Patrick Montgomery is an ideal candidate for the Veteran of the Year® or Vetrepreneur® of the Year (VOY) Award due to his remarkable journey as a veteran entrepreneur and his significant contributions to the agriculture industry and veteran community. As a veteran of the 1st Ranger Battalion, Patrick’s personal experiences, particularly the loss of his brother-in-law in action, have shaped his mission to effect meaningful change in U.S. agriculture through his company, Kansas City Cattle Company.
Founded in 2016, Kansas City Cattle Company reflects Patrick’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and quality. Frustrated by the mistreatment of animals and the declining quality of beef driven by corporate interests, he established a ranch that focuses on humane practices and produces premium American Wagyu beef. His dedication to animal welfare is evident in the care and respect given to the cattle, resulting in some of the finest steaks available. Notably, KC Cattle Company's hot dogs were named the best beef hot dog by Food & Wine magazine in 2020, significantly boosting sales and visibility for the brand.
Furthermore, Patrick is dedicated to empowering fellow veterans through initiatives like Valor Provisions, which he created to support American producers, especially veterans. This cooperative allows consumers to shop for meat from multiple veteran-owned producers, promoting local agriculture and enabling veterans to achieve economic independence.
In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, Patrick actively volunteers with various veteran support organizations, helping those transitioning to civilian life rediscover purpose and direction. His personal journey of overcoming grief and finding renewed purpose in family and community service exemplifies resilience and leadership.
Recognizing Patrick Montgomery with the VOY Award would honor his commitment to ethical agricultural practices and his tireless efforts to uplift the veteran community, demonstrating the extraordinary impact veterans can make as entrepreneurs.
Kansas City Cattle Company
After serving with the 1st Ranger Battalion, Patrick Montgomery returned home carrying more than gear—he carried the weight of a brotherhood and the memory of those who didn’t make it back. One of them was his brother-in-law and fellow Ranger, Staff Sergeant Jeremy Katzenberger, who was killed in action in 2011. That loss became the fuel for a mission bigger than himself.
KC Cattle Company exists to honor Jeremy’s legacy by creating meaningful work for veterans and producing the highest-quality beef in America. What started as a way to find purpose after service has grown into a calling: to lead with values, to work with integrity, and to deliver something real in every bite.
KC Cattle Company started with no land, no cattle, and no playbook—just a relentless drive to build something meaningful. In 2016, Patrick Montgomery traded his Ranger uniform for work boots and set out to create a first-generation cattle operation from the ground up.
With no ranching background, every skill was learned the hard way—through trial, error, and sheer determination. Fences were built by hand. Lessons came from early mornings and long nights. The result: a herd raised with purpose, precision, and respect.
This ranch is a tribute to fallen brothers, a gift to family, and proof that excellence isn’t given—it’s earned. Every day on this land reflects the values that shaped us: discipline, resilience, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
