Today was my last day before retiring from 39 years in the seed industry. I was pleasantly surprised the last 2 days with unexpected Zoom calls where co-workers and key managers who I worked with gave me a send-off I won't forget.
Today the zoom was with Craig Newman, former CEO of AgReliant Genetics and John Kermicle, former head of the AgriGold brand. Both were instrumental in my career and are dear friends. All of the planning for these calls was done by my current manager, Craig Carter, who also is a great friend and went to great lengths to organize the zooms without me knowing.
Afterward, Craig took me to our favorite distillery, Whisky Acres, in Dekalb, IL and had me pick out my choice of award winning bourbon. Yes, it felt like I mattered.
I was reminded of the 260+ Sales Trainees I hired while at AgReliant who I hopefully trained for success in this great industry and many of whom I follow on Facebook to see them grow their families and careers. I was blessed to continue training the GHX Specialists of the Golden Harvest brand the past 2 years.
Thanks to all the people I worked with in the past 39 years who made my life fulfilling and rewarding. I expect to see many of you in the future as friends.