"From Our Farm to Their Table: Expanding Beyond the Ozarks"

What does it take for a small, multi-generational family farm in the Ozarks to build a brand that earns the trust of top chefs, restaurants, and customers across the country? In this keynote, David Newman shares the honest story behind Newman Farm Heritage Berkshire Pork—grounded in a legacy that began before him, and shaped today alongside his wife, Kristin, and a dedicated team committed to doing things the right way.

At a pivotal moment, the family recognized both a problem and an opportunity: the future of the farm was at risk unless they were willing to think differently. What followed was a deliberate choice to step outside the conventional model—embracing what made them unique rather than competing within the norm—and building a business centered on quality, integrity, and long-term relationships.

Through candid lessons and practical insights, David will explore how those relationships—from early customers to trusted partners—became the foundation for growth beyond the Ozarks and onto tables across the nation. He will also speak to the realities behind the journey: the risk, the setbacks, and the tenacity required to keep moving forward.

This is not a story of perfection. It is a story of persistence, family, and belief in a better path forward. Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding that while growth beyond your home market isn’t easy, it is possible. With the right focus, strong relationships, and a commitment to what makes you unique, even a business rooted in the Ozarks can build something that travels far beyond it—without losing sight of where it began.

Meet the Speakers:

David Newman, Newman Heritage Farms Owner

David Newman is the owner and operator of Newman Farm Heritage Berkshire Pork, a Myrtle, Missouri-based family farm specializing in premium Berkshire pork. He and his wife, Kristin—an essential partner in the business—have built Newman Farm together with a shared commitment to quality, hard work, and doing things the right way. Today, the farm serves top chefs, retailers, and direct-to-consumer customers across the country.

Rooted in heritage breeding and responsible farming practices, David is passionate about producing pork with an exceptional eating experience while helping people feel more connected to where their food comes from. In addition to his work at Newman Farm, he is actively engaged in supporting American agriculture and strengthening the future of the pork industry.

Heather Mincer, Yes Honey Head Chick

Heather Mincer is the founder of Yes Honey, a honey-sweetened soda brand created after her own Alpha-gal diagnosis turned her into an accidental entrepreneur. What began on a small farm has grown into a rapidly expanding brand focused on clean ingredients, transparency, and giving people better options than traditional soda.

Heather further developed Yes Honey through the OzSBI Launch U program, where she gained invaluable mentorship and support that helped shape the company’s growth. Since then, Yes Honey has expanded from just a handful of stores in Southwest Missouri to over 300 locations across 30 states—including Hawaii—and is now carried in retailers such as Hy-Vee, Sprouts, and Azure Standard.

With a mission rooted in both personal experience, building a community focused on helping people with Alpha-gal, and a passion for bees, Heather is building Yes Honey into a brand that proves you don’t have to choose between taste and better-for-you.

Learn more about Yes Honey

Anna Mayberry, H&M Ranch Store Owner

H&M Ranch Store was founded in 2002, offering western decor at small pop-up venues. The first full year in business, H&M Ranch took to the road 51 weekends and covered four states. Traveling, meeting new customers, and establishing connections allowed for business growth, but also the realization that every business needs to be set apart from others.

That insight lead the H&M Ranch Store to shift from sole retail to "producing". Starting with embellished photo frames leading to full time handbag production. We had found our "niche"! Traveling less, finding larger trade shows, and our solid online customer base kept the Store back logged with orders.

In 2020, like most businesses, the paradigm shifted again. Trade shows were almost nonexistent- which made up at least 50% of our income. H&M Ranch was forced to make changes in order to weather the new challenges. The change? Dive into a brick and mortar, stronger social media, and website growth.

Presently, still shifts, still looking ahead for growth because in retail it is always changing!

Learn more about H&M Ranch Store

Andrew Bedell , The Landing Co-Owner

In 1980, the Bedell family purchased Leuckel's Landing, a small, relatively unknown float trip outfitter on the Current River in Van Buren. With a small retail store and an inventory of about 30 river tubes & a handful of aluminum canoes, they recognized the potential for growing popularity of a leisurely tube float down what they fondly referred to as "Missouri's best kept secret", the federally protected, crystal clear Current River. With the creation of the "Current River Cadillac" tube in the mid 80's and the construction of convenient riverfront overnight lodging in '92, that potential popularity started to materialize. They began to expand their operation to keep pace with the ever-increasing public desire for scenic Current River float trips, marketing them as a relatively inexpensive way to relax while getting valuable bang for your buck.

Today, The Landing operates five of the six National Park float concessions on the lower Current River, making them the largest outfitter in The Ozark National Scenic Riverways. They provide floating, lodging and dining service to nearly 50,000 visitors a year from all across the country,, and despite a devastating record flood in 2017 & a catastrophic fire in 2021, they continue to strive in providing a great vacation experience at one of the most beautiful rivers in America.

Learn more about The Landing

Sponsored by:

Platinum Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors: