Ted Barlows
Ted Barlows has spent most of his life working in the dairy industry, beginning at his father’s processing plant in Cuba, Missouri. Still a stalwart MU Tiger fan, Barlows graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. He then went to work for the Carnation Co. in Waterloo, Iowa. Carnation was later purchased by Swiss Valley Farms, where Barlows worked his way up to corporate sales manager of the dairy division.
In 1981, Barlows joined Foremost Dairies in Springfield, Missouri, as general sales manager of the MO-ARK Division. From 1984 to 1997, he served as the Kansas City area sales manager for Anderson Erickson Dairy. Barlows moved to Oklahoma in 1997, to begin his career with Hiland Dairy as general manager of Hiland Dairy’s facility in Norman.
Promoted to general sales manager/assistant general manager of all Hiland operations in 2003, he moved back to Springfield, Missouri. Recently he stepped down from his major responsibilities in order to help with sales training and special projects. The change also allows him more time with his family.
In every city he has lived, Barlows has been an active member of the community, involved with area Chamber of Commerce groups and Junior Achievement. He has been an active member of dairy industry groups, serving as president of the Missouri Dairy Products Association; a board member of the Oklahoma Grocers Association; an advisor for IDF, Midwest Dairy and others; and, a member of the Missouri Grocers Association. In 2012, Barlows was a key supporter of HB1403, a legislative bill that improved the legal environment for Missouri businesses.
Throughout his career, Barlows has earned recognition for his leadership and expertise. He led the efforts for Hiland Dairy becoming a finalist for the Irving B. Weber Award, the Quality Chekd’s Award recognizing member dairies that have earned the highest annual scores in the areas of production quality, business ethics and leadership, customer satisfaction, marketing communications, and staff development. Barlows also directed the marketing efforts that earned Hiland Dairy three prestigious Zimmerman Awards for Dairy Marketing Excellence.
He lives with his wife, Randee, in Springfield. They have two married sons and five grandchildren.
Barlows was nominated by Ron Benefiel, president of Midwest Dairy Products Association, who cited Barlows’ tireless work to promote the dairy industry and increase milk sales throughout the state and region.
Gary Aggus, Hiland Dairy Foods president, has worked in the dairy industry with Barlows for over 35 years. “Ted has always been a strong advocate for the dairy industry and all the things we stand for,” he stated.
Cindy McMillian, director of operations, Missouri Grocers Association, considers Ted Barlows a great resource for the industry. “He has bridged the dairy producers and the retail grocers so that we are a united front for the dairy industry,” she wrote. “He is a genuinely good person—someone you feel comfortable contacting at any time.”
Kurt Platzbecker, sales director, Tetra Pak USA, Inc., said, “Ted’s welcoming style and ability to make you feel part of their organization immediately, is very much appreciated.’
“Ted is a friend with very high integrity and someone that I could always depend on to help in difficult situations,” wrote Donald C. Woods, Jr., president and chairman of the board of Woods Supermarket in Bolivar, Missouri.
Roy J. Robinson, director of business development, Silgan Closures, has known Barlows for many years. Robinson believes that of his many contributions to the Missouri dairy community and the national dairy sector in general, Barlows’ most important attribute is that, “Ted is a gentleman, and working with him has always been an enjoyable experience.”
Mitch Moran of Denali Flavors said, “Ted’s leadership at both the local and regional level have been critical for both Hiland Dairy and the dairy industry’s success and growth. We all benefit from Ted’s devoted focus and support.”