TALLGRASS - Key Persons
Tallgrass Commodities was established in February of 2007, but thanks to Gordon Happel and Frank Parrett we have been blessed by a wealth of information and knowledge. The path that led to Tallgrass Commodities is very interesting and, some might say very coincidental.
Frank got his feet wet back in 1956 when he worked for Ark Valley Alfalfa Mills in Yaggy, KS. Frank has a long history of working with alfalfa and the main product in those days was alfalfa meal that was sold by the bag. The alfalfa had to be put into cold storage to help preserve the Vitamin A in it!
Frank's career path took him from Yaggy, KS to Fremont, NE around 1960 when he worked for Consolidated Blenders. In 1963 Frank took a new job with Hillside Dehy in Uehling, NE. This plant moved a good volume of alfalfa pellets and alfalfa meal and was recently purchased by Scoular. Franks' next big venture was becoming part owner of Scribner Alfalfa in 1973/1974. Frank owned and operated that business for about 10 years selling alfalfa meal and pellets all over the United States. Frank also survived a significant injury when he was involved in an alfalfa pellet fire.
Needless to say Frank saw it all. After selling the Alfalfa business Frank worked from 1987 until roughly 2001 for Switzer Trading moving alfalfa products, rice hulls and wheat middlings. During these years Gordon and Frank traded a few ingredients together as well.