The 10 is our new weekly series were we ask 10 in-depth questions that reveal the inspirations and dreams of the leaders, visionaries, and innovators affecting our world and our health. This week we go in-depth with Calvin Crandall the co-owner of an excellent company called Jones Creek Beef. If you haven't tried Jones Creek Beef yet, you don't know what you are missing. You can learn more about Jones Creek Beef HERE or go to a WalMart store in your area and pick some up. But first its time to meet your meat maker.

Name: Calvin Crandall
Name of Company: Jones Creek Beef
Position: Co-Owner

1. What does your company/farm grow/sell?

We raise and sell the finest quality all-natural, free-range, grass-fed, grass-finished beef.

2. Why did you start your company?

Our family has been raising beef for over 100 years. We started Jones Creek Beef so we could share the benefits of our delicious beef with people all over the United States. There is a lot of interest in healthy food, and we are excited to be able to provide that to you and your families. I also have three sons who have a passion for ranching like I do; Jones Creek Beef makes it possible for more of them to stay on the ranch, doing what we love.

3. What is your favorite part of your job?

One of my favorite parts of my job is being out in nature, on horses with my family, and making sure my animals are healthy and relaxed. It can be really peaceful. I also love fixing and repairing tractors, trucks, and other machinery in my shop. I get to work close with my kids, which is a rare opportunity these days. I love my job and have never considered doing anything different. There is nothing like working outside and enjoying the beauties of nature.

4. What is your least favorite part of the job?

My least favorite thing to do is to deal with the government and all their red tape.

5. What is your favorite food (that isn't one of your products)?

If it isn’t beef, then my favorite food would have to be pumpkin pie. My wife makes the most amazing pie. She took lessons from my mother, you know, to get the know-how on that crust. There is nothing like it. Flakey, warm, delicious. It’s something else.

6. If you could do any other job what would you do?

Ultimately, I want to be a cowboy. J Truthfully, I’ve never considered doing anything else for a living. I love my job and what I do. If I had to be something else, I’d be a rodeo clown. I already know all of the jokes {just ask my kids if you don’t believe me}.

7. What is your least favorite word?

“Can’t” is my least favorite word because anyone can accomplish a task if they set their mind to it. We limit our thinking and ourselves by saying we “can’t” get something done. Conversely, we can achieve difficult and challenging things if we just try and keep trying.

8. What is your favorite product in your line and why?

Roasts are my favorite product because they can be cooked so easily to tender perfection. There are so many different recipes that you can make with a good roast too. It may seem old fashioned, but my father and I could have had roast and buttery mashed potatoes for EVERY Sunday dinner…and then we would still eat the leftovers for as many meals as we could afterwards. Roasts are great!

9. What do you think your company does better the competitors?

We take pride in our stewardship over the land and livestock. The way we raise and handle our cattle is of utmost importance in providing tender, flavorful, and nutritious beef to our consumers. We provide our animals with constant access to grass pasture and safe, clean living conditions:
· Fresh air Direct Sunlight
· Open Grazing Exercise
· Freedom of movement Reduction of Stress

Our animals never see the inside of a cage. We are very careful that we never give added hormones or steroids to our animals and we never give antibiotics to our cattle that we market. We are also a family operation. We like to work together and be together. These cattle are our livelihood so we treat them like they are a part of our family. For example: we want “Happy Cows” so we move our cattle from pasture to pasture in a relaxing, calm manner, thus keeping the animals happy and calm. This helps our meat stay tender. Truly, we have the quality that people are looking for.

10. What is your hope for the future of food?

My hope is that you will always be able to find pure, clean, healthy food to purchase, not just those who grow it.