Rebecca is the Office Assistant at Bay Creek 2 and also fills in as the Office Assistant at Bay Creek 3. She understands that the world can be unsafe and full of challenges. Having a safe workplace not only ensures employees return home to their families each day but also facilitates easier and more effective work.

As a Site Safety Coach, Rebecca enjoys collaborating with the entire team to create a safe work environment. She also likes working with the leadership team to develop new ideas that make work easier and improve employee satisfaction.

In 2007, Drew began his career as a Staff Accountant for the Feed Mills. His professional journey pivoted in 2015 when the company decided to establish a Financial Planning and Analysis team. Drew was entrusted with the leadership of this team, comprising of highly talented individuals. Subsequently, he collaborated with the Hedging, Purchasing, and Merchandising teams.

In the spring of 2018, Drew received acceptance into the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program, a two-year initiative for agricultural leaders in Illinois. Meeting the program’s rigorous selection criteria required him to invest time and effort in personal and professional growth. His efforts included securing a position on the Village Board in his hometown and taking on expanded responsibilities at work that broadened his skill set beyond accounting. Drew reflects, ‘I wouldn’t have had the confidence or qualifications for this opportunity if it weren’t for my personal and professional development at The Maschhoffs.’

Drew offers this advice: ‘Always be open to taking on new challenges, whether they involve new tasks, projects, or roles within your team or organization. With the support of good leaders, your efforts will lead to success. This approach at work not only fosters professional growth but also personal development.’

Drew believes that The Maschhoffs is a forward-thinking company that offers opportunities for both professional and personal development, provided individuals are willing to invest effort and time to gain perspective through information and experiences. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open mind, considering alternative viewpoints, and empathizing with others when making decisions. Drew’s commitment to the company’s core values is rooted in the impact it has on the families who depend on The Maschhoffs, directly and indirectly. He sees his role as contributing to the company’s success, from risk management to financial analysis, by staying true to these core values.

Laura has worked at the Maschhoffs for 11 years and is currently the Director of People Development and Total Rewards. Prior to joining the people team in 2021, she spent 9 years in various Accounting and Finance roles.

Laura’s situation is a little bit unique. Not only is she a participant in this first year of Targeted Development, but also serving as a program creator/administrator. Throughout the Summer and Fall of 2022, she was given the opportunity to build the program from the ground up, with input from the Executive team. “My proudest moments are when I hear feedback from attendees as to how the program is helping them on their personal development journey. I had high hopes for the program but the way it has come together has far exceeded my expectations, she reflects” Laura credits the participants in the program and their drive to improve along with their willingness to be honest and open, as the contributing factors to the success.

Working at the Maschhoffs has allowed Laura to build confidence in herself. Laura says, “once I gained confidence in my own abilities, I was able to use my skills to help others both at work and in my personal life.” The culture at the Maschhoffs is nurturing and always willing to teach those who are curious. Laura was encouraged to explore her passions and behind every door she opened, she found someone willing to teach her more about their area of expertise. “In my eleven years with the Maschhoffs I have never stopped learning. Each day I learn something new that helps me be more effective in my role and in my life outside of work,” says Laura. Her advice to new employees: “to not box themselves into one area. Be curious, seek out opportunities and learn how people and things connect to one another. Find your passion and follow it.”

The culture at the Maschhoffs is supportive. She would describe the people she works with and meets in her role as “salt of the earth”. Laura says she wouldn’t want to work anywhere else, here we treat people the way they want to be treated and help them to become the best version of themselves. “I identify with our company purpose and core values, as they align with my own personal values. My goal each day is to leave the people I interact with in a better state than they were when I met them that day. I strive to add value and leave behind something that will last far after I am gone,” Laura says.

As a member of the 2nd Targeted Development Class, Omarh has been able to connect with team members he doesn’t typically interact with daily. Through their first two sessions, he has gotten to know them better both professionally and personally, learning from their experiences and perspectives, which has helped him grow as a person and a leader. “Moreover, I now have a network within the business that is truly invested in helping each other in our own development,” reflects Omarh.

During his tenure with the company, the investments and opportunities in leadership development have enabled Omarh to understand himself better, increase his self-awareness, and grow personally. “I would encourage new employees to network with their peers and seek opportunities for leadership development through the various programs the company offers.”

The company’s culture focuses on caring for and developing its people. Coming to work every day feels like joining a “work family,” which drives engagement and leads to success.