The Team Behind the Tradition
As a family-owned and operated business, we take pride in building community, investing in our people, and surrounding ourselves with a team of experts. Meet the dedicated staff who make it all happen here at Uvalde Meat Market.
Joe and Tristin Durham
High school sweethearts that grew up in Corpus Christi around oil refining, farming, and ranching. Â Together, in the past 30 years have got the opportunity to build many businesses in the refining and retail spaces. Â Now, from their love of the great outdoors, Â they have focused their efforts to the agriculture and wildlife business.Tristin andJoehave been extremely blessed throughout their marriage with four wonderful children, great businesses that were built by incredible people that are considered family. Â They want to pursue new successes in ranching and hunting industry by using a past proven method of bringing good people together to serve one another for the common goal of greatness. Â The couple completely gives all the glory to Jesus for the wonderful gifts they have received in the past, present, and exciting prospective future.
Andy Lemon
Originally from Corpus Christi and raised in South Texas, Andy Lemon grew up in FFA and stock shows, where he learned early on the value of hard work and the pride that comes with it. Those early roots shaped a lifelong connection to agriculture and the outdoors that still defines him today. Andy went on to build a 25-year career in the oil and gas industry, including 19 years with Valero, before his journey brought him to Uvalde Meat Market in January 2026. No matter where his career took him, he always kept a hand in the land—raising cattle and exotic animals along the way. At the center of it all is family. Andy has been married for 23 years and is a proud father of four. Recently, he and his family made the move to La Pryor, Texas, where they continue building a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find Andy outdoors—whether he’s tending to his animals or simply enjoying the South Texas land he’s always called home.
Esmer Garcia
Originally from McAllen in the Rio Grande Valley, Esmer was a standout track and relay competitor in her youth and called the Valley home for most of her life where fate introduced to Chris—a dedicated UMM delivery driver and the man she’s proudly called her husband for the past 36 years. In 2023, they made the move to D’Hanis, together they’ve built a loving family that includes one daughter and two granddaughters, ages 13 and 8, with whom Esmer shares a strong and cherished bond. Throughout her career, Esmer has worn many hats across a variety of industries—from banking roles at Frost Bank, AT&T, and NuStar Energy, to the oil and gas sector with Stronghold. Eventually, her journey led her to UMM, where she now brings over 38 years of customer service expertise and has been a valued team member for more than two years. When she's off the clock, Esmer loves staying active and getting creative with crafts. You’ll often find her soaking in the beauty of the Hill Country, or browsing through antique shops in search of hidden treasures.
David Wilkinson
Born in Pasadena, David has lived all across Texas—from the Panhandle to Dallas/Fort Worth, and now Uvalde, where he’s called home for the past 8 years. After retiring, he decided to make a comeback, joining UMM two years ago and bringing with him a wealth of experience from a diverse career. David’s background spans multiple industries, from working at a major meat processing plant to roles at Portion Trol, LTV, Southwest Airlines, Sharp Glass, Bellstar and working at the Union Stockyards in San Antonio where he made lifelong connections. His expertise in meat markets and wild game processing is unmatched, making him a true pro in his field. At heart David is a UT fan, but he proudly supports any Texas team. Outside of work, he's a proud father of three, with one of his kids helping sell the shop's Beef Tallow. When he's not at UMM, you can find him doing what he loves most—fishing, hunting, or reminiscing about his days as the president of the Bowie High School Rodeo Club, where he competed and earned buckles in bull riding and steer dogging.
Tanner Cox
In September 2025, he’ll celebrate two years with UMM, bringing a wealth of experience from a life deeply rooted in agriculture and ranching. Growing up in Hobbs, NM, his family has been a cornerstone of production agriculture, and he’s carried that legacy forward with pride. His journey began in high school, where he was actively involved in the FFA at Hobbs High School and judged 4H contests in Lea County, NM. After graduating, he took his talents to the green grass of college golf at New Mexico Junior College. But the pull of the family ranch was strong, and he soon found himself working full-time as a ranch hand on the land his great-great-grandfather established in Encino, NM nearly 80 years ago, running cattle in the heart of New Mexico. From there, he moved to Uvalde, where he continued working on family properties in Crystal City, running yearlings on improved pasture. In 2023, he graduated from Tarleton State University with a degree in Agriculture Services and Development, further cementing his expertise in the field. Tanner is a competitive and well known guide within the rifle and bow world, which makes him invaluable to our wild game processing plant. In March 2025, he married his college sweetheart, Sadie Ann, and the two are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child in February 2026.
Hector Vasquez
Born in Piedras Negras, Mexico, Hector’s passion for butchery began early in life, surrounded by ranchers and family friends who owned a meat market. They took him under their wing, teaching him everything he knows about the craft—and it was there that Hector discovered his true calling. In 2001, driven by a deep passion for the trade, he immigrated to the United States with a clear goal: to pursue his dream at a processing plant in Uvalde. He began his journey in construction, working various jobs, but when the opportunity at UMM arose, Hector returned to his roots as a butcher—a move that marked the beginning of a 22-year-long career with the company, one he hasn’t looked back on since. Married for 24 years to his wife Iris, whom he met at a local rodeo in Mexico, Hector and Iris share a love for ranching and are raising their four children with the same values. Their eldest son is set to make history this December as the first in the family to graduate from college, with dreams of becoming a teacher. His other son is about to begin his college journey, while their two younger children are still navigating high school and junior high. In addition to his work at UMM, Hector and Iris run a ranch in Mexico, where they’re raising sheep and looking to grow their herd. When he’s not butchering or tending to the ranch, Hector is a big fan of boxing, with Canelo being his all-time favorite boxer.
Beto Anguiano
Hailing from Monclova Coahuila, Mexico, Beto’s journey in the butchery world began in high school when he first learned the ropes of butchering pigs alongside a friend. His love for ranching took him across Mexico, moving cattle and gaining hands-on experience in various ranching roles. Beto’s career then took him to Williams Ranch near Waco, where he processed wild game and helped out as a ranch hand during the offseason. He also honed his skills in deer processing in Rock Springs and ran the USDA production plant processing roughly 300 hogs a day in Del Rio for the Union Slaughterhouse. In 2009, he made the move from Del Rio to Uvalde, TX to work at UMM, where his passion for the craft deepened and with over 20 years of experience, he eventually made Uvalde his home. It was here in Uvalde that he met his wife, Dora, and together, they have two children. For the past 15 years, Beto has been an invaluable member of the UMM team. Over the last decade, he’s truly mastered his craft as a butcher. When he's not perfecting his skills at UMM, Beto enjoys welding—whether it’s building fences, crafting tables, or designing barbecue pits. He also has a love for soccer, a passion that started in high school and continues today as he cheers for his favorite team, Real Madrid, and his all-time hero, Ronaldo Nazário.
Norma Castillo
Born in Piedras Negras, Mexico, in 1977, Norma has spent her life building a strong foundation for herself and her family. After settling in Uvalde, TX, she began her career as a healthcare provider, and quickly established herself as a dedicated and hardworking member of the community. Today, her entire family calls Uvalde and San Antonio home. Norma joined UMM in 2009, starting in packaging, and over the years, her commitment and expertise have earned her a managerial role. She’s truly one of the market’s hidden treasures—everyone knows that if you have a question, Norma is the go-to person. She’s built strong relationships with colleagues and customers alike, earning respect and admiration across the board. Family is at the heart of everything she does. Norma is a proud mother of two sons and one daughter, and her face lights up whenever she shares pictures of her recently welcomed second grandbaby. She takes immense pride in her daughter, who is the first in their family to graduate from Sul Ross University and is now serving as a Vice Principal in Uvalde. Her two sons are also following in her footsteps, pursuing their degrees and striving for success. Norma’s love for her family runs deep—she’s currently caring for her mother, ensuring that family remains the most important part of her life. Outside of work and family, she enjoys staying active with walks for exercise, playing bingo with friends, and, when she gets the chance, enjoying a little thrill on the $2-$3 machines at Kickapoo Casino in Eagle Pass.
Liz Sundland
Born in Denver, Colorado, Liz was raised in the heart of Texas, growing up in Spring, TX. From an early age, she was a powerhouse in sports, competing in tennis, soccer, lacrosse, and track and field. Her athleticism led her to play Division 1 soccer at The University of South Dakota, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree. Over the years, Liz has worn many hats, from handling marketing for the university’s athletics department to on field promotions with a AAA baseball team as an intern. Her career then took her into the oil and gas industry, where she gained valuable experience with several companies. Ultimately, Liz found her way to Uvalde Meat Market, where she has settled in and made the move to Hondo, TX, with her two young boys. When she’s not working, Liz loves to spend her time outdoors—whether it’s hunting, fishing, or simply taking in a beautiful sunset. But the moments she treasures most are those spent with her children, making memories that will last a lifetime.