Rick M. Adams District Sales Manager Columbia, Missouri Accelerated Genetics

What territory will you cover?
My areas will consist of two states, California and the west Texas panhandle.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on a family dairy in southeastern Missouri, where my family dairied for 39 years. For 30-plus years the dairy focused on Registered Jerseys, which led to many activities such as showing, judging and being involved in several organizations such as 4-H, FFA, Missouri Jersey Cattle Club, American Jersey Cattle Association, Milk cooperatives and many others.

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I graduated from Jackson High School, attended Southeast Missouri State and over the years I have attended many training seminars and received several accreditations along with real-world experience working in the field with leading producers.

What previous positions have you held?
There have been several – direct sales, district manager, regional sales manager.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
Personally and professionally, first and foremost, is my wife, Martha. Without her love and support, who knows where I would be today. Professionally, the man who took a chance on me and hired me back in 1995 is Jim Wells; he was supportive and let me figure things out when I first started, which was a game-changer for me and I use some of his philosophies today as I manage people.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
In having years of practical experience and working with customers in different areas and sizes, it allows me to first understand what it is the customer wants and expects instead of me or the folks I work with tell them what they need.

Why did you choose this company?
Their focus on the customer and what is important – their people. Some companies say people are their most important asset but Accelerated Genetics lives it everyday. Being able to be heard and contribute is vital to organizations that want to succeed long term.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
To increase the presence of Accelerated Genectics in these areas through providing leading products and services that our people assist their clients in achieving their goals as well as ours for long lasting relationships. PD