Member Profile Spotlight
Say hello to some of our new 2025 members!
Logan Hooyer
Musket Corporation
Products & Services
Logan works with Renewable Diesel Feedstock and Biomass-Based Diesel (BBD) Consumption, helping bridge agriculture, oilseeds, and the fuel supply chain.
About Logan
Born and raised in Sioux Center, Iowa, Logan now lives in Houston, Texas, where his career keeps him at the crossroads of agriculture and energy.
Why NIOP?
For Logan and Musket Corporation, NIOP membership is about:
- Providing a Voice – Representing truck stops and BBD blending within the agriculture and oilseeds industries.
- Industry Connection – Engaging with peers and staying close to the challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing market.
A Few Fun Facts
- Advice to Newcomers: “This industry is changing so quickly that we all still feel new!”
- Favorite Part of the Job: Problem-solving when challenges arise.
- First Job: Washing dishes at the local bowling alley.
- Family Tradition: Every spring, about 70 members of his extended family spend a week together at a hunting lodge in Iowa.
- Favorite Sports Team: A devoted Minnesota Vikings fan.
Matt Payne
White River Nutrition
VP Commercial Operations
Products & Services
Matt Payne serves as VP of Commercial Operations at White River Nutrition, focusing on soybean oil.
About Matt
Born and raised in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Matt now lives in Omaha, Nebraska, where he continues to be actively involved in the agriculture and oilseeds industries.
Why NIOP?
“Being an active participant in organizations that promote the agriculture complex, especially those advocating for oilseeds, is paramount to the success of our company, White River Nutrition, as well as the success of our local, American farmer customers,” Matt explains.
A Few Fun Facts
- Favorite part of his job: “Every day is different.”
- Advice to new participants in the industry: “It is a small world, and this industry is even smaller. Meeting up at industry meetings and conferences helps keep everyone engaged and connected.”
- Fun fact: Matt is a seventh-generation farmer and rancher.
- First job: Server at a local steakhouse.
- Favorite book: All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
- Favorite food: Grilled snapper
- Hobbies: Scuba diving and deep-sea fishing
- Favorite tradition: Every 4 to 5 years, his family has a reunion at a national park where they camp, hike, and explore the local area.
Parker Richardson
Senior Commodity Buyer
Tyson Foods
Products & Services
Parker Richardson is a Senior Commodity Buyer at Tyson Foods, where he is primarily responsible for procurement, pricing, and rail & truck logistics in the fats and oils categories for approximately 40 Tyson facilities. He also manages the physical oils trading P/L, ensuring efficient operations across the supply chain.
About Parker
Originally from Harrison, AR, Parker now resides in Springdale, AR.
Why NIOP?
“As an end user, it is important to remain engaged with suppliers and the broader industry,” Parker says, emphasizing the value of staying connected through NIOP.
A Few Fun Facts
- Favorite part of his job: “Working with a fun and talented team of professionals across the range of commodities to which Tyson has exposure.”
- Inspirational quote: “The good news is that you don’t have to want to do it—you just have to do it.”
- Fun fact: Parker serves as Howitzer Chief of Section in the 142d Field Artillery Brigade of the Arkansas Army National Guard.
- First job: At 14, Parker worked in the Marion County Judge’s Office, taking calls from constituents about county road work requests.
- Favorite book: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Favorite sports team: Arkansas Razorbacks
Nicolas Sanudo
Aceites y Proteínas
Manager
Products & Services
Aceites y Proteínas specializes in processing crude safflower and sunflower oil, serving as a reliable supplier to the industry.
About Nicolas
Nicolas is based in Sinaloa, Mexico, where he manages operations that connect agricultural production with the broader oils and proteins market.
Why NIOP?
For Nicolas, the most valuable part of NIOP membership is:
- Networking – Building connections with peers across the industry.
- Market Updates – Gaining access to the latest insights and trends shaping the global market.
A Few Fun Facts
- Free Time: Golf is his go-to hobby.
- Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere with a beach.
- Favorite Sports Team: San Diego Padres.
- Favorite Food: Italian cuisine.
Sten Svendsen
ASF Liquid Logistics
Vice President
Products & Services
ASF Liquid Logistics provides global transportation and logistics services to NIOP members, specializing in bulk liquids shipped via Flexitanks and ISO Tanks.
About Sten
Originally from Denmark, Sten has lived in the United States for 25 years and now calls League City, Texas—just outside Houston—home. His career in logistics allows him to work at the heart of international trade, where no two days are ever the same.
Why NIOP?
For Sten and ASF Liquid Logistics, NIOP membership represents:
- Networking with Industry Peers – Building relationships, sharing insights, and understanding unique market challenges.
- Access to Market Intelligence – Staying informed on trends and supply/demand forecasts to better guide customers, particularly in times of uncertainty.
- Alignment with Industry Values – Upholding professionalism, integrity, and ethical practices alongside a respected community of industry leaders.
A Few Fun Facts
- Favorite NIOP Memory: His first conference in 2016, where he was struck by how welcoming everyone was and how the organization includes spouses—a rare and appreciated touch.
- Free Time: Sten enjoys weekends cooking, golfing, or sailing on Galveston Bay. He and his wife share their home with three lively Poodles who keep him active.
- Advice to Newcomers: “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and network at the NIOP Conference. Long-time members are always happy to share knowledge and make introductions.”
- Family Pride: His wife, Gabrielle, has built a remarkable career with NASA, supporting astronauts and their families through her work in Operational Psychology, Behavioral Health, and Performance.
- Unique Past: Before serving in the Danish Army, Sten was a radio DJ in Denmark.
- Languages: Fluent in Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, German, and English—with some Spanish as well.
- Favorite Sports Team: A lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan since watching his first Super Bowl broadcast in Denmark in 1989 (at 1:00 AM local time!).
- Food Favorites: Seafood (thanks to his family’s roots in commercial fishing) and Italian cuisine.