Small Business Matters Realized potential The owner of RJ’s Meats & Groceries sees success after paying his dues BY STEVE KRUT meatpoultry@sosland.com W hen a smaller processor’s business gets the attention of some of the top meat processors in the US, some uncharted innovation and ideas are usually the lure. For Richard Reams, owner of RJ’s Meats & Groceries in Hudson, Wis., visits to his business from his industry peers are the ultimate compliment. His 2,200-sq.-ft. retail store and 1,400-sq.-ft. processing shop located just over the bridge from the Minnesota state line celebrated its 25th year in business on Aug. 31. But there were times when he thought his meat industry career would be more infamy than fame. 42 42 • Meat&Poultr y • September 2012 • w ww.MeatPoultr y.com Me Mea Poultr Meat&Poultry ea Po ltr ou t September 2012 eptember 201 eptember 2012 p mb www.MeatPoultry.com ww Me tP ultry. om w w.MeatPoultry com w.Mea w. ea Po ltry. y.