Stories and love are everywhere

When I was a student in newswriting, a freshman-level journalism class at Texas Tech University, my instructor used to say that all the time.

He’d send us out on campus to prey on unsuspecting students and faculty members, asking them questions in an attempt to find something to write about.

For the Black Ink blog, we try to find a wide variety of stories to tell you. Ones about cattlemen like you, whether they’re on the cow-calf or feedyard side. Ones about researchers and scientists. And ones about those who get the product you produce into the shopping carts or onto the tables of consumers every day.

But sometimes we talk about our own, too. And in the Certified Angus Beef® brand family, there truly are stories everywhere. Here’s an example: Did you know our headquarters in Wooster has a whole bunch of people who share the same last name? It’s not just a coincidence, though. We’ve got several married couples and even a mother-son duo!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we thought it’d be fun to talk to a few of the folks who really are married to CAB — or at least to a fellow CAB employee — and see how they choose to celebrate.

Clint and Dee Walenciak, married 12 years

Clint is the director of packing, while Dee is the director of education.

Black Ink: To celebrate Valentine’s Day, would you rather cook a CAB steak at home or go out to a partner restaurant?

Dee: Both!  We dined at a local licensee last week with friends and grilled filets with the boys tonight for an early Valentines as Clint will be traveling for CAB over the weekend.  You can never have enough steak.

Ryan and Jennifer Kiko, married 18 years

Ryan is a software developer with the information technology team and an audio/visual technical engineer with the education and events team. Jennifer works with the digital marketing team as social content manager.

Black Ink: To celebrate Valentine’s Day, would you rather cook a CAB steak at home or go out to a licensee?

Ryan: Both options have their own unique benefits. There’s something special about dressing up to eat an excellent meal at a restaurant that has a great reputation (plus, someone else takes care of the dirty dishes!) However, it’s also fun to prepare a romantic meal at home for (or with) your spouse. Put the kids to bed and enjoy a delicious steak dinner at a candle-lit kitchen table, with the added benefit of not needing to brave the wintry Ohio weather.

Jennifer: We enjoy dining at CAB-licensed restaurants, but we both love to cook, so either option would be lovely! As it turns out, we’re preparing a Valentine’s dinner for our teen daughters and their friends: six giggly girls will be dining on Certified Angus Beef grilled flat-iron steaks!

Rod and Ann Kamph, married 15 years in May.

Rod is the resource procurement manager, while Ann is the accounting and payroll manager.

Black Ink: To celebrate Valentine’s Day, would you rather cook a CAB steak at home or go out to a licensed venue?

Ann: We used to go out to eat for Valentine’s Day, but the last few years, we have stayed home and cooked.

What about you? Going out or staying in tonight? We’d love to hear your stories and see your steaks!

-Katrina

Katrina Huffstutler is a freelance writer based in Electra, Texas. She’s a frequent contributor to the Black Ink team and lover of functional cattle and quality beef.

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