Steve Polski
CEO

Steve Polski brings over 38 years of experience driving supply chain efficiency and developing profitable, sustainable revenue streams. A former Cargill executive, he worked globally to strengthen resilience in high-profile commodity markets. As Co-Founder and CEO of Live Better Beef, LLC, Steve led the strategy, plant design, and capital raise for Sustainable Beef, LLC — a Walmart-backed venture in North Platte, Nebraska. His leadership reflects a commitment to sustainable innovation and building value across the agriculture industry.

Russ Conser, a mechanical engineer from Iowa State University, spent 30 years with Shell advancing from global upstream operations to corporate strategy and technology innovation. He led Shell’s global “GameChanger” program, pioneering early-stage energy innovations and gaining foresight into the renewable energy transition. After retiring in 2013, he co-founded and now leads Standard Soil, a company scaling regenerative agriculture. Russ also serves as CTO of PermanentFarming, converting agricultural waste into biogas, power, and soil fertility products. In addition, he is a Venture Partner at Ecosphere Ventures, supporting transformative climate and sustainability technologies.

Todd Churchill
CFO

Todd Churchill is a pioneering rancher and social entrepreneur who founded Thousand Hills Cattle Company, one of the first national grass-fed beef brands. He currently serves as Co-Founder and CFO of Standard Soil and as a Consulting CFO and Ag Industry Leader at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), where he supports large ag and food businesses nationwide. Through his firm, CFO Insights LLC, he has served as part-time CFO to over 90 startups in sustainable agriculture and food. Todd also co-founded the Grassfed Exchange, advancing regenerative grassland practices. He and his family actively ranch across Minnesota, Illinois, and Oklahoma.

Bill Rubis has built his career through hard work, practical know-how, and a deep passion for agriculture. Beginning in agricultural importing and wholesaling, he developed expertise in market dynamics, logistics, and customer relationships. In 2009, he transitioned to designing and constructing beef cattle facilities, bringing a hands-on understanding of ranching operations. His projects are recognized for their durability, efficiency, and producer-focused design. Today, Bill partners closely with clients to build facilities that improve safety, productivity, and long-term success in the beef industry.

William Hale is a seasoned executive with more than 22 years of experience in corporate strategy, global operations, and leadership transformation across agriculture, food, and aviation. As Founder of Active Compass, he provides fractional strategy and operations guidance, along with executive coaching for organizations of all sizes. Formerly Chief of Global Operations for Cargill’s Corporate Strategy & Development function, he led a global team driving strategic execution and engagement across four continents. William is known for aligning strategy with execution, fostering values-based cultures, and mentoring future leaders through community and board service.