About PDT
Process - Data - Technology
Our work supports organizations operating at critical points in animal agriculture, including veterinary and nutrition practices, livestock marketing companies, producer cooperatives, and integrated livestock enterprises. These clients are focused on improving animal health, production efficiency, marketing outcomes, and long-term business sustainability while maintaining trusted relationships with the producers they serve.
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We specialize in translating complex operational realities into clear strategy, messaging, and execution. This includes aligning on-farm performance and professional expertise with market expectations around traceability, responsible production, and value creation. Data is no longer just an internal management tool — it is part of how livestock and protein are positioned, differentiated, and rewarded.
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PDT Consultants brings together strategic planning, communications, technology adoption, and operational insight to help clients move forward with confidence. Our approach is practical and grounded in real-world production systems, not theory or buzzwords. We respect the pace and priorities of animal agriculture while helping organizations prepare for what’s next.
Our Team
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Phil Lawler
As a consultant and fractional executive, Phil has worked with more than a dozen AgTech and AnimalTech startups, helping them evaluate strategy, improve operations, and integrate advanced technologies. His strength lies in understanding industry dynamics, future challenges, and key stakeholders, enabling companies to adopt cutting-edge solutions with confidence.
Phil’s expertise spans AI-powered image analytics in meat processing, RFID livestock tracking, and emerging biometric tools such as GPS and Bluetooth tags for health monitoring and geofencing. He has supported the deployment of mobile and web-based platforms for data management, AI-driven analytics for feed budgeting and cost accounting, and streamlined electronic regulatory documentation. By pairing technology adoption with practical business strategy, Phil helps companies improve efficiency, compliance, and market impact.
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Tom Lawler
Tom Lawler grew up on a 1,500-acre family farm in northwest Iowa, where his passion for soil health began through FFA soil judging competitions. That interest deepened at Iowa State University, where he placed second nationally in soil judging in 2012 and later co-coached the ISU team from 2014 to 2016 while in graduate school. Throughout his academic career, Tom remained committed to soil science despite broader shifts toward plant breeding and genetics.
In 2018, Tom joined Indigo, where he immersed himself in soil health, regenerative agriculture, and sustainability, working alongside leading regenerative farmers across the country. A mild stroke in 2019 reinforced for him the connection between soil health and human health. That experience led to the founding of Living Roots Ag in 2022, a company focused on ag technology, sustainability, and farm profitability for farmers, ranchers, corporations, and government partners.
Sara Hamlin Lawler
Sara Hamlin Lawler is a seasoned marketing professional with deep experience across the livestock, animal health, and pet industries. She specializes in brand development and strategic marketing, helping companies build strong, recognizable identities that connect with their target audiences. Her work is grounded in a clear understanding of industry dynamics, consumer behavior, and market trends.
Sara also brings specialized expertise in direct-to-consumer marketing for beef brands. She helps producers navigate brand positioning, storytelling, digital marketing, and e-commerce strategy while leveraging social media, event marketing, and strategic partnerships. By aligning authentic messaging with effective execution, Sara helps brands build trust, strengthen customer relationships, and drive sustainable growth.
Stephen DeMoor
Stephen DeMoor supports PDT Consultants as a software developer, with a primary focus on systems and code development for livestock technology platforms. His work centers on building and refining data pipelines, application logic, and technical infrastructure that enable complex livestock data to be captured, processed, and returned as actionable insight. Based in Georgetown, Kentucky, Stephen plays a key role in supporting technology initiatives within the livestock sector, with particular emphasis on reliability, scalability, and real-world usability.
Kathryn Hempleman
Kathryn Hempleman partners with PDT Consultants’ through executive recruiting efforts within animal agriculture, with a focus on leadership roles across veterinary, livestock, and ag-based organizations. She brings a strong understanding of industry culture, operational demands, and the importance of long-term fit between candidates and companies. Kathryn’s work is informed by hands-on experience within agriculture-adjacent businesses, a disciplined recruiting approach, and a deep appreciation for the technical, relational, and strategic skill sets required to lead in modern animal agriculture.
Rahul Desai
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Rahul Desai is the founder of AI America, where he focuses on helping organizations understand, adopt, and responsibly implement artificial intelligence. His work centers on practical AI education, internal capability building, and translating emerging technologies into real-world business applications. Through AI America’s partnership with PDT Consultants, Rahul supports AI initiatives that prioritize clarity, governance, and measurable value across complex industries, including agriculture.
Our Advisory Board
Jeremiah Cooper, CEO CoopDIGITy. Jeremiah first began tinkering with computers at the age of three. He has worked in public and private sectors and consulted for a variety of organizations developing complex business systems end to end. In 2012 Jeremiah took a leap of faith and started CoopDIGITy, Inc.
John Murphy is an animal health database and analytics expert who knows how to leverage database technologies and data analytics to develop actionable business insights that successfully empower organizations to grow their business.
With more than 15 years in the industry, John has worked to wrangle data from a variety of systems and sources.