Jeff Kleinpeter

Jeff Kleinpeter is just good people. He believes in treating his employees, his customers, his cows and the environment with respect, a philosophy that’s helped Kleinpeter Dairy survive while hundreds of family-owned Louisiana dairies have not.

Kleinpeter became the first farm in Louisiana to be recognized by the American Humane Association for its superior treatment of animals.

“It’s simple to be ethical and to give good service—to treat the cows right and to treat your people right—but so many people just don’t get it and it blows my mind,” he says.

President, Kleinpeter Dairy

Hometown: Baton Rouge

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Since 1913, the Kleinpeter family has built its loyal following in the Greater Baton Rouge community with hormone- and cruelty-free milk, juice, eggs, butter and seasonal products like eggnog. Under the fourth-generation dairyman’s leadership, 2008 will be a big year as Kleinpeter Dairy branches into Lafayette and introduces ice cream. Seven flavors to start: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, buttered pecan, pralines and cream and no-sugar-added chocolate and vanilla.

Kleinpeter chose local ingredients: Ponchatoula strawberries, Bergeron pecans from New Roads and Aunt Sally’s Pralines from New Orleans.

“It just made sense to us,” he says. “Why wouldn’t we promote the products of other Louisiana farmers? There’s a big push these days to buy local. I see the signs at Whole Foods all the time. We’re just making it easier for people to enjoy Louisiana products as well as providing a little economic stability.”

“Since taking over he’s really brought that business around. They were doing well before, but not to the extent they are now. He’s innovative, creative, smart, ambitious. He really impresses me as a good business man.” ——David Kessler, vice president, The Bank of Commerce in White Castle