The Express Ranches Story: A Journey from Humble Beginnings to Industry Excellence
In the world of cattle breeding and ranching, Express Ranches stands as a shining example of dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Express Ranches Story: A Journey from Humble Beginnings to Industry Excellence
In the world of cattle breeding and ranching, Express Ranches stands as a shining example of dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Founded by Robert A. "Bob" Funk, this ranching venture has grown into a powerhouse in the cattle industry, but its roots trace back to a modest upbringing and a strong work ethic.
From Humble Beginnings to Academic Pursuits
Bob Funk's journey into the world of cattle began at a young age while working on his cousin's farm in Duvall, Washington. Raised in a family of modest means with a solid Christian foundation, he developed an unwavering love for cattle and a strong work ethic during his high school years at a dairy farm. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
After high school, where he actively participated in FFA and excelled in basketball and tennis, Bob pursued higher education at Seattle Pacific University. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and theology, setting the stage for his remarkable career. His thirst for knowledge led him to complete advanced degrees in business administration and theology from the same institution, including a transformative year of theology study at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Building a Legacy in the Personnel Business
Bob Funk's career initially took shape in the personnel business, working for Acme Personnel, a Washington-based personnel services firm. He started as a personnel consultant and eventually rose to the position of first vice president. When the unexpected passing of the company's president occurred, Bob, along with two colleagues, took the reins and operated several Acme franchises. These franchises eventually evolved into what we now know as Express Personnel Services.
In 1983, the partners embarked on franchising Express Personnel Services, despite a challenging economic climate due to the oil industry's downturn. Remarkably, the first year of franchising generated gross revenues of $2 million. As the years passed, Express Personnel Services continued to expand, growing to encompass more than 800 franchises.
A Leap into Cattle Ranching
Bob Funk's deep-rooted love for cattle never waned, and when the opportunity arose to enter the cattle business, he seized it with the same determination that fueled his personnel business success. He chose Limousin cattle for his initial foray into the purebred seedstock business. However, a pivotal moment in the history of Express Ranches occurred when Bob Funk, along with Jarold Callahan, negotiated the purchase of the B&L Ranch and the B&L Angus cowherd from the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Foundation.
With this acquisition, Angus cattle became a significant part of Express Ranches' growth story. Subsequently, Jarold Callahan joined Express Ranches as the Chief Executive Officer, bringing his experience as an animal science professor, judging team coach at Oklahoma State University, and the Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.
Diverse Operations and Industry Leadership
Today, Express Ranches is deeply involved in all aspects of the beef production process. The ranch has fed as many as 50,000 head of cattle per year and holds an interest in the 30,000 head capacity Xcel Feedyard near Watonga, Oklahoma. The acquisition of the UU Bar Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, added extensive high-altitude rangeland to the Express Ranches portfolio. Here, a production unit of commercial cows and calves, along with thousands of yearlings, allows for testing Express genetics under semi-arid conditions.
Express Ranches' commitment to excellence extends to its genetics programs, emphasizing phenotype and structural soundness. The ranch has been recognized as the largest producer of registered seedstock for nine consecutive years by CattleFax. Additionally, Express Ranches played a pivotal role in the creation of Angus Genetics Inc., a subsidiary of the American Angus Association that manages a comprehensive cattle genetics database.
As an early adopter of genomic testing, Express Ranches has invested in processing over 20,000 DNA samples from its registered Angus herd. These efforts have contributed to higher accuracy genomic-enhanced EPD data for improved breeding and selection of Angus cattle.
A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Express Ranches has not only achieved remarkable success in the cattle industry but also become synonymous with leadership and innovation. The ranch's story, from Bob Funk's early days on a dairy farm to the thriving cattle enterprise it is today, serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to make their mark in agriculture.
For more information, contact Express Ranches at:
Express Ranches
2202 North 11th Street
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099
(405) 350-0044 (Local)
(800) 664-3977 (Toll-Free)
(405) 350-0058 (Fax)
As Express Ranches continues to shape the future of the cattle industry, its journey is a testament to the enduring values of hard work, dedication, and a deep love for cattle.