March 2025 – Building a Winning Team in the Workplace

March Madness is in full swing, bringing with it the high-energy excitement, unexpected upsets, and thrilling performances that make college basketball one of the most unpredictable and captivating events of the year. Every season, top ranked teams face shocking eliminations, while underdogs rise to the occasion, capturing the hearts of fans everywhere. Like how we will never forget how quickly Sister Jean rose to fame in 2018 as the Loyola Ramblers advanced to the Final Four for the first time since the 1960’s. But beyond the buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories, there’s a deeper lesson that extends far beyond the hardwood: the importance of building a strong, resilient team.

Teams with deep benches often outlast those relying on a single star player. Injuries, foul trouble, or fatigue can sideline even the best athletes, making it essential for teams to have capable backups ready to step in and perform at a high level. Similarly, in

the workplace, organizations thrive when they cultivate talent at all levels. A well-rounded team ensures that when unexpected challenges arise, whether it’s a team member out for personal reasons or an unforeseen staffing gap, there’s someone ready to step up and contribute.

Elite college basketball programs don’t just rely on luck to assemble their rosters. They have dedicated scouts and recruiters identifying top talent and ensuring the team has the right mix of skills, leadership, and potential. The same principle applies in the business world. Companies that partner with skilled recruiters position themselves for long-term success. By proactively seeking out individuals who align with the organization’s values and goals, businesses can build a team that’s not just talented but also cohesive and driven.

Behind every championship team is a coach who sets the vision, instills confidence, and brings out the best in every player. Likewise, strong leadership in the workplace enables collaboration, motivation, and a shared sense of purpose. Encouraging mentorship, open communication, and ensuring that every team member feels valued are essential steps in building a winning workplace culture.

Just like in basketball, business success isn’t about one big win, it’s about consistently making smart plays, developing talent, and preparing for the unexpected. Organizations that prioritize building a strong team, investing in scouting and recruitment, and cultivating adaptability will not only navigate challenges more effectively but also create a culture of sustained excellence.

As you watch this year’s tournament unfold, take a moment to consider: how strong is your team’s bench? Are you recruiting and developing the talent needed to drive long-term success? The team at AGRI-SEARCH is here to help you!

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. 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.

6253, Farm Operations Manager, Western Kansas

A family farming operation in western Kansas is seeking an Operations Manager to join their team.  This farm consists of 16,000 acres and is operated by the third generation.  Crops grown consist of wheat, milo, corn, and pinto beans with approximately one fourth of the acreage being irrigated. This is a rural region with excellent schools and churches and is a great place to raise a family.

5859, Vice President of Finance, Pennsylvania

Leading Eastern US privately owned food, agriculture, and agriculture services company is seeking a Vice President of Finance for their global business procurement unit. This position will be based from the company’s headquarters in Pennsylvania.

4126, Senior Controller, Arizona

We’re partnering with a well-established, family-focused company in Southwest Arizona seeking a Senior Controller to join their growing farming operation. This is a unique chance to step into a senior management role, overseeing financial operations and contributing to a dynamic, agriculture-based business. If you have strong finance experience and are looking for a collaborative, team-oriented environment with room for personal and professional growth, this could be the perfect fit!

5848, Grain Operations Manager, Multiple Locations Nationwide

We are actively seeking Grain Operations Managers for several locations across the country. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing grain facilities or similar operational environments.

5821, Grain Marketing Advisor, Ohio

Are you tired of being a number and not a person who is valued?  Our extremely successful client is seeking a self-motivated Grain Marketing Advisor to join their risk management team. The position could be a great next step for a trainee looking to move up or a more experienced professional seeking to join a top-notch culture.

5861, Grain Merchandiser, Central Illinois

A thriving Illinois grain company is seeking an experienced and skilled Grain Merchandiser to lead the charge in driving profitability and keeping grain flowing smoothly at their multiple truck and rail facilities handling about 25 million bushels per year.  Responsibilities will include taking over 100% of the grain merchandising, coaching and mentoring team members, and talking to farmers about grain marketing.

1070, Marketing Manager, Remote

Well established and trusted employee-owned manufacturing company in agriculture and vegetation management equipment is seeking a Marketing Manager for a remote role. They are seeking a hands-on Marketing Manager who thrives in a fast paced, execution focused environment. This role is not about just creating content, it is also about driving real results through dealer engagement, competitive analysis, and field-driven marketing strategies.

4125, Tax Partner, Arizona

Join a rapidly growing accounting firm as a Tax Partner, focusing on serving agricultural clients, including family farming businesses. This unique leadership role offers the chance to take over an established client base while building new relationships in the agricultural sector. Ideal for a CPA with strong business development skills, this position offers a fast track to equity partnership and an opportunity to shape the firm’s future.

5855, Location Manager, North Dakota

A successful locally operated grain company in North Dakota is seeking their next leader at one of their key assets. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in grain operations management and take pride in their facility. The company is seeking someone that is a champion of employee development and comfortable upholding company policy.

5837, Commodity Merchandiser, Idaho

Are you looking for a fantastic culture and team environment in the PNW?  An established grain company is looking to expand their team and add an individual with good communication skills and knowledge of trading rules and regulations.

5858, Grain Operations Assistant Superintendent, Northern Illinois

Thriving Northern Illinois grain company is seeking a valued team member who enjoys working outside and wants to focus on grain operations while being a part of a family-oriented atmosphere.  This is an ideal situation for an early career grain operations professional who enjoys operations and would like to take that next step where you can grow and be an integral part of a very successful, close-knit team.

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 Merchandisers, Originators and Traders who are diversely talented, passionate and looking for new challenges. Some desire to work remotely. 

GM’s and CEO’s – we work with a variety of industry leaders seeking key management positions. Contact us about finding the right leader capable of taking your agricultural business to the next level.

Do you have a wealth of industry knowledge, several years’ experience in the ag industry, and a network of peers you enjoy engaging with? 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 to go along with your strong agricultural industry background in agronomy, grain, accounting, safety, 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.”