Jerri Dumke, 30

Jerri Dumke always been one to take the bull by the horns. 

Growing up on a cattle farm in Plant City, Dumke made that passion for the beef industry her own at a young age, earning a degree in animal sciences with a focus on beef from the University of Florida. 

Photo by Mark Wemple

Out of college, Dumke worked the night shift at a meatpacking plant in Nebraska, where she oversaw a crew of workers processing beef into primal cuts. In 2018, Dumke came back home to Florida and landed a spot on the inaugural sales team for Sysco's specialty division, Buckhead Meats and Seafood. 

Dumke knew all about beef, but had to learn seafood on the fly. Still, she managed to quickly build her client base from zero to more than $12 million per year in annual sales with a long list of well-respected accounts, including Bern's Steakhouse, Ocean Prime, Salt Shack on The Bay and The Don CeSar. 

Of the roughly 200 sales representatives nationwide in a similar role, Dumke was ranked as the top sales representative in the U.S. in 2024. 

In August, Dumke took on a new role as the Southeast representative for Mishima Reserve, an American Wagyu beef company. Now, she's responsible for selling Wagyu steaks for use in high-end restaurants across the Southeast. 

Dumke's career has taken her from a little girl growing up on a cattle farm to roles across the entire beef supply chain; from farm to butcher to supplier and distributor. 

Dumke has never shied away from taking on new challenges and finding personal success in an industry historically dominated by men. That, she says, is thanks to the values instilled in her by her family, particularly her mother. "She's always shown me that hard work and perseverance pays off," Dumke says of her mother, Stacey Rowell.

"She’s shown me the value of persistence and the importance of working hard even when things aren’t easy," Dumke says. "She’s also taught me to treat people with kindness and respect, and to have confidence in myself when facing challenges. Those lessons have shaped the way I approach both my career and my life."