Inductees

He’s worked in the dairy industry for 50 years and counting and, early on, saw the importance of companies giving back to communities. As a leader, he kept the faith.

That’s what brings a smile to Rick Beaman. After all, helping the less fortunate and other non-profits makes for a pretty nice community to live in.

“Throughout my life, I was always a part of some type of charity,” Beaman said. “Early on, I realized how important they were primarily because of sports. We were always trying to raise money for charitable causes.”

His efforts in the past dozen years – and especially in leading Hiland Dairy Foods the past two years – are reasons why the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame proudly honored Beaman with the 2026 President’s Award.

The Hall of Fame is bestowing the award – and a Hall of Fame letter jacket – on Beaman, the president of Springfield-based Hiland Dairy Foods. The award recognizes those who champion the mission of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, as well as its signature charity fundraising event, Price Cutter Cares presented by Hiland Dairy Foods.

Beaman joined Hiland Dairy in 2012 and was promoted to president in 2023 following the retirement of Gary Aggus (MSHOF President’s Award 2025). Beaman saw to it that Hiland Dairy continued its corporate sponsorship with the Hall of Fame and Price Cutter Cares – both of which operate as 501(c)(3) not-for-profits.

He also serves on the board of both organizations and, in 2025, threw even more support behind both organizations after they experienced financial challenges.

That included Hiland Dairy sponsoring golf teams and tables in induction ceremonies for the Hall of Fame and, for the tournament, loaning a semi truck, refrigerator truck and display rig and more.

All this for an executive with proven leadership experience at several top private and public dairy companies.

“Since moving to Springfield 12 years ago, I quickly realized how important the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and Price Cutter Cares was to the community,” Beaman said. “Hiland has always believed in giving back to the community, so we align perfectly.”

In essence, the support has allowed the Hall of Fame to further honor the state’s rich sports history. The Hall of Fame has not sought out state or federal grants in its 32 years, and instead relies on private donations, induction ceremonies, golf events and a sporting clays shoot.

Thanks to Beaman’s continued support, the Price Cutter tournament went all out to ensure 2024 charities were made whole. The tournament then raised more than $525,000 for the 32 charities of 2025.

With the tournament – long a stop on the PGA Korn Ferry Tour – he hosted pro golfers at his home. They included Josh Creel, Kramer Hickok, Chad Ramey and Trey Mullinex.

Beaman attends most events. That should be no surprise, considering he developed a love for sports as a kid.

As a high school senior in High Point, N.C., he was a standout pitcher who averaged 16.5 strikeouts a game and was 15-0. He went on to earn baseball scholarships to Wingate Junior College and Guilford College.

Beaman started working full-time for Borden Dairy in 1975. He then joined Southern Foods as executive VP before accepting the position of CEO of the western region of Dean Foods. He later was president of LaLa USA in Dallas.

Beaman also serves on the MilkPEP board. He had previous board positions with IDFA, Milk Industry Foundation, McDonald’s Dairy Council, American Red Cross, and various retail food organizations.

Along the way, he has raised and shown cutting horses, hunted, fished and golfed. Last year, he completed a Grand Slam of Sheep, accomplished by only 2,800 hunters worldwide.

Beaman also emphasizes that his success is because of so many others. He has long had the support of his wife, Diane, and children Charlie, Matt, Jennifer and Jake, and four grandkids Addie, Emmie, Palmer and Charlie, Jr.

He also cannot thank Hiland Dairy and all of its employees enough for their dedication.

“My biggest mentors in my life have been my mother and father, Pat and Ken. They taught me to have a good work ethic and how to treat others like you would want to be treated,” Beaman said. “I have had many mentors in my life, and they all mean a lot. In my working career two people come to mind and that is Pete Schenkel (past Chairman of Dean Foods) and Gary Aggus. Both these individuals taught me integrity and just do what is right.”

What a career it’s been.