1. Leverage the Power of Mentorship
Kevin’s career trajectory was set in motion early on through a pivotal connection during his undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska.
- Find Your "Growth Catalyst": While studying agronomy, Kevin also took a class with an entomology professor who had an interest in providing better solutions for corn borer.
- The Door-Opener: This mentor didn't just teach theory; he actively helped connect Kevin with a crop scout internship at local co-op. Throughout the summer this professor reassured Kevin that even as a young intern he was helping growers and retailers with timely field reports.
- The Lesson: Success in retail isn't a solo mission. Identify and ask for help from the veterans in your circle who can bridge the gap between your education and experience to your next big opportunity.
2. Be a “Relationship Seller”
Throughout Kevin’s 30 years on the chemical side and last 10 years on the seed side of the business he has identified himself fundamentally as a relationship seller. His focus has been rooted in creating meaningful connections and recruiting talented people to be a part of his team.
- Listen and Dig Deeper: True success in retail comes from "listening to people and digging deeper to really, truly understand" their specific operation.
- Seek Alignment: Focus on finding alignment with your customers. When your advice leads to their success, the sale follows naturally.
- Build the Culture: As you find a culture that fits you, look for ways to drive that culture with local connections and mentoring of young talent.
“I’m big on getting to know someone vs. knowing who the person is – I think that helps you know exactly how to solve problems for them.”
3. Bring Innovation to Retail and the Farm Gate
Sharing his confidence in the science behind Brevant® corn hybrid B04J45 products with over 150 retail sellers at a kick-off meeting has been a recent highlight for Kevin. "Working with retailers to understand what they're looking for... considering how to be bold and bring new with our Brevant® seed brand has been significantly rewarding.” he shared.
- Never Stop Scouting for Knowledge: Kevin is passionate that “we all have the ability to learn new technologies” – whether it be a field day or a corporate training, it’s paramount to buckle down and find ways to continue to learn.
- Translate Tech into Yield: Your value to a grower isn't just knowing the tech exists; it's being the one who brings that latest knowledge directly to the farm gate to solve real-world problems.
“Those that provide the expertise at the farmgate are the ones that are winning, and farmers are thriving on someone being able to provide them that agronomic value.”
4. Own Your Career Path
One of Kevin’s core philosophies is that you shouldn't wait for career development to be handed to you. Throughout his tenure he has taken on roles in government public affairs, marketing and communications, as well as product management for land management and forestry before shifting to support retail seed sales.
- Ask for the Ride Along: Kevin encourages ag professionals to ask how they can actively work to move ahead rather than waiting for a formal invitation. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to spend a day getting to see a new position from their shoes.
- Lead with Your Strengths: Regularly ask yourself: "What do I have from a strength and skills perspective to continue to bring to the job each and every time I approach it?"
- Get 1% Better Each Day: Whether it be leadership trainings, continued education, or a focus on self-improvement – Kevin’s challenge is do something each day to get 1% better.
For Kevin, a four-decade career in agriculture has been as much about the people as it is about success in the field. Finding the right mentors, building authentic relationships, staying obsessed with the latest agricultural innovations, and taking ownership of the path has turned his passion for helping farmers into a 40-year legacy.
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