Brian Wilkins Western Regional Sales Manager Accelerated GeneticsElk Grove, California

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
Over 30 years of hands-on experience in the field and different levels of management experience within the dairy industry. I have been involved with growing profits, sales and market shares throughout the U.S. and in other countries, as well as aiding producers with achieving their milk quality and profit goals due to my involvement with bringing new and first of their kind product to the market.

Please describe your agricultural background.
Although I was raised in Huntington Beach, California, and spent many days catching waves, I was drawn to agriculture and animal husbandry due to the influence of my aunt and uncle who owned a swine operation in northern California.

Based on this, I pursued agriculture as a career by attending California State University – Chico and earned an animal science degree. After receiving my Bachelor of Science degree, I was employed as a dairy manager for a university herd and have been in the dairy industry ever since (primarily in sales and marketing roles).

What territory will you cover?
11 western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington.

What are your new responsibilities?
To provide sales leadership, coaching and communication to the western sales region by creating business plans, personnel development training and management for long-term employee and customer success according to our established goals.

What previous positions have you held?
I have held regional sales director, North American marketing and product manager positions, and other positions over the last 30 years that have aided me in possessing cross-functional and unique levels of experience. I am looking forward to utilizing these experiences and my skill sets to aid my teammates and our customers with their success.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
I have had a unique path to get to where I am today, and I have had the pleasure of working with many dairy industry professionals that have all influenced me and impacted my life in so many positive ways.

I have worked for more companies than I ever envisioned I would, but I am very blessed to have more friends than most as a result, which makes me a very lucky man. The folks that have impacted me the most know who they are as I still keep in contact with them and appreciate their mentoring on an on-going basis.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
By leading the western region with a passion for customer service and ensuring we all work together as a team to help beef and dairy operations reach their full potential. I have always led with an attitude that the customer deserves the most courteous attention we can give him or her. He or she is the lifeblood of our and every business. They pay our salaries.

Why did you choose this company?
I was impressed with the company's leadership and have a high level of excitement about being part of an organization that fosters a customer-first culture that encourages dialogue at all levels. After the past five years of not managing employees, I am ready to take on that challenge again and look forward to the fulfillment that comes along with helping my team members reach new heights in sales and personal growth.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
In a nutshell, help the company accomplish its goals and do all I can to ensure my teammates and our customers know that I am motivated to help them with their success. PD