Jeb Gent Product Specialist Ames, Iowa TechMix

What territory will you cover?
My sales territory will cover a few accounts in the southeast portion of Iowa. My product development time will be spent around Iowa and Minnesota.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up in Gilbert, Iowa. In my younger years I would spend time during the summers with my cousins in southeast Iowa. They are grain and pork farmers. Throughout high school I held summer positions related to agriculture: working at a winery and vineyard as well as cleaning up and managing a grassland farm near Gilbert.

During college I participated in an agricultural study course to Spain. My most integrated farming experience comes from New Zealand, as I spent five months there working on a dairy farm. By the end of the five months I was managing one of their three herds and one milking parlor.

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I recently graduated from Iowa State University with my bachelor’s degree in agriculture education.

What previous positions have you held?
This is my first full-time job that doesn’t include working short-term internships.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
This is a tough question, as I have had many great examples of work ethic and people linking me to agriculture. At the root of them all would be my grandpa Gent. He started farming after he was married to my grandma and has seen a lot during his lifetime. I look up to him very much in his integrity and pure intentions. He has been an incredible example to me of what great character looks like and how people can be positively influenced by a good neighbor. Agriculture and hard work run in his blood and that is something I strive for as well.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
As a new graduate, I know I have a lot to learn. This first six weeks of work have helped me out incrementally in preparing to help the industry anyway I can. My biggest helping hand will come from problem solving. My goal is to help the producer by finding answers and solutions to problems. I also want to prove my trustworthiness and convey my attitude to serve.

Why did you choose this company?
TechMix was on my radar as my good family friend, Denny Mckilligan, had been developing products and selling for the company since the first time I met him. After I found out about the job opening and what it all entailed, I was very excited to pursue innovations and sales in the agriculture field.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My three core goals for this position would be to serve others, build trust and have fun. I am entering a great field with an incredible team of people. PD