When I was 16, I worked in the office of my father’s newly opened dry food repack line. My duties were wide-ranging, to the point where many of the guys called me “HR.” It truly was the most unconventional job I ever had but, at a young age, I learned how to organize a business, its employees, and the importance of integrity in the workplace. I also learned that food processing is a very interesting – and widely misunderstood – business. I was eager to learn more.
Fast forward to college when I did copious amounts of data entry for my father (gosh, how much has technology changed, am I right?) and became the best travel agent in the state, learning the fine art of a functional travel schedule. My father then sent me out to get a “real job” so I could truly appreciate the hard work and personal satisfaction this industry could later provide.
I was able to get an intricate understanding of the interworking of the business which serves as a remarkable base for everything that I do today.
Years later, when I started working for him full-time, I learned the business by filling in for him when he traveled. I learned his language, how he responded to questions, how he learned customer needs, how he outlined projects, and most importantly, how he communicated expectations for both the vendor and the processor. I was able to get an intricate understanding of the interworking of the business which serves as a remarkable base for everything that I do today.
I am grateful to my father for the tools he’s given me and the morals he instilled in me which have allowed me to be successful in an industry that is very challenging and relatively unique. He always told people that he wasn’t just a salesperson, but that he wanted to support each customer in finding the best solution for their business, even if that meant furthering their mutual relationship.
I strive to provide that same service to our customers. I seek to be a resource to them in an industry that is often unfamiliar to most, with an evaluation process that can be daunting, technology that is constantly evolving, and product that can have large variance from year to year. If I can educate our customers, they can better apply our products to theirs and make the best decisions for their companies. Ultimately, trust is at the forefront of our mission and I work tirelessly to maintain the highest standards of quality and reliability.
When I’m not working you can find me visiting friends around the globe, riding my cruiser to the farmers' market, and planning Pheasants Forever fundraising events.