The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast Mark Jewell

Eric Paulson is the General Manager of Belgrade Cooperative in Belgrade, MN, a position he has held since October 2022. He was born and raised in Appleton, MN. After graduating from high school, he attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Accounting. Paulson's agriculture-focused career began with Western Consolidated Cooperative in his hometown. He then moved to South Dakota, where he held multiple leadership roles, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer of a multi-location full-service Cooperative, before returning to Minnesota. He has a deep passion for Agriculture and, more specifically, the Cooperative system, where he has spent his entire career. Paulson, along with his wife, Jatelyn, and their four children, currently resides in Sauk Centre, MN. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, and spending time at the lake.
In this insightful episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, Mark Jewell sits down with Eric Paulson, the General Manager of Belgrade Cooperative in Belgrade, MN. This conversation dives into the essence of intentional leadership, talent retention, and the importance of company culture within the agribusiness sector.
Eric Paulson defines being intentional as synonymous with servant leadership, highlighting the significance of fostering employee contentment for business success. The episode further delves into the cost of employee recruitment versus retention, with Paulson shedding light on investing in personnel and maintaining a robust support system at work. Aligning with his approach, strategies for anticipating succession planning are underscored as crucial to achieving future organizational objectives.
Key Takeaways:
Servant leadership as a cornerstone for intentional management, focusing on employee needs for overall business prosperity.The cost of recruiting a new employee is approximately $50,000, emphasizing retention and employee appreciation for financial and operational efficiency.The impact of COVID-19 posed a dual challenge: sustaining the business and supporting staff through unprecedented stress.Succession planning becomes pivotal, especially with a significant proportion of staff nearing retirement, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to talent management.Eric Paulson attributes personal energy and optimism to the successful outcomes of his team and the collective achievements within the organization.
Notable Quotes:
"If you don't have the people, you don't have to worry about having the business.""I've been extremely good at managing chaos.""You support this co-op and you support each other.""I was able to help him get to where he wanted to get to as an end goal for his career.""We have a lot of similar staff that are right alongside me, that have young kids that are either in school age or in the process of starting their family."
Join us for this enriching discussion with Eric Paulson and gain from his expertise in leading with intention within the agribusiness sphere. Tune in to the full episode to explore these pertinent topics in greater depth, and stick around for more enlightening content.

Tim Gutwein is a prominent figure in the agricultural business sector, known for his role as the owner and operator of AgXplore, a company that has seen tremendous growth under his leadership. Starting with a team of five, Tim scaled the company to employ around 70-75 individuals by the time he bought out the founder in 2018. Tim's background is quite unique as he was born in Bangkok, Thailand, where his parents served as missionaries. His upbringing in a small village without modern conveniences like running water or electricity instilled in him a sense of curiosity and an ability to solve problems, traits that have served him well in his business ventures.
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, we sit down with Tim Gutwein, the visionary behind AgXplore, to delve into his personal and professional journey. Our conversation unravels Tim's unique backstory, his approach to intentional leadership, and the driving force behind AgXplore's success.
We begin by exploring the concept of intentionality, with Tim revealing that clarity is key to intentional leadership. Drawing from lessons learned from his colleague Christine Jewell, Tim emphasizes the significance of clarity in guiding both personal ambitions and organizational direction. The subsequent dialogue pivots to Tim's leadership style, which is greatly influenced by his childhood in Thailand during the Vietnam War. His inherent curiosity and problem-solving skills, forged in a resource-poor setting, have become cornerstones of his business philosophy.
Key takeaways from the episode include why customers should prioritize engaging with a company for its people rather than just its products, insights into Tim's upbringing and its profound impact on his approach to business, and why investing in personal and professional development for both employees and customers is vital.
Key Takeaways:Clarity is the cornerstone of intentionality, especially for leaders who must align and inspire their teams.Authentic curiosity and relentless problem-solving are critical leadership traits shaped by Tim's unique upbringing.AgXplore's success lies in the value its people bring, not just in their product offerings.Personal and professional development is essential for the growth of employees and customers alike, reinforcing strong relationships and business growth.The future of AgXplore is centered on innovation to maximize the genetic potential of crops, aiming for significant impacts on farm yields.
Notable Quotes:"When I have clarity, then I can be intentional about what it is I want to achieve.""If I don't have clarity, how are people going to follow me? Or how are people going to, like, buy into the dream or buy into where it is we're trying to go?""I've just always asked why, always try to look at things from different perspectives, and then just really finding ways to solve problems.""Don't use us because of our products, but use us because of our people.""The average corn yield in the United States is 180 bushels... We know, because we have people that grow 500 bushel corn, we know the genetic potential is much, much higher than that."
Dive into the full episode to hear Tim Gutwine's invaluable insights on leadership, problem-solving, and cultivating a business that truly serves its customers. Stay tuned for more episodes from the Intentional Agribusiness Leader series, where we dissect the strategic minds behind successful agribusinesses.

Dr. Keri Carstens is Chief Executive Officer for Jord BioScience, a leading global provider of novel microbial technology solutions to agriculture products companies. Keri grew up on a farm, continues to farm, and has devoted her career to delivering safe, sustainable solutions that benefit farmers globally. Prior to Jord, Keri spent 14 years at Corteva Agriscience, where she led global regulatory strategy, served on the leadership team to build and launch Corteva’s seed applied technologies and biologicals businesses, and held key roles in regulatory science and program management. In 2019 she was recognized as a Laureate in Corteva’s R&D organization, one of the company’s highest honors for scientists. She is a recognized industry leader, having served as Chair of the American Seed Trade Association’s Treated Seed Committee, and served in steering roles for the Honey Bee Health Coalition and Entomological Society of America. In addition, Keri holds adjunct graduate faculty status at Iowa State University, where she mentors graduate students and co-teaches in regulatory toxicology, pesticides, and seed technology courses. Keri earned her B.A. in Biology and Education from Wartburg College, and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Toxicology and Entomology from Iowa State University. She and her family enjoy their farm outside of Ames, IA.
In this enlightening episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell engages with Keri Carstens of Jord BioScience in a conversation filled with insights on purpose-driven leadership, team building, and creating a resilient, adaptable culture within a rapidly transforming agribusiness landscape. The dialog explores how Carstens’s unique blend of scientific expertise and business acumen shapes the strategies and ethos of Jord BioScience.
Keri Carstens lays out her philosophy as a leader, emphasizing the importance of understanding the company's mission, fostering high-functioning teams, and consistently aligning daily operations with core values. She brings to light her journey from environmental scientist to CEO, illustrating her belief in taking calculated risks and making data-driven decisions. The discussion delves into the nuances of cultivating a startup environment that encourages ownership mindset, fostering transparency, and measuring culture as intentionally as business strategy.
Key Takeaways:Intentional leadership entails being purpose-driven, with a clear understanding of why individuals and teams show up to work every day.Building a resilient team is crucial for startups; hiring for passion, curiosity, and the ability to adapt to constant change is key.Culture should be actively measured and managed, similar to any other business strategy, with defined metrics for assessment.Carstens articulates the importance of hiring individuals who can embrace change and find opportunities in challenges, contributing to a positive work environment.Developing an 'owner mindset' among employees is pivotal, fostering a sense of personal accountability and shared successes within the company.
Notable Quotes:"Being intentional as a leader, it's being purpose-driven. Why are we here? Do we all know why we show up at work every day?""I'm a believer that things happen for a reason. There is a reason that I'm in this seat, that you are in your seat.""What you are measuring is what you will deliver on.”  “If you say you care about being results-driven or having transparent communication with employees, whatever those core values are… then what does that look like and how are you going to measure that? What does culture look like now versus 1 or 2 years from now, as we grow?” "Positivity is contagious. So thinking about how you use that with your team, it doesn't mean everything's always sunshine and roses… But things happen for a...

In this captivating episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell sits down with Clark Bell, CEO of Nano-Yield, to discuss the intricacies of leading with intention in the rapidly evolving sector of agribusiness. Right from the onset, listeners are treated to a stimulating conversation that dives deep into what it means for a leader to be purposeful, impactful, and relentless in pursuing their vision.
Clark shares his robust philosophy on leadership, emphasizing the need for focus and purpose to manifest one's vision into reality. The episode unfolds with a candid exploration of the transition from founder to CEO and the crucial steps leaders must take to ensure their business scales up effectively. With anecdotes and metaphors that encapsulate the essence of agribusiness challenges, Clark articulately conveys his journey and the strategic decisions that have propelled Nano-Yield to its current success.
Key Takeaways:Intentional leadership involves being relentlessly focused on manifesting your vision and purpose in life.The transition from founder to CEO entails mastering strategy and vision, building a competent team, and being hands-on in making significant deals.Growth in any business can be expensive, necessitating a leader who can manage both the time and financial investment required.Creating opportunities for team members and genuinely impacting their lives is one of the most rewarding aspects of successful entrepreneurship.Nano-Yield's promise to its customers encompasses an assurance of a three-to-one ROI, leveraging nanotechnology to disrupt traditional agribusiness practices.
Notable Quotes:"Intentional means being relentlessly focused on your purpose and making sure that that purpose is going to manifest in life." — Clark Bell"I think as a leader, especially me, like I'm a CEO co-founder... we're going to the top of this mountain and no one's going to get in our way." — Clark Bell"I didn't write the book to become a coach. I didn't write the book to make millions. It had just been bottled up in my mind..." — Clark Bell on his upcoming book, Purpose Leadership
Engage with the full episode to discover how Clark Bell exemplifies the attributes of an intentional leader, driving change in agribusiness and beyond. Subscribe and stay attuned for more enlightening conversations that promise to reshape the way we think about leadership and purpose within the industry.

In this engaging episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, we sit down with Chad Pinter, CEO of Western Milling, for an insightful conversation about leadership, intentionality, culture, and the evolving dynamics of agribusiness. Chad shares his unique leadership journey and the decisions that have shaped the growth and culture of Western Milling, a company deeply entrenched in the fabric of American agriculture.
Chad delves into the significance of being intentional in both a professional and personal setting, emphasizing the importance of planning and alignment with core outcomes to navigate the daily whirlwind of activities. He also discusses the impact of major transitions within Western Milling, including its evolution from a maverick startup to an employee-owned ESOP, and finally, its acquisition by a third party, shedding light on the nuances of such significant changes.
Key aspects of Western Milling's operations are also highlighted, touching upon its diverse segments from feed for backyard animals to large-scale agri inputs, illustrating the vastness of its market presence. Pivoting towards culture, Chad explains the incorporation of foundational values like customer success and the newfound emphasis on results-oriented growth, giving listeners a glimpse into the company's committed and evolving ethos.
Key Takeaways:The importance of planning and setting outcomes to stay intentional in both leadership and personal growth.The transformative impact of Western Milling's transitions from a founder-driven enterprise to an ESOP, and then to third-party ownership.Western Milling's commitment to diversification, serving both large-scale agribusiness sectors and rising trends like backyard animal care.The evolution of a company's culture, integrating past values with new directions to foster a growth mindset.The role of authenticity as a foundational element in leadership and maintaining healthy relationships in both personal and professional spheres.
Notable Quotes:"Intentional to me is stepping back from the whirlwind ahead of time before it comes because it's going to come." - Chad Pinter"It's the 8 march. As we record this said, it feels like we're at the start of round three of a twelve round fight." - Host"Life is really about relationships, and for me, and so the relationships that have been built create the wins." - Chad Pinter"The struggle is part of the beauty. Not that you want to struggle, but that creates conviction." - Chad Pinter"Authenticity as a leader is the most important thing. Without authenticity, other things get undermined." - Chad Pinter
Encourage yourself to listen to the full episode with Chad Pinter and gain a deeper appreciation of his leadership philosophy and the nuances that steer the growth of Western Milling. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, where innovative leaders share their journeys and insights, shaping the future of agribusiness.

Cory Willness is the CEO of Croptomistic Technology Inc., a company that significantly impacts the agricultural industry through innovative technology solutions. Corey has an entrepreneurial spirit, having ventured into the world of startups for over 16 years before stepping into his role as the CEO. A visionary with a passion for agriculture and technology, Corey has shaped the company into a success by focusing on building products and services that resonate with the operational needs of agribusiness.
Episode Summary:In this insightful installment of the "Intentional Agribusiness Leader" podcast, host Mark is joined by Cory Willness, CEO of Croptomistic Technologies, who sheds light on his journey from a zealous entrepreneur to a conscientious leader in the ag tech sector. Corey divulges the symbiotic relationship between intention, passion, and success within his company and the power of embracing a big-picture mindset in a leadership role.
Corey also delves into the nuances of cultivating and scaling an intentional workplace culture that aligns with his early experiences and family life values. Listeners are privy to his strategies for attracting and retaining talent, the transition from hands-on involvement to strategic delegation, and the vital role self-awareness has played in his professional growth. Through his narrative, Corey illuminates the unique challenges and milestones encountered on the path to intentional, impactful leadership in agribusiness.
Key Takeaways:Being intentional is about having a relentless passion for what one does, taking control to achieve desired outcomes, and owning both success and the detours along the way.Creating an intentional culture requires hiring people who fit the company's values and ethos, and promoting from within can encourage this culture to flourish.There is power in vulnerability; whether through transparent business practices or honest communication, it can foster trust and loyalty among customers and employees.Flexibility in work-life balance for employees is a critical component of retaining talent and ensuring productivity and satisfaction.Self-awareness and personal growth are essential qualities for a CEO, as they inform how the team is led and the direction in which the company develops.
Notable Quotes:"I've always felt like I just want to own success. Failure is not an option." – Cory Willness"You're better able to focus on the vision and the large-scale needs of the business. And it's kind of the fun stuff, in general, right?" – Cory Willness"We build up flex time and then when it's not busy, you're free to go." – Cory Willness"You create a good team, good, healthy team... and mistakes don't feel like they're on one person's back." – Cory Willness"It's a more humble approach. It's just like, every company's different, so nobody has the answers." – Cory Willness
Tune in to the full episode to explore the intentional agribusiness landscape with Cory and gain insights into how strategic vision, culture, and self-awareness steer his approach to ag tech leadership. Stay connected for more episodes delivering rich conversations with industry leaders.