills and expertise, Billy Hill of Hill Parts managed to attract Travis to his organization in 2006. During his four years at Hill Parts, Travis was absorbed into the Meyn (Meyn Poultry Processing) organization and continued both his sales responsibilities, and his counseling and training in plants' first processing.
As part of his intellectual curiosity Travis completed numerous training programs at each of the companies with whom he was employed. These diverse systems and programs coupled with his field real-world experience has honed his skills in processing trouble- shooting, training, service, and sales.
Travis was introduced to the SOFR System by one of his long-time friends and mentors, Billy Hill. Travis says of the SOFR System: "… The SOFR System technology brings needed innovation to poultry first processing and is poised to change the way we pick chickens forever. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to be a major player in this exciting technology from the ground level…"
Travis attended NEO A&M College majoring in Agriculture Economics. He lives with his family in northwest Arkansas where they are active in youth equestrian competition. Travis serves on the boards of associations promoting and organizing youth equestrian sports.
Everett T. Conaway
Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer
Jesse Frederick-Conaway
President
Chief Financial Officer
Ralph Riggleman
Founding Member
Senior Engineer & Technical Consultant
Harry Cook
Sr. Vice President, Co-Owner
Chief Operations Officer