Getting to know the VG brothers: Kyle Van Groningen
If you’re a longtime VG Meats’ customer, you’re probably somewhat familiar with our story. VG Meats is a fourth generation family business that is currently run by four brothers: Cory, Chad, Kyle and Kevin Van Groningen. We learned everything we know from our parents and grandparents, and we love what we do.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing you to each of the brothers individually by getting them to answer ten questions about life, business and their role at VG Meats. We already introduced Kevin and Chad, and today we’re talking to brother #3, Kyle.
How would you describe your role in the business?
The best part about working in a family business (and the worst part, on some days) is that we get to work on many different elements of the business. For the most part, you will find me in sales, both retail and wholesale.
How would you describe your place in the family?
I am the organizer.
Tell us about your family.
My wonderful wife is Raelynn and our two sons are named Keaton (age 4) and Calder (14 months).
Who do you look up to?
My mom. She raised a family of four boys while my Dad worked his butt off to grow a business. She always ensured we had all of the essentials and got us to where we needed to be.
What are your hobbies?
Golf! I also love playing and coaching hockey, fishing, and spending time with my family and friends.
Do you have a favourite book, movie, television show or band?
My favourite book is Can't Hurt Me and my favourite movies are the Bourne series. My favourite television series is definitely Band of Brothers and for my favourite band, it’s Mumford and Sons.
What's your favourite thing to cook (or eat)?
I really love cooking a Tomahawk with shrimp and asparagus on the pellet grill, then enjoying it with family and friends. If I am with family and friends then really, I could be cooking anything and have a great time.
What's something most people don't know about you?
I really enjoy woodworking.
If you weren't in the family business, what would you be doing?
I think I would be building homes or woodworking professionally.
What is your favourite thing about VG Meats?
I love working in an industry that is unique yet everyone uses it. Being able to make a positive change in the way food is raised, and discovering how we can regenerate the land to make it better than how we found it is really exciting. I’m glad to be part of a team, and it’s awesome to watch the team grow.