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Mary VanderBeek began her career as an agronomist and
wound up as a Sales Development Manager for CHS, Inc.
“I did an internship with one of CHS’ country operations
locations,” Mary said. “From there, I was hired on as an
agronomist. We really worked to grow new business in the
cooperative spirit: helping our owners grow, developing
new business.”
Mary worked in an agronomist position for twelve years
developing business and her own repertoire. Proving her ability to garner business,
Mary was hired within the same business as a district sales manager, helping others
to build their own sales cultures.
Four years ago, Mary was hired at CHS, Inc.’s headquarters in Inver Grove Heights,
Minnesota as Sales Development Manager for all of CHS’ country operations.
“My role as Sales Development Manager is two-fold: helping all of our country
business operations to build through sales culture and how to interact,” Mary said.
“It’s really about sales training and product training. The second part of my job
is leading a group called the Key Agronomy Specialists. We really found a need to
prospect for growth, so we look for prospects to push business-to-business units we
already have.”
When asked about climbing the “career ladder,” Mary explained that it did not
feel like a ladder at all.
“It felt very natural. As agriculture has changed, it’s been a challenge to learn
how to adapt with the changes and current markets. I wouldn’t say I was ever
challenged by that. I found it rewarding.”
While CHS, Inc.’s Country Operations operates in eighteen states, Mary finds that
many of her customers face the same obstacles including interacting with talent and
keeping people passionate and motivated, which Mary says is key for any professional.
“Truly identify what’s in it for you,” Mary said. “You have to find a reward
for yourself.”
LONGEVITY IN
AGRICULTURE
Though Dr. Dwight Armstrong is now retired, he has
experienced a long and prosperous career as former CEO of
the National FFA Organization.
“When that opportunity came up, it was like a full circle
from how I started with FFA and agricultural education to
being able to serve as CEO of the National FFA Organization
and Foundation,” Dwight said.
Beginning his career as an associate professor at North
Carolina State University, Dwight enjoyed teaching and research as well as extension
work in the areas of swine nutrition and management. From there, he worked for an
animal nutrition company in Ohio in several high-ranking positions before helping to
sell the business to a global company from the Netherlands. After leaving the
company and beginning his own consulting business, FFA came calling.
“The rewarding part is working with the people,” Dwight said. “You’ve got the
people you work with, the people you’re providing service to, and the people who are
benefiting from what you’re providing. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a teacher at
the university, or you’re selling a product, or you’re doing research, or you’re making
decisions. I got a lot of fulfillment of seeing other people benefit and grow and
experience opportunities.”
Remaining humble, Dwight revealed that the most rewarding part of his career
with FFA was seeing young people from all over the United States benefit from
agricultural teachers.
“I was there, providing a service, but ag teachers were making it happen,”
Dwight said. “It’s rewarding to see others succeed alongside you.”
When asked about his advice for young professionals interested in pursuing
high-level positions, Dwight answered to never accomplish anything alone.
“It always takes a team,” Dwight said. “You don’t have to be the expert at
everything. Surround yourself with people that are experts. They make you look good!
They do their jobs, and things grow and succeed.”
Additionally, Dwight advised to remain true to where you come from.
“Your roots and your experiences along the way, the people who have influenced
you, those are all bringing together who you are and how you manage, how you treat
people, how you interact, what your priorities are,” Dwight said. “Never forget
your roots. “
Hear from two seasoned pro’s in agriculture about their career longevity and what they have found most rewarding.