Mission
RELATIONSHIPS. EXPERTISE. INSIGHT.
PAST
Founded in 1952 , E.B. Wakeman began as a brokerage house selling by-products for meat packers and renderers such as Armour, Swift, and Clougherty Packing. Over the decades, E.B.Wakeman has become a trusted partner with strong ties to the livestock and packing industries. Our role has evolved as specialized commodity merchants, with unique connections, established relationships and areas of expertise.
Original E.B. Wakeman Handbook from 1954
PRESENT
Foresight. The depth and breadth of our participation in the marketplace has provided us with the ability to identify emerging markets and anticipate market trends. Leveraging these insights allows us to secure agreements with agricultural by-product clients and build inroads with processing industries in need of their products, well ahead of market demand.
The E.B. Wakeman Advantage. Having our central offices in California puts us squarely in the midst of an arena with a built-in demand for renewable energy. Our reliable, cost-effective logistics network rests on solid relationships, built over decades while following a few, simple principles:
How we work:
- We are straightforward and easy to deal with.
- We are as respectful as we are respectable.
- We know that expertise is no substitute for listening to a client and understanding their needs before offering a solution. Once that solution is offered, we carry it out in a timely, professional manner.
Stephen Silva
President & CEO
Stephen has served as President of E.B. Wakeman Company since 2017, and as Vice President starting in 2005. Stephen brings over two decades of experience in the rendering, animal feed, and biofuel markets. He holds a degree in Animal Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and currently manages day-to-day operations at E.B. Wakeman. In 2019 he was selected to serve as president of the California Grain and Feed Association (CGFA) where he helped drive several new initiatives for the trade organization. Originally from California’s Imperial Valley, Stephen now resides in Paso Robles.
team memberS
Meet our Leadership team.
James Enns
Senior Trader
James is a 2006 graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He joined E.B. Wakeman in 2007. He has a degree in Agricultural Science, and an extensive background in the poultry industry. James merchandises animal proteins and feed fats throughout the Western United States. He also serves our clients in a diverse range of industries that include renewable energy and oleo-chemical. James lives in San Luis Obispo with his wife Mary and their four daughters. In his personal time, he enjoys swimming and hiking along California’s picturesque Central Coast.
Luis Gonzalez Najera
Sales Manager – Latin America
Luis manages business operations for E.B. Wakeman in Latin America. Originally from Mexico City, he now resides in Queretaro in Central Mexico with his wife and three daughters. Prior to joining E.B. Wakeman in 2014, Luis worked for one of Mexico’s largest agribusiness firms. He went on to assist with the launch of a startup that imported fats and oils from the U.S. to Mexico. Luis has a valuable network of contacts throughout Latin America. He oversees sales of fats and oils into Mexico’s industrial sector and works closely with animal feed companies to import a variety of protein meals and other feed ingredients.
Holly Hughes
Accounting Manager
Holly joined E.B. Wakeman in 2013 as lead Accounting Manager overseeing all accounting and HR duties. She brings a wealth of experience to the business through past involvement in several successful enterprises, most notably Holly Hughes Bookkeeping Service, established in 1991. Holly’s firm worked primarily with small businesses and start-ups. Her clientele included a high-profile Los Angeles firm that required international banking, multi-currency accounting and payroll for 500 +employees in the US and abroad. Holly is thrilled to live near the ocean in Arroyo Grande, CA. She enjoys walking on the local beaches, reading, baking, and has a passion for interior design.
Paul Boortz
Senior Trader
Paul grew up in the foothills skirting California’s Central Valley. In 2016, he graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a BS degree in Agricultural Business. While there he was involved in several agriculture clubs and the water ski team. He was also a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Challenge Team that competed in global competition. Paul completed an internship with the JBS rendered products team in 2015 and joined E.B. Wakeman the following year. Paul manages the company’s expanding railcar fleet and spearheads sales into the renewable diesel sector. In his spare time Paul is an avid skier and scuba diver.
Paul Boortz
Senior Trader
Paul grew up in the foothills skirting California’s Central Valley. In 2016, he graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a BS degree in Agricultural Business. While there he was involved in several agriculture clubs and the water ski team. He was also a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Challenge Team that competed in global competition. Paul completed an internship with the JBS rendered products team in 2015 and joined E.B. Wakeman the following year. Paul manages the company’s expanding railcar fleet and spearheads sales into the renewable diesel sector. In his spare time Paul is an avid skier and scuba diver.
Ivette Brito
Logistics Manager – Latin America
Ivette joined E.B. Wakeman in December of 2021. She brings with her more than ten years of experience handling imports and exports by land, sea and air. She has a B.A. in International Relations, a certification in process reengineering, and a MBA from Universidad de las Américas A.C. - Mexico City. Ivette’s ability to thrive under pressure combined with her excellent communication skills make her an invaluable asset to our team. She lives in Mexico City with her daughter and loves to travel around the country. She also enjoys white water rafting, ziplining, and riding ATVs.