Farewell Gary!

Dear Friends of The Patio,

We hope this note finds you in good health and good spirits.

We are writing to let you know of a big milestone in the life of The Patio Ranch and in that of our family. This year, Gary Ploch celebrates his 39th year serving our family, our friends, the animals and the land of The Patio Ranch.

This June, Barbara and Gary will be moving off The Patio Ranch to Mountain Home. In recognition of his amazing life of service, Gary will graduate away from our day-to-day operations and focus instead on the sustainability of our land and our herd, communications, relationships, hospitality and some new, special family projects.

If you have been out to The Patio Ranch in the last six months, you might have met Daniel Gray. Daniel has been with The Patio since November of 2014 and has been training as the new manager for the ranch.

Daniel was raised on his family’s ranch in Gonzales, Texas. He spent his childhood hunting, fishing and camping. Daniel enjoyed scouting and earned the rank of Eagle Scout as well as many other scouting awards. After graduating from Texas A&M Kingsville with a degree in Ranch and Wildlife Management, Daniel spent 7 years working at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area where he was involved in white-tail deer research and coordination of public hunts. Daniel and his wife, Carra, are the proud parents of 18-month old Natalie and are expecting a boy at the end of the summer.

Please join us in thanking Gary for his incredible service and in welcoming Daniel to build on the work that dates back over 50 years in our family, and almost 100 years to that of Mr. Friedrich. Come see us soon!