Failing is a Key Part of Success

One of my favorite quotes is, “Show me someone who doesn’t make any mistakes, and I’ll show you someone who isn’t doing anything.” You can’t strike out sitting on the couch or burn supper with nothing on the stove. When we actively participate in life, we don’t always win. Mistakes inevitably happen; those mistakes can shut us down, or they can lead to growth, tenacity, and future success.

Mistakes can be associated with failing, but they should not be construed as failure. Think of George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life”. At the end, Clarence famously signed off in his book given to George that “No man is a failure who has friends.” In the same way, no one is a failure who works hard, makes mistakes, and sometimes “loses the game.” The road to success is rarely easy, but it is refreshing that some of our greatest inventions and accomplishments have come from “mistakes” along the way. Some of the best life lessons we learn come from failing to achieve what we set out to do.

Life can be hard. Mistakes can litter our path. People can be crude and unkind. But don’t let that stop you from becoming the man or woman God has created you to be. Set goals and work hard. Make mistakes and learn from your missteps. Don’t let them stop you; instead, stay focused on what is important as you put your boots back on tomorrow and try again.

Work a little harder. Work a little smarter. Seek wisdom from others. Begin to see things through a clearer lens that failing is not failure. As you go forward, you will grow. By overcoming your mistakes and persevering, you will become better at what you do and make less mistakes. You will begin to enjoy the fruit that grows from the fertilizer and nourishment of your past “mistakes” and times you “failed.”

For a clearer perspective on approaching the challenges of life, read “Failing vs Failure” found elsewhere in this newsletter.

6245 Education and Market Research Manager - Chicago

Midwest-based agriculture risk management company is seeking a new associate for their Education and Market Research Team. This position is ideal for a motivated, team-oriented person with excellent problem-solving and communication skills. The primary responsibilities will include delivering educational content to groups around the country in a live format as well as research projects.

5804 Grain Company General Manager - Central Illinois

A thriving central Illinois grain company is seeking a General Manager to replace their retiring GM. With nearly 120 years of rich tradition, providing great customer service, they need a grain professional with solid merchandising experience and excellent people skills.

4118 Senior Tax Manager / Tax Partner - Little Rock, AR

One of the country’s leading full-service accounting firms that has served the agribusiness and real estate investment industries for over four decades, is seeking the best of the best to assume the role of Senior Tax Manager / Partner. The successful candidate will step into the current practice of one of the industry’s top veterans in real estate tax advising, who has just recently retired. Having the foundation of a well-established book of business in addition to a support team of over 250 associates, you will be positioned for unlimited growth opportunities.

5805 Regional Operations Manager - Central Illinois

Successful Central Illinois grain company is seeking a Regional Grain Operations Manager to oversee multiple elevator locations, including a hub facility that is growing with the industry. The main facility loads shuttles and has a very favorable loading time agreement. This is an excellent opportunity to step right into a growth facility with a quality company and make a positive impact.

4116 Ag Processing Company CFO - Wisconsin

A Successful and expanding agricultural processing company is seeking a top-notch CFO to strengthen and bring additional talents and structure to their leadership team. This individual will have a strong accounting and finance background and will assist and challenge the board and CEO as they continue to explore and carry out key growth initiatives.

3930 Research Associate - Central Indiana

A food / seed company based in central Indiana is looking for the right person to join their team. This is a hands on role. You will be in the field conducting research on soybeans. The work will consist of hand pollinations, crossing plants, making observations, taking notes, threshing, cleaning, and packaging with other duties assigned when needed. The culture of the company is tight knit, easy going, and flexible with individuals who are passionate about growing plants and understanding the science of plant.

5803 Regional Operations Manager - Western Cornbelt

A highly successful and rapidly growing agribusiness in the upper Midwest is seeking individuals experienced in senior level / general management to lead regional operations of the business.

5765 Grain Location Manager Trainee - Illinois

Attention new or recent grads looking for a great career opportunity in the grain industry! Successful and growing grain company is seeking a Grain Location Manager Trainee for one of their modern and well-maintained facilities. The successful candidate will be able to come into one of their locations and train to ultimately step into a Location Manager role.

4119 Fractional Controller - Remote

A leading Financial Services firm specializing in the Agribusiness Industry is seeking a full-time Fractional Controller. In this role, you will serve clients who need professional support on a limited basis and may not need a full-time Controller. Client engagements may range from conducting special project work to serving as a permanent part-time Controller.

5777 Operations Manager - Nationwide

Highly successful grain company is seeking Operations Managers at several locations Nationwide. The right candidate will have experience in grain facility management or a similar industry. Experience should include managing employees and solid mechanical knowledge. You will also be responsible for blending, inventory, minor projects, and safety. The successful candidate should be a self-starter and highly motivated.

3908 Agronomist - Upper Midwest

A fast-growing crop inputs company is seeking an Agronomist for its upper Midwest territory (northern Iowa, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). In this role, you will work closely with and provide support to the sales team to enable them to educate their dealer and grower networks on agronomic products and principles. You will be the lead consultant for the sales team, dealers, and growers. Travel will be required as you will perform in-field trials and will attend dealer events and trade shows. You will report directly to the VP of Agronomy.

7677 Plant Manager, West Iowa - Eastern Nebraska

A seed production company is seeking an individual to manage a plant in western Iowa. The plant produces and processes about 275,000 units of corn and has 15 full-time people with part-time staff as needed. The company is flexible on education and experience. They desire someone who enjoys leading people and seeing them be happy and successful while producing a product that exceeds customer guidelines. Agricultural experiences are desired, but not required. If you have managed a processing or manufacturing plant, then this role may be for you.

Sam Trcka grew up in northwest Iowa, where her family still raises corn and soybeans. She graduated with a degree in Agricultural Business from South Dakota State University in 2017. Sam spent three years working as a grain merchandiser for Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) in Iowa and Nebraska at their soybean processing plants. She then worked in Minneapolis, MN as a commodity broker for StoneX for 2.5 years.

Sam and her husband reside in Montgomery, MN, where they also farm together. They are the proud parents of one young daughter. In her free time, Sam enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also loves to bake, cook, and travel when she gets the chance.

Sam joined the AGRI-SEARCH team in 2023 as a recruiter specializing in the grain industry. Welcome, Sam!

While not everyone is a sports fan, sports undeniably can offer us valuable lessons for life and leadership.

A prime example occurred last week during the NBA basketball playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks, who had the best record in the league, suffered a shocking and resounding defeat in the first round of the postseason.

Perhaps the most resonant moment of the series came after it ended, during a press conference featuring Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and one of the world’s best basketball players, was asked by a reporter if he considered the season to be a failure. His frustrated but poignant response quickly went viral.

Here are some snippets of what he said to the reporter.

“Do you get a promotion every year on your job? [reporter responds no] No, right? So, every year you work is a failure, yes or no? No. Every year you work, you work towards something, towards a goal. It’s not a failure; it’s steps to success. There’s always steps to it.”

“There’s no failure in sports. There’s good days, bad days. Some days you’re able to be successful, some days you’re not. Some days it’s your turn, some days it’s not your turn. And that’s what sports is about. You don’t always win. Sometimes other people win. And this year somebody else is going to win, simple as that.”

“Michael Jordan played 15 years, won six championships. The other nine years was a failure? That’s what you’re telling me?”

Although he did not make this distinction directly, I believe Antetokounmpo was differentiating between the concepts of failing and failure. While these two terms are closely related, they have a meaningful distinction.

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.

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.”