Employee Spotlight: Kirk Bendixsen
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. Kirk Bendixsen is the manager of Stutsman Logistics and has been part of the group since its doors opened in 2012!
“When Kirk joined Stutsman Logistics in November 2012, it was obvious he had the character and work ethic to drive the business to success. Upon the passing of Dennis Akers a couple of years later, it was an easy decision to name Kirk the general manager for Stutsman Logistics. Since then, Kirk has taken the lead to build a terrific team of people that continually exceed our expectations for growth and profitability. Through valuing the collaboration of each of his team members, internal customers and external customers/carriers, Kirk has established a great business core whose trajectory continues to point up!” – Scott Szymanek, President & CFO.
What are your responsibilities?
I am involved in every aspect of our business from sales to covering loads, in addition to everyday management duties.
What is your background?
I’m a Cedar Rapids Jefferson graduate and completed 1 year of Management classes at Kirkwood Community College. I have been in transportation since 1984 (that’s a long time!). I’ve owned and driven trucks in addition to sales, operations and management.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Golf!
What do you consider to be the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the continued growth in sales and revenue! We started with 2 people and have grown to 13.
What is something random most people don’t know about you?
I know a lot of music trivia!
If you had to eat the same food for the rest of your life what would it be?
Pizza!
If you were stuck on an island what 3 items would you bring?
Golf clubs, Jimmy Buffet and his band, and Beer!
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
What has been the biggest change in the industry during your tenure here?
ELD – Electronic logs for truck drivers have had a large impact on delaying transit times for getting product delivered.
If you had to be a product you work with, what would it be and why?
Computer – I could make your day exciting depending on my mood.
What is your favorite thing about the ag industry?
There are so many uses for salt, which means we haul a lot of salt!
What Stutsman Core Value means the most to you? Why?
Set the Bar Higher. We have put together a great team at Logistics and have weekly meetings where everyone inputs ideas on ways to be more efficient, grow sales and eliminate any mistakes. We use these meetings to make positive changes and the results are proven.