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Welcome to our AGRI-SEARCH Newsletter!
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Happy 90th Birthday, Rich Connell, on July 13!
No matter what business you are in, enjoying the people you work with is a critical part of being successful.  Some people have a true knack for it, and that would describe Rich Connell.  Rich, who founded our business in 1995 at the youthful age of 65, is one of the best examples of “loving people, loving life” that you will ever meet.  This month, in honor of his 90th birthday on July 13, 2020, we want to share some insights into Rich’s life that may well make your life a little “richer”.

Life's Best Lessons Often Come
from Wise Teachers - By Dave Allen

 
 

Who has most impacted your life?  Perhaps it was a parent, grandparent, or neighbor growing up, a teacher, coach or administrator in school, or a supervisor or co-worker in the workplace.

Most likely, there have been several individuals who have helped you move your life forward to where you are today.  Your story is unique, and if you are reading this, it isn’t finished.  It is vital no matter what age you are that we have people around us that we trust who can challenge us to be better tomorrow than we are today.

Several years ago at a Promise Keepers conference, I heard an impacting message targeting every man in the building.  

Rich with his grandson, Ben (left) and Dave & Cathy Allen at the Purdue / Illini game, January 2020

The core of it was, “Every man needs a Paul, a Silas, and a Timothy in their life.” That is, we all need an older man to look up to; a peer to walk beside us who isn’t impressed by us and who will hold us accountable; and a younger man into whose life we are to build.

Women seem to build relationships with other women of different ages better than men do.  But regardless of whether you are a man or woman, we all need a network of people in our lives to help us maximize our purpose, talents, and impact.

Why has Rich Connell had such an impact on our industry?  It’s because he’s been a Paul to so many, a Silas to numerous peers, and still today has many Timothy’s (such as me) that he is building into and impacting in a positive way.  Enjoy reading about Rich and take some of his wisdom and implement it into your family, your business, and your life.  Make a commitment to being a positive influence on the people in your sphere of influence.  You will be glad you did, and the world will be a better place.

 
 

Happy 90th Birthday, Rich Connell!

 
When my career was transitioning in 2002, Rich interviewed me when I was considering a career in recruiting. I recall the conversation like it was yesterday. We met at a Hardees restaurant one evening and Rich spent the better part of an hour telling me why I should not become a recruiter. He then asked me a question, “are you still interested?” I said yes and then he told me about the positives of the role.

Later, I joined the AGRI-SEARCH team and developed a deep admiration and level of respect for Rich. He is the master at bringing positive, and even during times of sadness in his own life, he manages to be positive.  You find that he is lifting you up as well.  His positive attitude and upbeat personality are just two keys to his success in helping people.

Dave, Rich, & Jim 2007
Even today, people whom he helped years ago will ask how Rich is doing or they will say Rich helped me find a job.  Today, we strive to continue to adhere to the vision Rich set when he started AGRI-SEARCH, and we say, “Thank you and Happy 90th Birthday!!” – Jim Fleming, Recruiter
Rich, Dave, & Chelbi at
GFAI 2020

I met Rich for the first-time last fall at a career fair, and I knew it was him from the moment he walked in the door. How? Everyone knew him! Rich has a BIG personality that draws people in, and when you listen you are guaranteed to learn a thing or two and most certainly have a good laugh. Rich is a gentle giant with a warm and welcoming heart. You can tell within minutes of meeting him that he is someone you want to connect with and he makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room.

Rich created a strong and dutiful legacy at AGRI-SEARCH, one that we as employees are proud to be part of, and we all wish him truly the best! – Chelbi Williams Alt, Recruiter

 
Life Lessons from Rich Connell
that have Changed My Life -
By Dave Allen
 
If you have ever met Rich Connell, you probably have not forgotten him. He’s a man who has a passion for life second to none, and it’s fair to say few in the ag industry have had as much positive impact on more people than Rich.  In 1999, I was blessed to join Rich Connell AGRI-SEARCH, and it was a decision that changed my life.  I’d like to impart just 10 of the phrases Rich has shared with me over the years so you will better understand why.
Rich (left) with his brother and sister circa 1940s
Rich with his great grandchildren 2020
 
 
AGRI-SEARCH - Serving Our Clients
and Candidates for 25 Years
 
AGRI-SEARCH is blessed to celebrate our 25th anniversary on June 30, 2020.  Rich Connell founded Rich Connell AGRI-SEARCH, Inc. on June 30, 1995, to help agri-businesses find the highest quality people for key roles in their companies.  Since then, through significant industry changes and gradual company expansion, our mission continues to be to serve the agricultural industry with integrity, passion, and excellence.  Thank you to everyone who has allowed our team the privilege to serve your career or personnel needs in some way.  We consider it an honor to do what we do and look forward to continuing our mission for many years to come.

Current Open Career Opportunities

 
At AGRI-SEARCH, our staff is committed to bringing top-tier talent to our clients. Open positions change daily, but the need for quality people is constant in every successful business.

Highlighted below are some of our current open positions we are assisting our clients with. If interested in having us assist you in landing talent for one of your positions, or if one of these opportunities looks attractive to you or someone you know, please contact us.
3835 Plant Manager, Agronomy Retail - Central Illinois
  • We have a successful and profitable agronomy retail plant that needs a Plant Manager. If you have a passion for agronomy retail with top sales skills, then this is the place for you.

5717 Grain Originator / Logistics Coordinator - West Central Illinois
  • Highly respected grain company in West Central Illinois, committed to long-term industry success, is seeking a Grain Originator / Logistics Coordinator for a key, action-packed role where the rubber meets the road.

6200 Plant Manager - Colorado
  • Colorado feed manufacturer is seeking a highly motivated Plant Manager for their operation. This plant is located in the Front Range of Colorado, about 100 miles from Denver.

  • Turf Manager needed for a retail facility in Northeast Indiana. This is a fast-paced environment managing a facility that provides products and agronomic solutions for wholesalers, landscapers, and homeowners.

  • A reputable and growing family farm in central Missouri is seeking a hardworking, self-driven Farm Assistant to join their team.

  • Rare agribusiness leadership opportunity to guide a deeply rooted Illinois agribusiness company to the next level.

  • Aggressive and successful Eastern animal nutrition company is seeking a Strategic Feed Pricing Director. This is an excellent opportunity with a very solid and dedicated team of professionals with a passion for their business and a drive to continuously improve.

  • Successful Illinois grain company seeks a driven and dedicated grain operations professional to oversee the outside operations at a key grain elevator facility. Excellent growth opportunity for a hands-on leader.

 
We have excellent opportunities in the agronomy retail industry at locations throughout the Midwest. We need people to manage plant locations, sell seed and fertility, and do custom application. These career jobs can earn in excess of $100K. Send your resume to jim@agri-search.com today.
 

Connecting Quality People to
Quality Companies is Our Passion

 
Our job as professional recruiters is to identify, attract, evaluate, and help our clients land top talent for their team.   We are constantly working with quality individuals who are positioned for growth in their career and are open to or actively seeking to make a change.

If your team is seeking talent to make a positive difference in your ability to serve your customers, reach out to us and see if it is something we can assist you with.

Talented Candidates

Listed below are just a sampling of the talented candidates we have evaluated recently. If you would like to learn more about these or other candidates we have available, please contact us.
Grain Operations Manager with extensive and diverse grain operations experience is seeking an opportunity preferably in central Illinois.
Experienced Manager – agricultural and manufacturing background. Has MBA. Desires to be in Illinois or Indiana.
GM’s and CEO’s – contact us about finding the right leader capable of taking your agricultural business to the next level.
University of Illinois May 2020 graduate – Agronomy or Grain interest. Good farm background. Desires northern IL. Polished and professional.  
Grain Merchandisers – Passion for trading grain and track records of success. Candidates with 5 to 30 years’ experience.

Growing our Team with
People Who have Grit & Passion

 

Do you have the grit to not give up and stay true to the course, no matter how difficult it may be?  Are you competitive and possess a strong sales mentality where every “no” is just one step closer to a “yes”?  

If so, and you have a passion for connecting with and helping people, plus a strong agricultural industry background in agronomy, grain, or other areas, please contact Dave Allen. We would enjoy having a discussion with you about how a recruiting career may be a great fit for you.

About AGRI-SEARCH

 
Founded in 1995, AGRI-SEARCH is a professional recruiting firm providing clients with customized recruiting solutions in various niches within the agricultural industry. Our success results from our industry focus, our specialized approach to recruiting, and our staff's lifelong roots in, dedication to, and vast understanding and knowledge of the agricultural industry.

At AGRI-SEARCH, our mission states that we “are committed to serving the agricultural industry with integrity, passion and excellence by assisting our candidates to reach their career goals and helping our client companies build successful teams.”
agri-search.com | 217-543-2505
 
 
 
 
 

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