EmpowerU Podcast — Episode Summary

Podcast: EmpowerU
Host: Weston Hendrix
Episode: Premium Beef Genetics Introduction
Date: March 27, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode introduces listeners to Premium Beef Genetics, a company specializing in high-quality beef cattle semen and genetics. Host Weston Hendrix is joined by Mike Marlo, founder of Premium Beef Genetics, to discuss the company's origins, mission, and the exciting partnership between EmpowerU and Premium Beef Genetics. The conversation covers Mike Marlo's personal journey in the cattle industry, the company's hands-on approach with breeders, and plans to regularly showcase standout sires and genetics on the podcast.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Story Behind Premium Beef Genetics

• Mike’s Early Passion: Mike Marlo shares how his involvement in the Angus business began at age 9, inspired by his parents allowing him to show Angus heifers. His passion for cattle and genetics only grew from there.
  • "I grew up in the Angus business... started AI breeding my own cows when I was about 16 years old." (03:04, Mike)
• Career Journey: From driving to AI (artificial insemination) courses as a teenager to working on large ranches and eventually managing thousands of cows at Limestone Angus Ranch.
• Specialization in Reproduction: Mike describes his focus on cattle reproduction—AI, embryo transfer, ultrasound, and working with semen companies.
  • "I've always had a passion for reproduction in general and doing all the things that are involved with that." (05:10, Mike)

2. Founding the Company

• Starting from Scratch: The company began in 2018 with minimal resources—a refurbished old house, just a handful of semen storage tanks, and a grassroots approach to building their website and catalog.
  • "We bought this old house that we refurbished... We had literally semen tanks in the bedroom, in the bathroom." (06:34, Mike)
• Unique Approach: Mike and his wife traveled across North America in search of quality bulls, often discovering animals overlooked by larger companies.
• Focus on Commercial Impact: Instead of chasing mainstream industry trends, Mike focused on bulls that excel in real-world conditions, providing both efficiency and eye appeal for commercial and registered herds.

3. Company Philosophy & Growth

• Hands-on Service: They prioritize timely, personal service and building relationships with breeders.
  • "We try to take the time and visit with people about [the bulls] and try to connect them with the right bulls for their program." (07:50, Mike)
• Rapid, Customer-Focused Fulfillment: Same-day shipping is a standard, even late in the day, to support breeders during the busiest seasons.
• Steady Growth: From just 12 shipment containers to 200 and industrial-scale nitrogen supply, evidence of consistent growth driven by customer trust and satisfaction.

4. The Partnership with EmpowerU

• Shared Values: Both parties highlight the mutual respect and excitement around the partnership, despite not having met in person yet.
  • "I want to be. I try to surround myself with people that are progressive and want to keep moving forward." (09:59, Mike)
• Podcasting as a Platform: The partnership aims to reach new audiences, highlight Premium Beef Genetics’ top sires, and energize breeders looking for quality genetics.
• Future Plans: Going forward, the podcast will feature monthly episodes spotlighting high-demand sires, new genetics, and success stories, providing value and fresh options for cattle producers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Building from the Ground Up:
  "We started from ground zero... built the catalog, built the website. And that's how we got started in 2018 just by, you know, just putting bulls out there."
  — Mike Marlo (06:07)

• On Customer Connection:
  "We just decided we was going to cater to them guys and try to help them market their bull sales and also market semen sales on some of these really high end bulls..."
  — Mike Marlo (07:00)

• On Dedication to Breeders:
  "Whether it's, you know, at 3:30 or 5:00, if UPS hadn't showed up, we pack it and ship it."
  — Mike Marlo (08:24)

• On the Partnership Vision:
  "I'm really excited to be able to represent y'all and just do business...we're going to try to knock out one to two episodes and highlight some of Premium Beef Genetics top sires..."
  — Weston Hendrix (08:59)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–01:22 — Weston introduces Mike Marlo and outlines the goals of the episode and partnership.
• 01:23–08:56 — Mike Marlo shares his backstory, the founding and philosophy of Premium Beef Genetics, and details their approach to service and growth.
• 08:56–10:28 — Weston and Mike discuss the upcoming podcast plans and excitement for helping breeders succeed.
• 10:29–11:34 — Closing remarks, with Weston emphasizing Mike's dedication and capabilities and encouraging listeners to connect if interested.

Tone & Takeaways

The episode is warm, energetic, and practical, channeling the can-do rural spirit. Both speakers are enthusiastic about supporting breeders, innovating in beef genetics, and building genuine relationships. Listeners come away with a clear sense of trust in Mike Marlo’s experience and Premium Beef Genetics’ customer-first approach, as well as anticipation for future episodes highlighting premium sires and market insights.