Safeway

The founders, Fred and Agnes Otteman, started our company January 1, 1950. They purchased the store and locker plant from V. & Ola Thompson and officially started up Otteman's Cash Store. Slaughtering on the farm was the first new service added in 1951. With the demand for service increasing, the Otteman's constructed a complete slaughter facility in south Flagler in 1963. In 1978 the Otteman's closed out their groceries but continued the meat processing business, having modernized their freezing and processing equipment. Fred and Agnes' son, Mark leased the business in the fall of 1980, following the death of Fred. Mark purchased the business in 1981 and has continued to operate it as in the past. Cynthia began working with her husband in 1987 following the birth of James. The two children, Brian and James have worked with their parents throughout their school years. Otteman's Cash Store became a corporation in 1993 and changed the name to OTTEMAN'S INC Meat Processing. In 1992 the building on Main Street was sold and a construction job was completed to enable us to combine the two plants in one location. Employees have been hired through the years to help meet the demand for services. Mark: Mark has over 20 years of experience in the meat processing business. He worked with his father all through his school years in the meat processing room and on the kill floor. He graduated from Colorado State University ( CSU ) in 1979 with a degree in Food Technology which included a concentration in management with business and economics courses. He was able to gain an excellent background in Food Science and Food Safety courses, taking all the Meat Science and meat related courses that were available. While at CSU, he was employed on a regular basis in the meats lab. Cynthia: Cynthia has been co-managing the business since 1987. The "Mom & Pop" management team has had very positive comments from customers. Her prior work experiences have been an important part of the teamwork. Cynthia does the bookkeeping and works to sustain a positive public relations effort.