Michael C. "Corky" Bryan
Year Inducted: 2007
Parker Ranch | Hawai'i
Pu`uwa`awa`a Ranch | Hawai'i
As a kid from Ewa Plantation who wanted to be a cowboy, Corky Bryan didn’t know he was destined to take a leadership role in Hawai`i’s cattle industry. As a schoolboy working summers in O`ahu slaughterhouses, he had only heard of but never met many legendary Parker Ranch paniolo. He didn’t know he would one day become the Vice President of Livestock Operations of that very ranch – a position he holds today.
One thing Corky did know - - he was going to make cattle his career. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at California State Polytechnic College. When he returned, he went to work for Hawaii Meat Company’s feedlot, then worked at Princeville and Kipu Ranches on Kauai. He served for ten years as Ranch Manager for Pu`uwa`awa`a Ranch on the Big Island before returning to Hawaii Meat company, eventually becoming General Manager. Corky joined Parker Ranch in 1991 as Livestock Marketing Manager and was later promoted.
Corky counts some Paniolo Hall of Famers among his many mentors, including Alex Napier who allowed him to begin his career in cattle, Jack Midkiff whom he worked under at Princeville, and Miki Kato and Robert Keakealani, Sr. at Pu`uwa`awa`a, who taught him a love of the land, native flora & fauna, and a “can do” attitude.
Throughout his career, Corky has been a board member, a charter member, President, committee chair and/or member of numerous local and national organizations in the cattle and agricultural industries. Of all the credentials he has earned, Corky values most highly the Title, “Cattleman of the Year,” bestowed by his peers in 2006.
He still wants to be a cowboy when he grows up.