East Tennessee Livestock Center
History 

Forty-four years ago Joseph W. Houston and four business partners saw the need for a livestock market in Southeast Tennessee.  Sweetwater was selected as the location, and in April 1962 the East Tennessee Livestock Center was born.  At that time Joe was an extension specialist with the University of Tennessee.

As the market began to grow, Joe left UT and worked full-time in the market.  After the first couple of years, Gladys joined her husband as office manager.  Over the next few years, Joe bought his partners out.

In 1980, Mark Houston graduated from the University of Tennessee.  When Mark entered the business it became 100% family owned.  Mark expanded both the market and related order-buying business.

In 1987, tragedy struck, and Gladys died.  Mark's wife Jennifer, also an animal science graduate from UT left the USDA to enter the family business. 

In 1994 Joe retired from the market, but the Houstons look forward to the future.  Son, Ross is still at home and helps out at the market when he is not playing soccer or basketball.  Daughter, Virginia is a graduate student at George Washington University, but works during college breaks.

Although a family business, the East Tennessee Livestock Center continues to serve their many customers (old and New from throughout the Southeast.