Colton Johnson holds associate degrees in Petroleum Technology, Natural Gas Compression, and Electrical Instrumentation from Panola Junior College, where he also competed in team roping. His background includes oil and gas well completion, concrete pumping, and general contracting. Colton has worked in his family’s manufacturing business his entire life. His technical knowledge and hands-on experience make him a valuable resource for Apex customers looking for reliable, informed solutions in the field.
Meet the Team
Keaton Bush – Operations Manager
Keaton oversees the day-to-day operations and production at our company, ensuring everything runs efficiently and effectively. With a diverse background that includes managing his own cattle operation and experience in insurance, pest control, and reproduction sales, he brings a well-rounded perspective to our team. His strengths in time management, communication, leadership, and organization make him an exceptional manager and an essential part of our continued success.
Colton Johnson– National Sales Representative
Olivia Johnson– Administrative Assistant
Olivia recieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition from Texas A&M University. She gained national exposure in marketing and public engagement as the 2022 Texas Watermelon Queen and 2023 National Watermelon Queen. Olivia creates digital content for the National Watermelon Promotion Board across platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. With three generations of family experience in broiler house operations, she brings both agricultural insight and creative strategy to Apex Mortality Disposal.
Jay Perryman – Controller
Jay oversees financial operations and supports the research and development of the Thermal Dehydration Unit. With experience in the oil and gas industry and rail terminal acquisitions, Jay brings a sharp business acumen. Prior to joining the team, he served as an accountant for Hill Country Restaurants and Fredonia Hotel, focusing on cost structures in food and beverage. Jay holds both a BBA and MBA in accounting from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Jim Donnan –Director of Manufacturing
Jim brings over 40 years of diverse experience in manufacturing, design, business development, and marketing. A lifelong entrepreneur, he owns and operates a cattle ranch and has a background in real estate and poultry farming. Jim’s extensive knowledge in quality control, product development, and efficient manufacturing plays a key role in the success of our thermal dehydration systems.
Howell Howard – Director of Customer Relations
With over 50 years in the poultry industry, Howell brings unmatched experience and insight. As the operator of multiple broiler and breeder farms and the founder of East Texas Poultry Supply, Howell understands what poultry growers need to succeed. His deep industry relationships and hands-on approach ensure customer needs are met with real-world expertise.
Bob Reeves – Director of Sales and Marketing
Bob has more than 40 years of experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, and sales. A dedicated farmer and rancher, he also brings industry insight from the food sector and oil and gas process cooling. Bob holds a BBA in International Business and Finance from the University of Texas, and he leads with a strong understanding of both technical solutions and customer needs.
Payne Howard – Machine Operations
Payne has over 25 years of experience in poultry management and has been instrumental in the development and ongoing refinement of the Thermal Dehydration Unit. Actively managing eight broiler houses in East Texas, Payne bridges the gap between field operations and technical innovation, ensuring our solutions are rooted in practical performance and daily farm realities.

