About Us — Black Belt Goods & Services

Gary S. McKinney

Founder/Operator

Gary McKinney is a lifelong resident of Sumter County, Alabama, who spent more than 40 years traveling the world throughout his career in the offshore oil and gas industry. Between offshore assignments, Gary devoted himself to the Southern outdoor traditions he has enjoyed since childhood—training horses, managing cattle, conducting prescribed burns, and stewarding land and wildlife. His years as an oilfield maintenance manager also provided extensive expertise in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment. Today he combines his technical knowledge with a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, helping landowners care for their property while preserving the natural resources and wildlife that make Alabama's Black Belt so special.

Ann W. McKinney

Founder & Merchandising Director

Like Gary, Ann grew up in Sumter County, Alabama, on her family's Black Angus cattle farm. Her passion for design and merchandising led her to New York where she spent more than 20 years building a successful career with nationally recognized companies including Lord & Taylor, Manhattan Industries, Henri Bendel, and Burberry. Today, Ann combines her extensive product development and merchandising experience with her deep roots in Alabama's Black Belt to create products inspired by the traditions of land stewardship, conservation, and the people that proudly call the South home.