Michael Culley '93 – Business Management Major

Food Industry CEO: 'Curry Prepared Me for What I Am Today’

When he first stepped into the CEO position at his family’s egg company – the wholesaler behind the national Farmer's Hen brand – Michael Culley '93 says he didn't know that one of the most critical and demanding parts of his role would have nothing to do with eggs.

"Balancing the highs and lows of more than 90 different employees' personalities is probably the most challenging thing I do," the CMC Food, Inc., executive says. "It's tough, but I enjoy it."

Michael views the ongoing cultivation of internal relationships as a top business priority, saying that a strong, harmonious, and happy team makes achieving profit and growth objectives possible. As a hands-on leader, he regularly visits the warehouse floor, often pitching in to operate machinery, drive trucks, and make deliveries alongside employees.

"I care an awful lot about them and their happiness. I don't want to sit in an ivory tower - I want to be as approachable as possible."

He says that his time at the College shaped his leadership style and how he views his C-suite role, which he has now held for 14 years.

"Curry prepared me for what I am today. I learned how to work within a community, build relationships, and communicate with people, and I definitely took those experiences into my career."