MPPTA Client Spotlights

Supply Shortages Hinder Organic Sausage Company’s Growth

Eric Gutknecht grew up elbows deep in sausage making. His parents immigrated to Colorado from Switzerland in the 1970s, bringing with them two generations of sausage-making experience.

Eric was three years old when his parents joined a Denver sausage business founded by another Swiss immigrant and purchased the company in the 1980s. Eric notes, “Packing sausage was cheaper than daycare,” so he spent his days learning the trade at his parents’ elbows.

Grand Opening of Briarwood Custom Meats Butcher Shop

In July 2025, Marvin and Tanisha Frink opened Briarwood Custom Meats Butcher Shop at 5476 Blue Springs Road in Red Springs, NC. Designed to be more than a retail location, the shop blends education, culinary craftsmanship and community pride into every square foot.