Ronald Brakke, the respected founder and president emeritus of Brakke Consulting Inc., a leading consulting firm in the animal health, veterinary, and pet care industries, passed away on July 30, 2025, at the age of 84. His pioneering work has left a profound and enduring mark on the industry.
A native of Forestburg, South Dakota, Brakke earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1963. He also served in the Army National Guard from 1963 to 1971 and later completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard School of Business in 1983.
Brakke’s career in animal health began at Sioux Nation Veterinary Supply in Sioux Falls. He later joined the over-the-counter division of Diamond Labs, relocating to Oklahoma City. In 1966, he became part of Thuron Industries in Dallas, which was later renamed the Animal Health Division of Zoecon. Brakke rose to the position of president in 1975, leading Zoecon to impressive growth—revenues soared from $15 million to $125 million—while establishing the company as a leading supplier of insect control products for pets and livestock.
In 1986, Brakke left Zoecon to establish Brakke Consulting, which serves CEOs, division leaders, managers, investors, and stockholders of nearly every major pharmaceutical, vaccine, pet food, and animal nutrition company. The firm offers consulting, market research, recruiting services, and support for business development and licensing transactions in the animal health sector.
In a July 31 email to subscribers of the Brakke Consulting Animal Health News and Notes, Brakke Consulting President Robert Jones reflected on Brakke’s contributions:
“Ron knew a lot of people, helped many companies solve problems and grow, assisted in placing talented individuals in new roles, and led numerous transactions across the animal health industry. Under his leadership, Brakke Consulting produced five landmark studies that shaped the industry. He always wanted the industry to be better.”
Brakke is survived by his wife, Rebecca, his brother Allen (Jo) Brakke, daughters Rebecca Suzanne (Mick) Moore and Rachel (Matt) Holman, and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on August 22, 2025, in Dallas.
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