The ChopLocal Team
Jared Achen
Founder & CEO
Background: Jared grew up on a multi-generational Iowa farm with turkeys and row-crops.
Education: B.S. Ag Business '11, Iowa State University
Work Experience:
- raising turkeys, corn, and soybeans
- involved in Iowa Turkey Grower's Cooperative (owns medium-sized meat processing facilities)
Family: 3 kids & wife, Tawnya
Expertise:
- business analysis & financial analysis
- shipping frozen meat
Katie Olthoff
Founder & COO
Background: Katie grew up in rural Iowa but did not live on a farm. Now, she lives on the farm where her husband raises turkey and cattle.
Education: B.S. Elementary Education '06, Iowa State University
Work Experience:
- former teacher
- children's book author (My Family's Farm series)
- ag communications - Iowa Turkey Federation, Iowa Cattlemen's Association
- involved in Iowa Turkey Grower's Cooperative (owns medium-sized meat processing facilities)
Family: 3 kids & husband, Bart
Expertise:
- small biz marketing specializing in SEO, email marketing and writing
- Google and Meta Ads Management
- public speaking and presentations
Sierra Walter
Marketing Specialist
Background: Sierra grew up on her family’s beef operation in Western Oklahoma, where they family sold meat directly to consumers at farmers markets. Her agricultural roots and love for storytelling fuel her passion for connecting producers with their audiences.
Education: B.S. Agricultural Communications '23, Oklahoma State University
Work Experience:
- American Angus Association Communications Intern
- Social Media Specialist in higher education
- Photographer, videographer, and content creator
Expertise:
- Crafting engaging social media strategies and campaigns
- Creating eye-catching visual and written content
- Telling compelling stories that connect brands with their audiences