Meet the Ranchers

Carl is the founder of HK Yak Ranch and the definition of the American dream. Born and raised in Colorado, Carl started a construction company 10 days after graduation with just his brother and only $110 in his pocket. Carl's talent for quality customer service and superior craftsmanship led his company to become one of America’s most successful construction companies. In 2017, he retired to focus exclusively on caring for his yak herd. His herd, which originally began in 2005 as a hobby with only 13 yaks, has grown to become one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Carl meticulously groomed his yaks to be wholesome, sustainable, and delicious. The yaks currently roam free on more than 2,000 acres of pristine land in the heart of the Black Hills of Wyoming. Carl’s hope is that people will discover the tremendous health benefits and rich flavors of yak meat. Carl is an avid hunter, devoted husband, father of a military serviceman, and eight time Ironman triathlon finisher. At HK Yak Ranch, Carl is in charge of herd maintenance and meat processing.

Dana is a Colorado native and she has dedicated her professional career to mental health counseling. She received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business Administration/Secondary Education from Western Colorado University, Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Counseling from Adams State University, and teaching credential from Colorado Mesa University. A mental health clinician by trade, Dana has become an expert in substance use disorders, learning/school psychology, and parenting education. She is a PhD candidate of Grand Canyon University’s General Psychology program. Additionally, Dana is the owner of San Juan Quarter Horses - HK Yak Ranch’s sister ranch that breeds champion horses from the offspring of the world renowned stallion, Joe Cody. Her favorite hobbies include shooting, snowmobiling, and Bible study with her girlfriends. Dana is a second degree black belt in Taekwondo. At HK Yak Ranch, Dana oversees hospitality and property management.

Vance was born and raised in Western Colorado to Carl and Dana. He studied a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology at the U.S. Air Force Academy and is currently serving on Active Duty. When his parents bought their first yaks in 2005, he was immediately put to work helping manage and grow the herd. Since then it’s been full steam ahead for Vance in learning everything he can about ranching and bringing the best yak products this side of the Mississippi to our customers. Vance is happiest when he’s busy, so when he’s not working at his day job he’s busy working on the Ranch! He is happily married to the beautiful Kealy Hawk and a proud brand new father. Vance handles customer development and logistics.

A true country girl, Kealy Hawk was born in Colorado and has spent most of her life outdoors. She studied nursing at Roseman University and is an x-ray/MRI technician graduate of Colorado Mesa University. Her professional specialty is lactation counseling. Check out her website www.mamamoolactation.com! Kealy aspires to become an expert in infant health and support women who are transitioning into motherhood. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, painting, and spending time with family. She is happily married and the mother of a beautiful baby girl. At HK Yak Ranch, Kealy uses the yak skulls, fur, and other inedible parts to create gorgeous works of art. Her store, “Kealy Creations”, draws inspiration from nature and her Christian faith.