Ken Jorgensen and Bill Murphy are the 2023 inductees into the Dairy Products Institute of Texas Hall of Fame.

Ken Jorgensen

Ken joined H-E-B in 2007 as the Director of Dairy Operations which include Print and Floral manufacturing plants. During this time, the dairy team introduced many of the now “infamous” products you see on the shelf today - like Swoon, Mootopia, Creamy Creations, H-E-B Orange Juice, Greek Yogurt, and many more. While working in Florida Ken received the Southeast region sales person of the year award because of the Minute maid OJ copacking agreement.

Prior to H-E-B, Ken worked in the Dairy industry for 23 years. The foundation of his experience comes from 11 years as a Plant Engineer. Ken is a past President of the Florida Dairy Products Association and was a board member on IDFA’s International Ice Cream Association. He is a member of The Texas Dairy Products Institute in addition to serving as a MilkPEP board member.

Ken has always demonstrated a passion for driving new business and for product innovation. He has also been committed to helping his leaders grow. His passion for the business and commitment to his team is something we should all strive for.

Post H-E-B, Ken and his wife, Becky, plan to spend time with their family. Ken and Becky have four children (Andrew, Jamee, Katelyn, and Kyle) and three grandchildren (Harper, Adela, and Reagan) and another one coming in August. Ken recently had the privilege of walking his daughter down the aisle. He has coached a wide range of sports: hockey and baseball, to name a few.

Bill Murphy

Bill began his career at Bell Dairy, Lubbock, Texas in 1976 at the age of 17.  His experiences included operations, logistics, sales and divisional management.

In 1987, Bill and his family relocated to San Angelo at the then operating Gandy’s Milk and Ice Cream plant.  He progressed through the sales organization and in 1990, became the General Manager for both Bell Dairy (Lubbock) and Gandy’s Dairies. (San Angelo)

In 1994, upon the closing of the Gandy’s San Angelo facility, Bill moved back to Lubbock.  In addition to the West Texas plants, he assumed responsibility for the Gold Star facility in Clovis, New Mexico.

In 2007, Bill had the opportunity to relocate to Houston as the General Manager at Oak Farms.  Throughout the years, Bill has had the pleasure of working with and/or managing 9 different dairy operations between New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana.   Today, Bill enjoys his roll as General Manager at Oak Farms Houston.    

Bill and his wife Dawn have 4 children, 7 grand- children (and 1 on the way).  They are both life-long Texas Tech Red Raiders.  They enjoy spending time at their house in Ruidoso and enjoy spending time with the kids and grandkids.