Jerry X. Powell

Jerry X. Powell was born July 25, 1963 in St. Louis and graduated from Vianney High School in 1981. He enrolled in Missouri Southern University at Joplin on a football scholarship and he played middle linebacker.

He received a degree in marketing and management in 1985.

His experience in the dairy industry started with Stabilized Products where he worked for 14 years. For the past six years he has worked for Danisco Ingredients in St. Louis.

Jerry was nominated for the Meritorious Service Award by co-worker Dick Crowell who received the award last year. Here’s what Crowell had to say about Jerry.

“In the 20 years that Jerry has been involved in the service to the dairy manufacturing industry he has built a strong reputation for his ability to bring both technical expertise and business expansion acumen to his customers.”

“Jerry, in his modesty, always down plays his role in key events,” Crowell continued. “Yet, if a customer calls with a problem with a product he will be the first on the scene to help.”

“He has been known to pick up a product at the manufacturing plant he represents and drive hundreds of miles to deliver the item the same day.”

“He has helped many of his customers expand their business by introducing the dairy product customer to the manufacturer that can supply the product they need. Case in point: Jerry was approached by a start-up company in the southeast that needed a special sour cream for topping on their cheese cake.”

“Jerry took this opportunity to one of his customers. They then partnered in developing the product that would work for the manufacturer. Viola – the result was a 50,000 pound per week sour cream account for a Missouri Dairy Products Association member.”

“The cheesecake manufacturer ended up supplying Sam’s Club and moving in to a large plant in Atlanta.”

In Jerry’s years with Stabilized Products in St. Louis he was instrumental in taking that company from $1 to $3 million in annual sales, Crowell said.

Jerry married Denise Raia in 1993 and they now have three children. They are Stephen 10, Lauren 6, and Nicholas 4. The Powells live in Ballwin.

The Powells are members of the Holy Infant Catholic Church.

The Missouri Dairy Products Association joined with Crowell in nominating Jerry for the Meritorious Service Award.