34
SIDELINESMAGAZINE | May 2026
JAIME MCKINLEY
The Next Generation at W.F. Young
What role have animals played in your life?
Animals have always been a constant in my life and
a source of connection and purpose. While I do not
personally own horses today, horses have always
been central to our company and to my family’s
history. Animals bring an extraordinary kind of
love. They are intuitive, healing and generous in
ways that are hard to put into words. Being able
to dedicate my career to improving their lives is
something I will never take for granted.
What does it mean to you to continue
the W.F. Young legacy in your family?
It’s both an honor and something I feel deeply
responsible for. Our company was co-founded in
1892 by my great-great grandmother, Mary Ida
Young, at a time when women were rarely seen
in business. She helped pioneer better care for
animals, especially horses, and built a company
grounded in compassion and innovation. Today,
I’m proud that multiple members of the next
generation, including two of my cousins, are
contributing to the business.
W.F. Young, Inc. is a fifth-generation family-owned
animal health and wellness company founded in 1892.
The business began when Jaime McKinley’s great-great
grandmother, Mary Ida Young, and her husband, Wilbur, set
out to find a better way to care for their horses. That effort
led to the creation of Absorbine Veterinary Liniment, a
product that continues to be trusted by horse owners today.
For more than 130 years, the Young family has remained
committed to caring for horses and animals, guided by
a deep respect for the bond between animals and the
people who care for them. Today, their portfolio includes
brands such as Absorbine, UltraShield, Silver Honey and
The Missing Link.
Carrying on her family’s tradition, Jaime was appointed
president in 2021 and became both president and CEO in
2023. “A key part of our approach has always been listening
to our customers,” Jaime said. “Many of our most trusted
products have come directly from understanding the needs
of horse owners and pet owners, and responding with
solutions that make a meaningful difference in their daily
care routines. That connection continues to guide how we
innovate and grow.”
What are some of the challenges
you face in your field?
To be successful in business, I believe it requires
a balance of courage and responsibility. You
need the confidence to take calculated risks,
while also understanding the weight of the
decisions you make and the impact they have on
people, the business and the future. Over time,
I’ve learned that leadership is not about having
all the answers, but about making thoughtful
decisions, staying grounded in your values and
being accountable for the outcomes.
What great things have happened in your
life through your role at W.F. Young?
The most meaningful part of this journey has
been the people and the impact. I’ve had the
opportunity to work alongside an incredible
team and to serve customers who care deeply
about their animals.
I have always had a passion for innovation,
and it has been incredibly rewarding to see that
come to life through new products such as Silver
Honey and UltraShield Gold. Our growth has
been fueled by creating solutions that truly meet
the needs of our trusted consumers.
What advice would you give other women
considering a career in business?
Do not wait until you feel completely ready to
take on a new challenge. Growth often happens
when you step into something that stretches
you. Stay curious, build strong relationships and
be willing to learn along the way. Confidence is
built through experience over time.
What contribution do you hope
W.F. Young can make to the lives
of pets and their owners?
At our core, we want to improve the lives
of animals and support the people who
care for them. For horse owners especially,
there is a deep level of trust involved in how
they care for their animals, and we take that
responsibility seriously.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with family, being
outdoors and being around animals. I also
enjoy traveling, fishing, reading and hosting
gatherings with family and friends. Those
moments give me a chance to recharge and stay
connected to what matters most.
Photo by Micky Bones Photography
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Jaime McKinley is the CEO of W.F. Young,
which her family started in 1892.