Employee Spotlight: Ben Lenz
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 Ben Lenz, a team member since May 2013! Ben wears numerous hats around the company: custom applicator, bin crew and general laborer. We are grateful for his hours of dedication towards serving our customers!
“From the beginning of his career with Stutsmans, Ben has taken on broader tasks and duties with the positive attitude to be successful. He is trusted and respected for his actions. Ben has been a great addition to our team.”- Pat Mougin, Operations Manager
Ben grew up in Riverside, Iowa and graduated from Highland High School in 2009. From there, he received an Agriculture Business degree from Kirkwood Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Studies from Iowa State. After graduating from ISU in May of 2013, Ben joined the Stutsman team.
Ben developed his passion for agriculture early on through showing cattle and helping out on his grandparent’s farm. Ben continues this passion by raising show cattle for 4-H’ers and FFA members. “Working with kids who enjoy livestock is very rewarding. I also enjoy meeting new families from the show industry and watching their talents grow,” said Ben.
Aside from working around the family farm and working on cattle in his spare time, Ben and his wife, Emily (also on the Stutsman team), just enjoyed their January 2019 wedding!
What is something random that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy building fence.
If you had to be a product that you work with, what would it be and why?
VRT application. It is interesting to me how soil samples get put into a computer program and from that variable rate prescriptions can be made. Those prescriptions are then sent to our machines for a more efficient use of fertilizer. Applying fertilizer is more advanced than it used to be.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Hearing customers say “thank you, you did a good job.”
What is your favorite thing about the ag industry?
The people!
If you had to eat the same food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ribeye steak.
What excites you most about the future of agriculture?
Technology; in the last 5 years there have been a lot of changes. I am excited to see what the future holds.
If you were stuck on an island, what 3 items would you bring?
My wife, fire starter, and a fishing pole.
What is on your bucket list?
Travel to Alaska!
What has been the biggest change in the industry during your time with Stutsmans?
The size of equipment and the added technology.
What is your favorite season to work in? Why?
The fall! The weather is usually nice and it’s not as crazy around here as the spring.
Which Stutsman Core Value means the most to you and why?
Radiate enthusiasm. I come to work with a smile on my face every day. I understand that things don’t go as planned sometimes so I just try to make the best of every opportunity.