Employee Spotlight: Nate Sutton
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 Blog Series, learn about the people who make up the Stutsman team. Meet Nate Sutton, a team member since 2010!
“Nate is one of those guys that likes to know all the details about the equipment he is selling. This allows him to make sure he can take better care of his customers. Nate certainly sets the bar higher, takes the lead, and exceeds expectations.” – Al Kessler, VP of Precision & Application Equipment
Nate, a Hawkeye and Cubs enthusiast, provides equipment and precision solutions to customers in Eastern Iowa, Southern Wisconsin, and Illinois.
The Storm Lake native is certainly no stranger to the ag industry. Growing up, Nate spent time helping his uncle raise hogs and row crops. After getting his agricultural business degree from Western Iowa Tech, he spent some time at John Deere as a parts clerk and application equipment service manager.
When not sharing the latest in equipment technology with customers, Nate can be found at the shooting range, on a body of water fishing or keeping up with his daughters’ activities. Laura (13) and Emily (11) are in dance, play musical instruments and according to Nate, are too smart for their own good.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Just Shut Up Already!
What is your favorite thing about the ag industry?
Ag is very challenging and always changing so it’s hard to get bored. Changing weather, new practices and new electronics keep me learning all the time.
What is something random that most people don’t know about you?
I love playing foosball and euchre.
If you had to be a product that you work with, what would it be and why?
The Raven RCM (Rate Control Module). The RCM is so easy to work with, it works across numerous application platforms and almost every brand of tractor or ISO monitor.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I really enjoy helping customers solve their problems. Even if its not in my wheelhouse, it’s rewarding to recommend another employee that can help. It makes me feel good that my customers trust me enough that I am their first call when they need something.
If you had to eat the same food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak, how can you ever get enough steak?
What excites you most about the future of agriculture?
Precision agriculture hasn’t even scratched the surface of what it can do to make farmers more efficient and profitable. Products like Crop Spec, on the go VRA nitrogen application from TopCon, and Raven’s Hawkeye pulsing nozzle system are just the beginning.
If you were stuck on an island, what 3 items would you bring?
Pocket knife, fishing gear and a smoker.
What is on your bucket list?
I have distant relatives that farm in Australia. I would like to meet them and see their operation.
What has been the biggest change in the industry during your time with Stutsman’s?
People buy from people. As other retailers continue to cut back on help, Stutsman’s continues to grow and add people.
What is your favorite season to work in?
I like fall because of the cooler weather and no bugs. I really like the late nights combining and doing tillage in the dark.
Which Stutsman Core Value means the most to you?
It’s tough for me to pick just one, because in my position if you don’t use a little of each of the core values each day it means you aren’t taking the best interests of the company or customer to heart. If I have to pick one it would be instill authenticity, because if you aren’t honest with your customers neither you or your customers will be happy in the end.
