About

History

Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition, established in 2017, specializes in sourcing and distributing high-quality animal feed and crop nutrition products from around the world. Our team of animal nutrition and agricultural specialists brings decades of experience, including time spent at many of the suppliers with whom we now hold exclusive distribution agreements. While our roots trace back to The Plaza Group, we operate independently with a clear focus on agriculture and feed, setting ourselves apart from our petrochemical origins.

Building on more than 30 years of service and on-time delivery through The Plaza Group, our Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition team is committed to fulfilling our clients needs and growing our advantaged product portfolio with suppliers in the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Meet Our Team

At Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition, our team is fully invested in the success of our customers—because when our customers thrive, so do we. Every member of our team brings deep industry expertise, hands-on agricultural knowledge, and a commitment to going the extra mile.

From coordinating logistics to helping you find the right nutrition solutions, we’re here to serve with accuracy, efficiency, and unmatched customer care.

Randy Velarde

President, Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition

Randy spent 15 years in management and market development at Shell Chemical and Texaco Chemical before forming The Plaza Group in 1994. In 2017, he founded Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition. He was appointed by the former Secretary of Energy, Bill Richardson, to serve on the National Petroleum Council and has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by both Hispanic Business magazine and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He received a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of New Mexico and a M.B.A. from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio.

Jerry Dunn

Senior Vice President, Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition

Jerry Dunn serves as Senior Vice President of Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition, where he brings four decades of leadership in chemical distribution, business development, and strategic sales management. Before joining Plaza, Jerry led regional commercial expansion efforts for Thatcher Company and held key executive roles including Vice President of Sales at JLM Industries, overseeing its phenol and acetone business. His earlier career included positions at Henkel Chemical Management, Unocal Chemical, and in various management roles across the distribution sector.

A U.S. military veteran, Jerry began his professional journey after four years of service as a commissioned officer. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business, graduating with honors from the University of Georgia, and later completed his MBA at Bowling Green State University under a Teaching Assistantship.

Alysson Polzonoff

Technical Sales Leader, Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition

Alysson Polzonoff serves as Technical Sales Leader at Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition, bringing over 25 years of expertise in animal feed, crop nutrition, and agribusiness development across the U.S. and Latin America. With a strong foundation in animal science and veterinary medicine, Alysson provides strategic technical consulting and commercial support across poultry, ruminants, equine, and pet food sectors. His work focuses on identifying market opportunities, delivering science-based training, and fostering relationships with universities, producers, and industry influencers.

Alysson is a member of The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) as Professional Animal Scientist (PAS), and holds a Master’s degree in Animal Science and In Business Administration from UNIPAR. He has completed additional studies in biomarketing . His passion for innovation and sustainability guides his approach to bridging science and commerce—helping clients advance both animal health and business performance.

Diana Velarde

Customer Service Representative

Diana Velarde’s responsibilities include operations for AG and Animal Feed, Dry Lignosulfonates, and MEK. Diana joins TPG with a background in Marketing, Communications and Public Relations. She previously worked at Pickering Energy Partners where she led their marketing, events, and sponsorship efforts. Diana has interned at The Plaza Group offices in Houston and Mexico City previously.

Diana is a Houston native and enjoys working out, cooking, traveling, and seeking out new restaurants in the Houston area!

Diana holds a Bachelors of Marketing from Texas Christian University.

Brian Umberson

Biosolutions, Corporate Development

Brian Umberson joined Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition in 2025, bringing a multifaceted career spanning product development, technology commercialization, and sales leadership across the Agri-tech, Biotech, Food Safety, Animal Health, and Energy sectors. His expertise centers on pathogen diagnostics and interventions within food processing, protein live production, and animal health environments.

Throughout his career, Brian has led efforts involving thermal inactivation, antimicrobials, probiotics, bacteriophage, UV, and ozone technologies. He has contributed to product launches and market adoption strategies for emerging food safety solutions and diagnostic technologies.

A dedicated steward of food safety, Brian has served three terms as President of his local chapter of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), held a board seat, and represented the chapter on IAFP’s National Affiliate Council. He is also a published contributor to Food Safety Magazine and IAFP publications, and served on the organizing committee for the International Avian Influenza Summit.

In addition to his industry roles, Brian serves as a National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps) Industry Mentor, supporting biotech and high-tech startup ventures. He has also worked as a consultant through the SBA-funded Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster and ARise, a statewide Arkansas program supporting scalable tech companies.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing Management from The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. His professional training includes certifications in SalesForce, Miller Heiman’s Large Account Management Process, CustomerCentric Selling®, and specialized programs in FSMA, HACCP, FMEA, and ISO/QS 9000 protocols.

Cole Umberson

Biosolutions Technical Expert

Dr. Cole Umberson joined Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition in 2025, bringing deep expertise in animal nutrition, live production, and humane agricultural practices. Raised on a multigenerational family farm, Dr. Umberson has hands-on experience working with a broad range of production species, including poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and swine—an early foundation that shaped his passion for responsible and efficient animal care.

Dr. Umberson earned his Ph.D. in Poultry Nutrition from The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, where his research focused on energy and mineral utilization in broiler breeders. His academic and professional interests have consistently centered on optimizing animal health and performance through advanced nutritional strategies and sustainable practices.

Inspired by his grandfather, Donald Umberson—a longtime Tyson Foods leader—Cole’s career has been built on a blend of scientific rigor and practical knowledge passed down through generations. His grandfather’s legacy in live production and the poultry industry played a pivotal role in encouraging Cole to pursue his doctorate while actively contributing to the family farm.

Dr. Umberson holds a Ph.D. in Poultry Nutrition and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, as well as an Associate of Science in Animal Science from Eastern Oklahoma State College.

Allen Knippers

Aquaculture and Crop Nutrition Business Manager

Allen Knippers brings more than 20 years of experience in the chemical and industrial supply chain industries to Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition, where he focuses on building relationships with suppliers and customers and supporting the growth of the company’s portfolio of materials serving the animal feed, aquaculture, and crop nutrition markets.

Throughout his career, Allen has developed broad expertise across operations, inspection, terminals, logistics, and commercial marketing. This experience provides him with a strong understanding of complex supply chains and product distribution, helping him identify reliable sourcing opportunities and deliver consistent value to customers.

Growing up in Mississippi, Allen developed an early appreciation for the land, water, and industries that sustain communities across the region. This upbringing instilled a a practical understanding of how natural resources, agriculture, and business intersect.

Allen is especially excited to apply his experience to the aquaculture industry—one of the fastest-growing and most innovative areas of global food production. His background in chemicals and industrial operations provides a strong foundation for understanding water quality, feed systems, and the technical side of modern aquaculture production.

In addition to his work with Plaza Feed & Crop Nutrition, Allen also serves as Business Manager at The Plaza Group, where he oversees key client accounts and supports commercial development across the organization.