CALEDONIA, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Slim Smith

Triston and Melanie Gardner, both Caledonia natives, had been working at Fork n Road Deer Processing as seasonal labor for a number of years, learning the craft; as of September 1st, they took over the business from the retiring owners, Jack and Nancy Lamour. Melanie also works full-time as an ultrasound technician.

They credit the Lamours for their endless help and support with teaching them over the years, with the changeover, and with running the business itself: “We definitely couldn’t do this if they weren’t here to show us the ropes,” Triston said. “I worked with Mr. Jack last year on some of the behind-the-scenes things, ordering supplies and what you do to get ready for the next day. Melanie and I both understood a lot about the production side of things since we have both been doing that for years. Jack and Nancy have definitely taken us under their wings.”

“I’d like to find something that can make it a more year-round business, since this is what I want to be my career,” Triston said. “It’s been fun, but it’s been a little intimidating, too,” he went on to say. “But mainly, we’re enjoying it.”

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/community-profile-couple-embraces-first-season-owning-deer-processing-business/