Paul Lewis

“When I got there, everybody but Jerry Avaya was white. It wasn’t like we said we want people of color. We said we want people with experience, and language ability, and cultural experience from these areas that we’re trying to do exports to. That’s what drove it. It wasn’t like we had a quota or anything.“

Paul Lewis, as Director of International Marketing, reported to John Vlcek. He expanded the department’s already successful livestock export to incorporate the new Taste of Texas program. His staff recruited Texas companies to come with them to international food shows and either supply products or actually come themselves. If the companies made contacts, Paul’s staff would assist them meeting the requirements of international buyers and finding financing to fund their growing sales.