Employee Spotlight: Miguel Rios
Although the agriculture industry and our products/services may change over the years, one consistent factor remains; our employees are one of the most important ingredients in our recipe for success. Through our employee spotlight series, learn more about the people who make up the Stutsman team. Miguel Rios, shop laborer, is arguably one of the hardest-working and most optimistic individuals we have on our team.
Miguel always exceeds expectations. He is constantly looking ahead to upcoming jobs to have equipment ready to go. He is punctual and always available when the need arises. Miguel’s positive attitude and understanding/knowledge of the task at hand makes him a great instructor for others. ” – Pat Mougin, Operations Manager
This Chicago native worked with Cooper Tire for ten years (in Chicago and Cedar Rapids) before being asked to relocate to Dallas, Texas. After deciding to keep his young family in Ainsworth, Iowa, Miguel spent some time with Syngenta before transitioning to the Stutsman team.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, you can find Miguel all over our facilities. His primary responsibilities include servicing and maintaining our anhydrous ammonia tanks, side dressers, toolbars, and wagons. He is also the man you’ll find on the risers filling anhydrous tanks every spring and fall. Aside from these duties, he even drives a nurse truck when the need arises.
When Miguel isn’t at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura, and three children, Renee, Nancy, and Miguel. They like to go camping at their farm where they cook good food and ride their horses. Miguel also enjoys roping with his horses.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Work Hard and Be Responsible.
If you had to eat the same food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak.
What is your favorite thing about the ag industry?
When people have a good, safe year and they are happy.
What has been the biggest change in the company during your time at Stutsmans?
The Retail Center being built. Before it was built, I would have to do all my maintenance work at the lumberyard shop. Now, I do a lot of my maintenance at the south end of the Retail Shop and it is very nice.
If you had to be a product that you work with, what would it be and why?
The 4010 John Deere I work with a lot. It is very helpful in the spring and fall when I am filling ammonia tanks and need to move them quickly.
What do you consider to be the most rewarding part of your job?
Not receiving many service/repair calls. This means that I did a good job with maintenance beforehand. One season I did not receive any calls and that made me feel really good.
What is your favorite season to work in?
Spring. They are long days, but they go fast and we are busy. The company also makes a lot of progress during this time.
If you were stuck on an island, what 3 items would you bring?
A knife, a lighter, and a phone.
What is on your bucket list?
Make enough money to retire and see my kids have a good life.
Which Stutsman core value means the most to you?
Set the Bar Higher. I am always trying to do my job the best that I can while being safe. Bringing new ideas to the company to keep them growing is also important to me. I work hard to do this.