Clayton Michael-Butler, a native of Mulberry, Indiana, has cultivated a deep-rooted passion for agriculture from a young age, growing up on his family’s farm, Paul C. Michael Farms Inc. His early involvement with the Rossville FFA Chapter during his middle and high school years laid a solid foundation for his agricultural interests. After graduating high school early, Clayton served his country as a United States Marine Corps infantryman, an experience that instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and leadership.
Returning to Indiana, Clayton pursued a degree in AgriBusiness from Purdue University while taking on the role of Farm Manager at his family’s farm. His academic and practical experiences converged, equipping him with the skills needed to excel in the agricultural industry. After graduating in 2016, Clayton embarked on a dynamic career, starting with Syngenta as a Developmental Sales Representative, where his exceptional performance led to a rapid promotion to NK Sales Representative, overseeing a multi-state region. Clayton’s career trajectory continued upward as he took on the role of General Manager at Performance Ag Indiana, launching the successful venture Performance PowerSports of Indiana. His strategic mindset then took him to AgReliant Genetics, where he played key roles, including Western U.S. Dealer Development Lead, while simultaneously earning dual master’s degrees in agricultural economics and business administration from Purdue and Indiana University.
In 2022, Clayton’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Upper Echelon Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes overcome growth challenges. The firm initially focused on accelerating business growth through strategies centered on people, sales/marketing, and solid business foundations. Responding to growing client needs, Upper Echelon Consulting expanded its services to include generational business transition support, growth consulting, and asset management. The firm also offers Accelerated Growth University, an innovative online education platform for business owners. Clayton’s leadership and strategic insight have resulted in impressive client successes, with an average annual growth rate of 176%.
Building on his success, Clayton co-founded Legacy Meat Co. in 2023, a business that combines his agricultural background with his entrepreneurial drive, offering top-quality butcher services, a retail store, and catering. Clayton’s dedication to the agricultural community extends beyond his business ventures; he has served as Chair of the National Agriculture Future of America Advisory Committee and was a board member for Agriculture Future of America from 2020 to 2024. In his free time, Clayton continues to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter in Mulberry and as a committee member for Folds of Honor, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact both professionally and personally.