Scott Brittingham doesn't just recruit members to GEAPS—he builds community by forging meaningful connections that last a lifetime. As the organization's top recruiter for six of the last seven years, his approach reveals profound insights about leadership, mentorship, and the future of the grain industry.
Starting his journey at just 14 years old sweeping floors at his father's grain facility, Scott has accumulated over five decades of experience that he's passionate about sharing with others. Now serving as Grain Systems and Inventory Control Manager at Mountaire Farms (the fourth largest poultry grower in the country), Scott approaches recruitment not as a sales pitch but as offering a valuable tool that transforms careers.
What makes his method so effective? Scott makes membership personal by asking about individual goals and challenges, then demonstrating how GEAPS provides solutions. He sends detailed information, follows up consistently, and even offers to submit applications for interested professionals. When faced with common objections like time constraints, he emphasizes flexibility. When cost concerns arise, he highlights facility memberships that allow multiple team members to benefit under one umbrella.
But Scott's impact extends far beyond recruitment numbers. He's a dedicated mentor who recognizes how the industry's evolution—with more leaders emerging from management trainee programs rather than decades of hands-on experience—creates knowledge gaps that professional communities help bridge. His commitment to lifelong learning is evidenced by earning the Master Credential in Grain Operations Management (MCGOM), becoming just the 12th person worldwide with this distinction at the time.
As the grain industry advances with new technologies and automation, Scott remains excited about the future and the role GEAPS plays in helping professionals stay ahead of the curve. His parting wisdom resonates with professionals at every career stage: "GEAPS is an outstanding organization and if you're a part of this industry and you're serious about growing, you definitely should belong. You'll get back tenfold anything that you put into it."
What step will you take today to grow your network and help someone else find their path in this field? Explore GEAPS' professional development resources, credentialing programs, and member community at geaps.com.
Key GEAPS Links:
Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (00:05):
What if the secret to growing an entire
industry was simply connectingone person at a time?
Today we're talking with a manwho's made that his mission and
earned GEAPS' top recruiterhonor for six of the last seven
years running.
Welcome to the Whole GrainPodcast, a show where we explore
(00:26):
the people, ideas andinnovations shaping the grain
handling and processing industry.
The Whole Grain Show bringsgrain professional listeners
together from 94 countries fromaround the world.
I'm your host, Jim Lenz,director of Global Education and
Training at GEAPS where themission of the Grain Elevator
and Processing Society is tochampion, connect and serve the
global grain industry and ourmembers.
(00:47):
At GEAPS, we work to be theglobal community and thought
leader for the grain industrywhich feeds and fuels the world.
Today's guest is someone whotruly embodies what it means to
build community and leadershipwithin the grain industry.
I'm joined by Scott Brittingham, MCGOM, of Mountaina ire Farms
and the Mid-Atlantic GEAPSChapter.
Scott is a former GEAPSInternational Board member.
(01:08):
He's also been recognized as aGEAPS Top Recruiter by title.
He has earned six of the lastseven years.
Scott has a remarkable abilityto connect with people at all
levels of experience and inspirethem to get engaged, whether
that's at their facility intheir career or within the GEAPS
organization.
In this episode, Scott shareshow he approaches recruitment
(01:31):
with purpose, supports thedevelopment of future leaders
and continues to help grow theindustry, one relationship at a
time.
Let's dive in All right.
Welcome whole grain listenersto this podcast episode.
(01:54):
It's a special one as we have aguest who is Scott Brittingham,
MCGOM, Mid-Atlantic Chapter,mountain Air Farms.
He is the GEAPS top recruiter.
He's a four-time consecutivewinner.
That's why we are so excited tohave Scott on the show.
Scott, thank you for being aguest on the Whole Grain Podcast
.
It's a pleasure to be here.
Jim, thanks.
We want to take you throughyour journey, your journey in
(02:16):
the industry, journey with GEAPS.
You've been such a leader forGEAPS and just for the industry
in general.
We want to talk a little bitabout the science of recruitment
, developing industry leadershipand advice for newcomers,
things that you want to sharewith us about the industry, any
personal reflections in that,and also I want to touch base on
what I just stated, which wasMCGOM, that master credential
(02:39):
that you learned.
So I want to do that before wego, but again, it's great to
have you here.
So, if you don't mind, share alittle bit of information about
you.
What has your journey been likein the grain industry all the
way to what you're doing rightnow?
Scott Brittingham (02:51):
I got my start in the grain industry over
50 years ago at age 14.
My dad was the manager of theHarrington Grain Facility here,
and one day he looked at me andhe said go see your guidance
counselor and get a work permit.
They mean he said go see yourguidance counselor and get a
work permit.
They're going to work tonight.
So that was my start.
That was the beginning, and Iworked part-time for my dad for
many years, learning thebusiness from the ground up.
(03:13):
I was sweeping floors andloading truck and a lot of
shoveling and eventually helpingwith operations.
In 1993, I transitioned intofull-time work and continued to
grow in the industry, eventuallybecoming a regional grain
facilities manager.
My dad was the one who recruitedme into GEAPS.
(03:33):
He saw the value in theorganization he joined back in
the early 80s and he wanted meto be a part of it.
That introduction, it openedthe door to a lifelong
connection with GEAPS, and onethat's helped shape my career
and allowed me to give back tothe industry.
He used to ride over toBaltimore from Delaware once a
month.
I remember when I was growingup and that was him attending
(03:55):
the Jeeps meeting.
Was it the?
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (03:57):
chapter meeting at the time.
Yeah it was?
Was it called the Mid-AtlanticChapter at the time as well?
Scott Brittingham (04:03):
It was yeah, so that's what got me started.
I ended up joining him in thelocal chapter and moving into
the board of directors at thelocal chapter.
I've been the treasurer forprobably 20 years now, or close
to it, and it's been a fun ride.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (04:17):
Tell us about your current role.
What is involved with that?
Scott Brittingham (04:20):
I work for Mount Air Farms.
With that I work for Mounta ireFarms, I'm part of their prime
quality grain division wherecurrently I serve as grain
systems and inventory controlmanager.
I oversee flow, quality andtracking of grain across our
facilities.
I have a strong background incomputer technology which
complements my grain operationsexperience, which is what's led
(04:42):
to my current role.
So, in addition to inventorycontrol, I work with the
integration, the implementation,troubleshooting of our software
application.
Of course that meanscollaborating with teams to
ensure our systems are runningsmoothly and supporting
operational efficiency andaccurate data.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (05:00):
Wow, very expanded role.
Tell us a little bit more aboutyour organization.
Scott Brittingham (05:04):
Well, Mountaire is the fourth largest
poultry grower in the country,and as such we own many grain
elevators and feed mills, and somy role is to kind of ride herd
over their inventory and tokeep their systems working and
integrate new technologies thatare coming along all the time
Can you tell our listeners howyour GEAPS membership evolved
(05:27):
into active involvement,eventually championing
recruitment, because that's whatthis episode is largely about.
Yes, sir.
So after I joined GEAPS, youknow, I started attending the
local chapter meetings andgetting involved in small ways
there, but over time I realizedhow much I was gaining.
It was not just professionally,but personally.
(05:48):
That's when I decided to stepout of my comfort zone and serve
on GEAPS International Board ofDirectors, which I did for
seven years.
I got to go out to Minneapolisand that experience gave me a
broader view of theorganization's impact and its
potential.
It also deepened my commitmentto helping others get involved.
(06:10):
You know I started encouragingeveryone I met you know
millwrights, scale technicians,equipment providers, whatever
everybody I met to join GEAPS.
And of course, in my owncompany I encouraged new hires
to join GEAPS as well.
I wanted them to take fulladvantage of the education and
networking opportunities GEAPSprovides provides.
(06:34):
You know because I hadpersonally experienced that I
didn't want people to just signup.
I wanted them to engage andgrow and become leaders in their
own right.
GEAPS has something to offerevery professional in the grain
industry, and I make it mymission to help them see that.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (06:48):
That's fantastic.
One of the first things yousaid was I want to get out of my
comfort zone.
Tell us a little bit more aboutthat.
Scott Brittingham (06:56):
Well, I've always been a rather quiet
individual, and so when I was onthe board, I think I developed
a reputation for letting othersspeak up a lot, but formulating
a sound decision based on what Iwas hearing, and most of the
time, I would only speak up if Ithought I had something really
(07:16):
relevant to add to, because Ithink that's what people need to
do to learn and grow, no matterwhere we're at, is to get out
of one's comfort zone.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (07:27):
And so you became very engaged and active.
You increased your contextualunderstanding.
You saw what happened at thechapter level and how.
That's very positive, and youtook an effort to learn broader
perspectives.
This is a global membershipassociation support the grain
handling, grain processingindustry, and so you found that
there are great opportunities.
(07:49):
And so let's talk about thatnext step, the science of
recruitment.
Let's unpack your approach tomember recruitment and
engagement.
Deb Most, who's been with ourchapter programs and she's a
chapter manager and she's amembership manager, been with
Jeeps for a long set of years.
She said Scott has this down toa science.
(08:10):
What's your secret toconsistently recruiting new
GEAPS members year after year?
Scott Brittingham (08:18):
Well, first of all, I think of GEAPS
membership as a tool, and it's avaluable tool.
You know it's something that Iwant to share.
It's a resource that can helpsomeone grow their career and
solve problems and build lastingconnections.
So when I talk to people Idon't really pitch it like a
sales job.
I share how it's helped me andhow it can help them.
Whether it's access to trainingor networking or leadership
(08:42):
opportunities, education GEAPSgives professionals the tools
they need to succeed.
I make it personal.
I ask them about their owngoals, their own challenges, and
then I try to show them howJeeps fits into that picture.
And then I follow up, I invitethem to meetings, I introduce
them to members and help them tofeel welcome.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (09:02):
That's fantastic.
I was just going to ask next,what do you actually say or do
when introducing jeeps to acolleague or a contact?
I think you just said it there,or is there anything different?
Because I know there's a lot oflisteners out there who are in
a position where they've beenactive with jeeps and they want
to encourage others to do thatand they just want something
like really practical.
What do you say?
Scott Brittingham (09:25):
I usually start by asking have you ever
heard of GEAPS?
And quite often a lot of peoplehaven't heard of.
GEAPS.
So I explain that it's aprofessional organization for
people in the grain industry.
Place has been around fornearly a hundred years now,
place to learn and connect andgrow, and I share my story and
how it's helped me.
And there's been numerousinstances and I often relate
(09:46):
them to times when I was upagainst something going wrong or
something being broken and Icalled a fellow Jeeps member and
they were able to.
In some document that I wroteseveral years ago that provides
(10:07):
background about Jeeps andoutlines the value of members,
from education and training tonetworking and leadership
development, I include alongwith that document you know
email is great.
You know I can include amembership application right
with them and I tell them ifyou're interested, fill it out
and I'll submit it for you.
The personal touch does make adifference.
(10:29):
It shows that I'm not justsuggesting something to them but
I'm offering to walk alongsidethem as they get started.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (10:37):
No wonder you have been a four-time
consecutive winner of theGEAPS's Top Recruiter for 2024.
That is going above and beyond.
That is going that is fantastic.
Scott Brittingham (10:56):
So you have.
I think it truly demonstratesthat that keeps us something I
strongly believe in, and it issomething I want to share.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (11:00):
Yeah, instead of just kind of passing by
mentioning it I mean, they knowthat you care if they receive
this document and then thedetail of how it has helped you
and stating you know everybodygets in crunches and has
challenges and if you can reachout to someone who may be at a
different facility it could be avendor supplier, it could be in
(11:21):
grain operations.
It's just incredible that and Iwant to put words in your mouth
but becoming a GEAPS member,this global membership
association, does it make thegrain industry smaller?
Scott Brittingham (11:35):
It definitely does and you know I've had
fellow associates who have goneto industry events in cities out
in the Midwest and Far West andI didn't happen to be there but
people would see the name tagthat says Mounta ire.
They say, oh, mount Air.
Do you know Scott Brittingham?
(11:56):
And that's because of myrepresentation of the company in
GEAPS.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (12:02):
That is fantastic and what a tribute to.
You're a very humble guy, butthat is a tribute to your work
and I've heard that too Beenwith Jeeps a little over three
years and that is coming updozens of times, so that's
fantastic.
These are good nuggets that youare sharing with everybody here
on the Grain Podcast Podcast.
Thank you for doing that.
There are some other that youare sharing with everybody here
(12:23):
on the Whole Grain Podcast.
Thank you for doing that.
There are some other thingsrelated to the science of
recruitment.
I'd love to touch base with you, if that's okay.
What kinds of professionals doyou most often encourage to join
Jeeps?
What is a spectrum or is therea target?
It runs the gamut.
Scott Brittingham (12:39):
I look for people who are curious,
motivated, want to grow, whetherthey're new to the industry or
whether they've been around fora while.
That includes scale operatorsand supervisors and managers,
even folks in the maintenance orthe IT department or the
environmental department, safetydepartment, there's all kinds
of departments that supportgrain operation.
(13:00):
So if someone asks a lot ofquestions or shows some
initiative, that's a good sign.
I'll say you know, you'd be agreat fit for Jeeps.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (13:09):
Let me tell you why that's absolutely fantastic
.
I'm guessing it's happened toyou.
It doesn't seem like it's verycommon, but from those who are
listening and those who areknowledgeable Jeeps and are a
member, they may have some levelof communication about GEAPS
and encourage them to join.
Maybe they haven't taken it tothe extent that you have, but
(13:30):
what about answering thequestion that a listener may
have, such as what are commonobjections or hesitations people
have and then how do youovercome them?
Scott Brittingham (13:41):
Well, of course, the most common one
seems to be increasing all thetime is I don't have time, and I
get that.
You know we're all busy.
But I remind them that it'sflexible, you can engage at your
own pace.
Even just reading thenewsletter or attending a
webinar can make a difference,you know.
Another hesitation I run upagainst is cost.
(14:02):
What's this going to cost?
And that's when I highlightGEAPS's recent adoption of the
facility memberships and Iespecially like to share that
with the decision makers at thatcompany, you know, because it's
a great option for them.
They can have multiple GEAPSmembers under one umbrella at a
lower annual fee and it makes iteasier for teams to get
(14:25):
involved and benefit from theeducation and networking
opportunities together.
So once people see howaccessible and valuable GEAPS is
, those objections usually fadeaway.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (14:36):
That's fantastic.
So great use of the facility.
Memberships is what Scott justmentioned.
So I certainly will leave alink to that and other relatable
things in the show notes.
So I certainly will leave alink to that and other relatable
things in the show notes.
So thanks for mentioning that,Scott.
Let's segment over todeveloping industry leadership a
little bit more.
I want to explore your insights, Scott, into leadership
development and engagement.
(14:57):
You've been praised for helpingothers get active in their
roles and in the industry.
How do you encourage that kindof leadership development?
Scott Brittingham (15:05):
Well, number one I believe in leading by
example.
They've seen me out there inthe yard.
I talk to all the guys in theyard.
I'll sit on my tailgate andwe'll have a tailgate talk and
discuss maybe safety orsomething whatever.
I try to be approachable andsupportive and always willing to
share.
What I've learned that's one ofthe big things I have right now
(15:25):
is I've accumulated 50 yearsworth of knowledge and I want to
dispense as much of that as Ican along the way and help
others to make their journey.
So I look for opportunities toinvolve others, whether it's
asking someone to help plan achapter event or encouraging
them to speak at a meeting oreven just attend a meeting.
Sometimes people need a littlenudge or, as I tell Deb,
(15:49):
sometimes an arm twist orwhatever, and someone to believe
in them, and that's what I tryto provide.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (15:56):
That last part.
You provide an opportunity forsomeone to believe in them,
believe in their career, believein their choices of choosing
the green industry.
That's fantastic.
Can you share an example ofsomeone you've recruited who
really grew into their role orbecame more active in the
industry Thanks to your support?
Scott Brittingham (16:14):
Yeah, there's a young lady that I've been
mentoring a little bit.
And well, let me let me firstsay a little bit about
mentorship.
You know, career paths havechanged in our industry.
Today more of our nextgeneration of leaders are coming
from management, traineeprograms and internships.
They're bright, they'retalented, they're motivated, but
(16:36):
often they're dropped intoleadership roles without much
actual experience in the greenindustry.
That's where Jeeps comes in.
It helps to fill that gap byproviding a conduit to the
knowledge and the expertisethat's available from industry
colleagues.
Through Jeeps they can connectwith seasoned professionals and
they can access training.
(16:57):
They can learn from real-worldexperiences.
So that's what I see as part ofbeing a mentor helping these
emerging leaders tap into theresources and the relationships
that'll support their growth andsuccess.
But you asked me if there wassomeone who I could talk about
specifically.
Yeah, there's a young lady atMount Air.
(17:17):
She has very well-defined goalsfor herself in the grain
industry and truly understandthe value of networking.
So last year she accompanied meto Deep's Exchange and she, on
her own initiative, sat in onvarious committee meetings.
I had several of my fellowboard directors come up to me
afterward and say how impressedthey were with her participation
(17:40):
and her insights.
She didn't just observe, sheengaged, she asked questions and
she, you know, made ameaningful contribution.
Today she's a member of a GEAPSEducation Committee, so
watching her grow and step intoa leadership role it's been
incredibly rewarding.
And that's what mentorship isall about, you know helping
someone find their footing andthrive.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (18:00):
I know who you're exactly talking about and
she really is fantastic, Agreat add to the education and
training committee at GEAPS hereand to the industry at large.
I'm so excited for her future.
She really is getting afterthings and largely thanks to you
and thanks to her family andher choices that she's made up
to this point.
So that's really fantastic.
(18:20):
Now advice for newcomers.
Let's segment there.
What practical advice orguidance do you have for early
career professionals or thoseexploring the industry?
What advice would you givesomeone who's new to the grain
industry and looking to growtheir career?
Scott Brittingham (18:35):
Well, actually I do this all the time.
I tell them start out by takingone of the introduction to the
grain industry courses atCheucers.
It's a great foundation,especially for folks who are new
to the field and trying to makesense of everything.
A few years ago we had a younglady start as an assistant
manager at one of our greenfacilities.
It was right at the beginningof wheat season so we didn't
(18:58):
have much time to show her theropes.
But I told her.
I said just absorb what you canfrom what's going on around you
and we'll get the rest takencare of later.
So after wheat season I had hertake the introductory course.
When she finished that courseshe came back to me and she said
thanks, she goes.
Now, everything makes sense andthat's the kind of clarity and
confidence that the GEAPS'straining can provide.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (19:21):
That's fantastic, great example.
What are one or two things newjeeps members can do right away
to get the most of theirmembership?
Isn't that exactly it?
Anything else to add?
Scott Brittingham (19:33):
Yeah, well, as I said, join jeeps, take the
classes.
That's the foundation.
GEAPS offers excellent trainingthat can help you understand
the industry and build yourconfidence level.
There's excellent training thatcan help you understand the
industry and build yourconfidence level.
Then attend some of your localGEAPS, whether it's a local
event or even a nationalconference.
These gatherings are where youmeet industry colleagues, make
(19:54):
connections and meet so manyfriends who are powerhouses in
the industry, and the more youengage, the more you'll get out
of it, because each is that wayEverything you put in you're
going to get back, and so it's acommunity and the best way to
benefit from it is to be a partof it.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (20:11):
Wow, well said, thank you.
A community you just mentionedthat.
There you become part of aspecial community to support
your own personal professionaldevelopment, to support your
organization.
You serve and help feed, fueland clothe the world.
It's a fantastic community.
Thank you for mentioning thatNow as we kind of get closer to
(20:31):
concluding here.
I'm curious.
You are just a really specialindividual, scott, and I'm
curious.
You have a motor, scott, andyou are on a mission and it's
not at all self-serving, it'sthe opposite you are looking to
serve others in everything youdo and I see that at GEAPS
(20:51):
Exchange, when I first met youat the board meeting and then
Exchange, I did hear that storyof how your dad helped you
propagate an early age into theindustry which you know.
That's so special that youactually mentioned that and that
really is a reason of how yougot started.
(21:13):
So, but that motor did not stopand you mentioned 50 years in
the industry.
I can't believe that.
That's not possible.
Is that true, Scott?
Scott Brittingham (21:22):
It doesn't seem possible.
You know, back in the day whenI was a facility manager I had
hair down to my shoulders and Icalled myself not your typical
green facility manager, andsomehow I've gone from that to
Mounta ire's elder statesman andI still feel like that young
guy inside.
So hopefully I'll stick aroundfor a while.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (21:45):
I love that.
So let's uncover that.
What keeps Scott Brittinghammotivated to do this work year
after year?
Scott Brittingham (21:53):
Well, I really am motivated by all the
great people that I get to workboth at Mount Air and through
GEAPS.
The relationships I've builtover the years they've all been
incredibly rewarding and I'mdriven by the opportunity to
share what I've learned over thepast 50 the years.
They've all been incrediblyrewarding and I'm driven by the
opportunity to share what I'velearned over the past 50 plus
years.
If I can help someone avoid amistake, solve a problem, grow
(22:16):
in their career, you knowwhatever then I've done
something worthwhile.
That's my legacy and that'swhat keeps me going Legacy Wow,
fantastic.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (22:25):
Thank you for all you've done, scott.
What are you most excited aboutfor the future, either in the
industry or within GEAPS?
Scott Brittingham (22:32):
I think what I'm most excited about is the
technological and automationadvances on the horizon.
It's very different from theindustry I stepped into when I
was 14 and started my journey.
The upcoming innovations inproductivity and safety are
going to be astounding fromautomated systems to real-time
(22:54):
data tracking and we're ending anew era of efficiency and
precision and customercommunication.
And Jeeps is right there.
It's helping professionals stayahead of the curve, offering
training and resources that aregoing to support this evolution.
So it's an exciting time to bea part of the grain industry.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (23:12):
Thank you, Scott, Great expression there.
Now you have earned what theacronym MCGOM, and for those who
are not familiar with that, wehave a credentialing program
unique for the grain industry.
This is the Master Credentialin Grain Operations Management.
That's what MCGOM stands for.
It's earned by completing theCGOM and all three specialist
(23:36):
credentials, and so the CGOM isa credential in grain operations
management includes completionof online course and management
basics for grain facilitysupervisors, grain facilities
planning and design.
One grain quality managementcourse, grain quality management
systems for bulk materialshandling operations, the
entry-level safety and alsomaterials handling one as well,
(23:58):
and I said it includes all threespecialists.
There's a specialist in grainquality management includes
grain aeration, FGIS, graininspection orientation, grain
drying, management of pests andgrain storage.
There's also specialists ingrain handling equipment
management I won't go into thecourses and then also
specialists in property andcasualty risk management.
(24:18):
Those specialty credentialsinclude the completion of four
courses and the CGOM and VALS 6,like I mentioned there and I
bring this up because you havededicated time.
You have taken time from yourday, beside all these other
things that you have mentioned,which is full of nuggets, and
this is going to be a greatresource for those who are GEAPS
(24:40):
members and grain professionals, and there's gonna be a lot of
takeaways from this.
But also now examining thecredentialing program for GEAPS,
Can you reflect on that?
How has it helped you amongstall these things and for anybody
considering that or wanted toknow more information?
Can you kind of step forwardand speak on that?
Scott Brittingham (24:59):
Absolutely yes.
I've always had a lifelong loveof learning.
And as such, this was anopportunity that was attractive
to me.
Love of learning and as such,this was an opportunity that was
attractive to me, and I saw itas also an opportunity to
demonstrate to my employers thatI was serious about what I was
doing and I was wanting to growand be someone who made a great
contribution to the company andto the works going on around me.
(25:23):
So that's what led me to pursueit, and the master's credential
is currently the highest levelof recognized credentialing
available in the grain industry.
All of these courses wereoriginally created by GEAPS in
Kansas State University and Iset myself a goal of being among
the first dozen people in theworld to receive that credential
(25:44):
and, as it turned out, I wasthe 12th person in the world to
get the credential.
And, as it turned out, I wasthe 12th person in the world to
get the master's credential ingrain operations management.
I felt really good about thatand it just reflects on Mounta
ire's level, their forwardthinking and their support of my
efforts, because they paid thewhole way and they rewarded me
for what I was willing to put into obtain that credential.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (26:07):
That is fantastic.
So you get the support of yourorganization, mount Air, but
also your personal drive tosucceed and grow.
That is a great testament.
Thank you for sharing that.
Listeners out there.
You can just go to jeepscomslash training, dash education
(26:28):
forward, slash credentials orsimply just go to online
learning in there and you'llfind the credential piece and
I'll take you there and I'llshowcase what Scott talked about
.
These are available 24 seven.
Wherever you stop, it'llcontinue where you left off, and
so please take a look at thecredential page on the GEAPS
website.
It's fantastic.
Thank you for expressing that.
Now, as we close, I just wantto have one kind of final thing
(26:52):
here Again.
What does it mean to youpersonally to receive the top
recruiter award for four yearsin a row from the GEAPS
organization?
That's incredible.
Scott Brittingham (27:03):
Actually, it's interesting you should
mention that it's not just fouryears in a row, it's actually
six of the last seven years.
Wow, yeah, we used to getrewarded with a leather jacket
every year, and they assumed itcorrectly that there was only so
many leather jackets that wouldfit in my closet.
(27:24):
So they've been experimentingwith some other rewards, but
it's certainly rewarding to behonored for your efforts.
What's even more meaningful,though, is knowing that you've
helped so many others along theway.
So every time someone joins you,you can find value in it,
whether it's the education, thenetworking, leadership.
(27:44):
That's the real win.
The award is nice, but theimpact that I have on others is
what keeps me going.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (27:52):
Scott, thank you for joining, sharing your
insights.
You've reflected on keytakeaways such as value of
connection, mentoring, gettinginvolved, supporting, recruiting
not just those who are new butthose who are curious-minded and
want to grow themselves.
You see, in conversations withpeople who are looking for an
opportunity and give a verywell-designed tools, instead of
(28:16):
instruments, to take them tothat next step and be active in
the industry, being active withGEAPS.
We thank you so much.
Any closing sentiments from youbig picture kind of things as
we conclude here, Really justkind of the same thing.
Scott Brittingham (28:30):
I said.
Jeeps is an outstandingorganization and if you're a
part of this industry and you'reserious about growing, you
definitely should belong andyou'll get back tenfold anything
that you put into it.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (28:41):
Fantastic.
Thank you very much, scott.
It's been a pleasure, Jim.
We thank Scott Brittingham ofMountaire Farms for joining us
and sharing his insights,strategies and passions for
people and progress Frombuilding strong connections to
mentoring the next generation.
His story reminds us that oneperson really can make a lasting
impact on the industry andcommunity around them.
(29:03):
To our listeners.
What's one step you can taketoday to grow your own network
and help someone else find theirpath in this field?
If you're not yet a Jeepsmember or you know someone who
would benefit, now is theperfect time to get involved.
Explore GEAPS' professionaldevelopment resources,
credentialing programs andmember community at www.
(29:24):
geaps.
com.
If you have not yet subscribedto the GEAPS Whole Grain Podcast
and your favorite podcast app,I encourage you to do so, as
podcast episodes will drop onyour phone or your device as
soon as episodes are released.
Plus, you can easily catch upon all past shows as well.
Whole Grain is found on ApplePodcasts, google Music, spotify,
amazon Music, podbean, pandoraand more.
The Whole Grain Podcast bringstogether grain industry
(29:46):
professionals like yourself from94 countries from around the
world.
Be sure to share this episodeof the news of the Whole Grain
Show as an easy-to-access andeasy-to-share educational
resource with your network, butalso can find the show on the
GEAPS website at geaps dot comslash wholegrain.
I'm Jim Lenz, director of GlobalEducation and Training at GEAPS
.
My email james@geaps.
(30:08):
com We look forward toconnecting with you to learn
more about being a member of theGreen Elevator and Processing
Society, to identify a GEAPSchapter to connect with, to
learn about the vast portfolioof educational resources.
Again, please visit www.
geaps.
com.
Until next time, keep learning,keep innovating and keep moving
the industry forward.
Have yourself a great day andthanks for listening to the
(30:30):
Whole Grain Show.
What if the secret to growing an entire
industry was simply connectingone person at a time?
Today we're talking with a manwho's made that his mission and
earned GEAPS' top recruiterhonor for six of the last seven
years running.
Welcome to the Whole GrainPodcast, a show where we explore
(00:26):
the people, ideas andinnovations shaping the grain
handling and processing industry.
The Whole Grain Show bringsgrain professional listeners
together from 94 countries fromaround the world.
I'm your host, Jim Lenz,director of Global Education and
Training at GEAPS where themission of the Grain Elevator
and Processing Society is tochampion, connect and serve the
global grain industry and ourmembers.
(00:47):
At GEAPS, we work to be theglobal community and thought
leader for the grain industrywhich feeds and fuels the world.
Today's guest is someone whotruly embodies what it means to
build community and leadershipwithin the grain industry.
I'm joined by Scott Brittingham, MCGOM, of Mountaina ire Farms
and the Mid-Atlantic GEAPSChapter.
Scott is a former GEAPSInternational Board member.
(01:08):
He's also been recognized as aGEAPS Top Recruiter by title.
He has earned six of the lastseven years.
Scott has a remarkable abilityto connect with people at all
levels of experience and inspirethem to get engaged, whether
that's at their facility intheir career or within the GEAPS
organization.
In this episode, Scott shareshow he approaches recruitment
(01:31):
with purpose, supports thedevelopment of future leaders
and continues to help grow theindustry, one relationship at a
time.
Let's dive in All right.
Welcome whole grain listenersto this podcast episode.
(01:54):
It's a special one as we have aguest who is Scott Brittingham,
MCGOM, Mid-Atlantic Chapter,mountain Air Farms.
He is the GEAPS top recruiter.
He's a four-time consecutivewinner.
That's why we are so excited tohave Scott on the show.
Scott, thank you for being aguest on the Whole Grain Podcast
.
It's a pleasure to be here.
Jim, thanks.
We want to take you throughyour journey, your journey in
(02:16):
the industry, journey with GEAPS.
You've been such a leader forGEAPS and just for the industry
in general.
We want to talk a little bitabout the science of recruitment
, developing industry leadershipand advice for newcomers,
things that you want to sharewith us about the industry, any
personal reflections in that,and also I want to touch base on
what I just stated, which wasMCGOM, that master credential
(02:39):
that you learned.
So I want to do that before wego, but again, it's great to
have you here.
So, if you don't mind, share alittle bit of information about
you.
What has your journey been likein the grain industry all the
way to what you're doing rightnow?
Scott Brittingham (02:51):
I got my start in the grain industry over
50 years ago at age 14.
My dad was the manager of theHarrington Grain Facility here,
and one day he looked at me andhe said go see your guidance
counselor and get a work permit.
They mean he said go see yourguidance counselor and get a
work permit.
They're going to work tonight.
So that was my start.
That was the beginning, and Iworked part-time for my dad for
many years, learning thebusiness from the ground up.
(03:13):
I was sweeping floors andloading truck and a lot of
shoveling and eventually helpingwith operations.
In 1993, I transitioned intofull-time work and continued to
grow in the industry, eventuallybecoming a regional grain
facilities manager.
My dad was the one who recruitedme into GEAPS.
(03:33):
He saw the value in theorganization he joined back in
the early 80s and he wanted meto be a part of it.
That introduction, it openedthe door to a lifelong
connection with GEAPS, and onethat's helped shape my career
and allowed me to give back tothe industry.
He used to ride over toBaltimore from Delaware once a
month.
I remember when I was growingup and that was him attending
(03:55):
the Jeeps meeting.
Was it the?
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (03:57):
chapter meeting at the time.
Yeah it was?
Was it called the Mid-AtlanticChapter at the time as well?
Scott Brittingham (04:03):
It was yeah, so that's what got me started.
I ended up joining him in thelocal chapter and moving into
the board of directors at thelocal chapter.
I've been the treasurer forprobably 20 years now, or close
to it, and it's been a fun ride.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (04:17):
Tell us about your current role.
What is involved with that?
Scott Brittingham (04:20):
I work for Mount Air Farms.
With that I work for Mounta ireFarms, I'm part of their prime
quality grain division wherecurrently I serve as grain
systems and inventory controlmanager.
I oversee flow, quality andtracking of grain across our
facilities.
I have a strong background incomputer technology which
complements my grain operationsexperience, which is what's led
(04:42):
to my current role.
So, in addition to inventorycontrol, I work with the
integration, the implementation,troubleshooting of our software
application.
Of course that meanscollaborating with teams to
ensure our systems are runningsmoothly and supporting
operational efficiency andaccurate data.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (05:00):
Wow, very expanded role.
Tell us a little bit more aboutyour organization.
Scott Brittingham (05:04):
Well, Mountaire is the fourth largest
poultry grower in the country,and as such we own many grain
elevators and feed mills, and somy role is to kind of ride herd
over their inventory and tokeep their systems working and
integrate new technologies thatare coming along all the time
Can you tell our listeners howyour GEAPS membership evolved
(05:27):
into active involvement,eventually championing
recruitment, because that's whatthis episode is largely about.
Yes, sir.
So after I joined GEAPS, youknow, I started attending the
local chapter meetings andgetting involved in small ways
there, but over time I realizedhow much I was gaining.
It was not just professionally,but personally.
(05:48):
That's when I decided to stepout of my comfort zone and serve
on GEAPS International Board ofDirectors, which I did for
seven years.
I got to go out to Minneapolisand that experience gave me a
broader view of theorganization's impact and its
potential.
It also deepened my commitmentto helping others get involved.
(06:10):
You know I started encouragingeveryone I met you know
millwrights, scale technicians,equipment providers, whatever
everybody I met to join GEAPS.
And of course, in my owncompany I encouraged new hires
to join GEAPS as well.
I wanted them to take fulladvantage of the education and
networking opportunities GEAPSprovides provides.
(06:34):
You know because I hadpersonally experienced that I
didn't want people to just signup.
I wanted them to engage andgrow and become leaders in their
own right.
GEAPS has something to offerevery professional in the grain
industry, and I make it mymission to help them see that.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (06:48):
That's fantastic.
One of the first things yousaid was I want to get out of my
comfort zone.
Tell us a little bit more aboutthat.
Scott Brittingham (06:56):
Well, I've always been a rather quiet
individual, and so when I was onthe board, I think I developed
a reputation for letting othersspeak up a lot, but formulating
a sound decision based on what Iwas hearing, and most of the
time, I would only speak up if Ithought I had something really
(07:16):
relevant to add to, because Ithink that's what people need to
do to learn and grow, no matterwhere we're at, is to get out
of one's comfort zone.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (07:27):
And so you became very engaged and active.
You increased your contextualunderstanding.
You saw what happened at thechapter level and how.
That's very positive, and youtook an effort to learn broader
perspectives.
This is a global membershipassociation support the grain
handling, grain processingindustry, and so you found that
there are great opportunities.
(07:49):
And so let's talk about thatnext step, the science of
recruitment.
Let's unpack your approach tomember recruitment and
engagement.
Deb Most, who's been with ourchapter programs and she's a
chapter manager and she's amembership manager, been with
Jeeps for a long set of years.
She said Scott has this down toa science.
(08:10):
What's your secret toconsistently recruiting new
GEAPS members year after year?
Scott Brittingham (08:18):
Well, first of all, I think of GEAPS
membership as a tool, and it's avaluable tool.
You know it's something that Iwant to share.
It's a resource that can helpsomeone grow their career and
solve problems and build lastingconnections.
So when I talk to people Idon't really pitch it like a
sales job.
I share how it's helped me andhow it can help them.
Whether it's access to trainingor networking or leadership
(08:42):
opportunities, education GEAPSgives professionals the tools
they need to succeed.
I make it personal.
I ask them about their owngoals, their own challenges, and
then I try to show them howJeeps fits into that picture.
And then I follow up, I invitethem to meetings, I introduce
them to members and help them tofeel welcome.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (09:02):
That's fantastic.
I was just going to ask next,what do you actually say or do
when introducing jeeps to acolleague or a contact?
I think you just said it there,or is there anything different?
Because I know there's a lot oflisteners out there who are in
a position where they've beenactive with jeeps and they want
to encourage others to do thatand they just want something
like really practical.
What do you say?
Scott Brittingham (09:25):
I usually start by asking have you ever
heard of GEAPS?
And quite often a lot of peoplehaven't heard of.
GEAPS.
So I explain that it's aprofessional organization for
people in the grain industry.
Place has been around fornearly a hundred years now,
place to learn and connect andgrow, and I share my story and
how it's helped me.
And there's been numerousinstances and I often relate
(09:46):
them to times when I was upagainst something going wrong or
something being broken and Icalled a fellow Jeeps member and
they were able to.
In some document that I wroteseveral years ago that provides
(10:07):
background about Jeeps andoutlines the value of members,
from education and training tonetworking and leadership
development, I include alongwith that document you know
email is great.
You know I can include amembership application right
with them and I tell them ifyou're interested, fill it out
and I'll submit it for you.
The personal touch does make adifference.
(10:29):
It shows that I'm not justsuggesting something to them but
I'm offering to walk alongsidethem as they get started.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (10:37):
No wonder you have been a four-time
consecutive winner of theGEAPS's Top Recruiter for 2024.
That is going above and beyond.
That is going that is fantastic.
Scott Brittingham (10:56):
So you have.
I think it truly demonstratesthat that keeps us something I
strongly believe in, and it issomething I want to share.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (11:00):
Yeah, instead of just kind of passing by
mentioning it I mean, they knowthat you care if they receive
this document and then thedetail of how it has helped you
and stating you know everybodygets in crunches and has
challenges and if you can reachout to someone who may be at a
different facility it could be avendor supplier, it could be in
(11:21):
grain operations.
It's just incredible that and Iwant to put words in your mouth
but becoming a GEAPS member,this global membership
association, does it make thegrain industry smaller?
Scott Brittingham (11:35):
It definitely does and you know I've had
fellow associates who have goneto industry events in cities out
in the Midwest and Far West andI didn't happen to be there but
people would see the name tagthat says Mounta ire.
They say, oh, mount Air.
Do you know Scott Brittingham?
(11:56):
And that's because of myrepresentation of the company in
GEAPS.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (12:02):
That is fantastic and what a tribute to.
You're a very humble guy, butthat is a tribute to your work
and I've heard that too Beenwith Jeeps a little over three
years and that is coming updozens of times, so that's
fantastic.
These are good nuggets that youare sharing with everybody here
on the Grain Podcast Podcast.
Thank you for doing that.
There are some other that youare sharing with everybody here
(12:23):
on the Whole Grain Podcast.
Thank you for doing that.
There are some other thingsrelated to the science of
recruitment.
I'd love to touch base with you, if that's okay.
What kinds of professionals doyou most often encourage to join
Jeeps?
What is a spectrum or is therea target?
It runs the gamut.
Scott Brittingham (12:39):
I look for people who are curious,
motivated, want to grow, whetherthey're new to the industry or
whether they've been around fora while.
That includes scale operatorsand supervisors and managers,
even folks in the maintenance orthe IT department or the
environmental department, safetydepartment, there's all kinds
of departments that supportgrain operation.
(13:00):
So if someone asks a lot ofquestions or shows some
initiative, that's a good sign.
I'll say you know, you'd be agreat fit for Jeeps.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (13:09):
Let me tell you why that's absolutely fantastic
.
I'm guessing it's happened toyou.
It doesn't seem like it's verycommon, but from those who are
listening and those who areknowledgeable Jeeps and are a
member, they may have some levelof communication about GEAPS
and encourage them to join.
Maybe they haven't taken it tothe extent that you have, but
(13:30):
what about answering thequestion that a listener may
have, such as what are commonobjections or hesitations people
have and then how do youovercome them?
Scott Brittingham (13:41):
Well, of course, the most common one
seems to be increasing all thetime is I don't have time, and I
get that.
You know we're all busy.
But I remind them that it'sflexible, you can engage at your
own pace.
Even just reading thenewsletter or attending a
webinar can make a difference,you know.
Another hesitation I run upagainst is cost.
(14:02):
What's this going to cost?
And that's when I highlightGEAPS's recent adoption of the
facility memberships and Iespecially like to share that
with the decision makers at thatcompany, you know, because it's
a great option for them.
They can have multiple GEAPSmembers under one umbrella at a
lower annual fee and it makes iteasier for teams to get
(14:25):
involved and benefit from theeducation and networking
opportunities together.
So once people see howaccessible and valuable GEAPS is
, those objections usually fadeaway.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (14:36):
That's fantastic.
So great use of the facility.
Memberships is what Scott justmentioned.
So I certainly will leave alink to that and other relatable
things in the show notes.
So I certainly will leave alink to that and other relatable
things in the show notes.
So thanks for mentioning that,Scott.
Let's segment over todeveloping industry leadership a
little bit more.
I want to explore your insights, Scott, into leadership
development and engagement.
(14:57):
You've been praised for helpingothers get active in their
roles and in the industry.
How do you encourage that kindof leadership development?
Scott Brittingham (15:05):
Well, number one I believe in leading by
example.
They've seen me out there inthe yard.
I talk to all the guys in theyard.
I'll sit on my tailgate andwe'll have a tailgate talk and
discuss maybe safety orsomething whatever.
I try to be approachable andsupportive and always willing to
share.
What I've learned that's one ofthe big things I have right now
(15:25):
is I've accumulated 50 yearsworth of knowledge and I want to
dispense as much of that as Ican along the way and help
others to make their journey.
So I look for opportunities toinvolve others, whether it's
asking someone to help plan achapter event or encouraging
them to speak at a meeting oreven just attend a meeting.
Sometimes people need a littlenudge or, as I tell Deb,
(15:49):
sometimes an arm twist orwhatever, and someone to believe
in them, and that's what I tryto provide.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (15:56):
That last part.
You provide an opportunity forsomeone to believe in them,
believe in their career, believein their choices of choosing
the green industry.
That's fantastic.
Can you share an example ofsomeone you've recruited who
really grew into their role orbecame more active in the
industry Thanks to your support?
Scott Brittingham (16:14):
Yeah, there's a young lady that I've been
mentoring a little bit.
And well, let me let me firstsay a little bit about
mentorship.
You know, career paths havechanged in our industry.
Today more of our nextgeneration of leaders are coming
from management, traineeprograms and internships.
They're bright, they'retalented, they're motivated, but
(16:36):
often they're dropped intoleadership roles without much
actual experience in the greenindustry.
That's where Jeeps comes in.
It helps to fill that gap byproviding a conduit to the
knowledge and the expertisethat's available from industry
colleagues.
Through Jeeps they can connectwith seasoned professionals and
they can access training.
(16:57):
They can learn from real-worldexperiences.
So that's what I see as part ofbeing a mentor helping these
emerging leaders tap into theresources and the relationships
that'll support their growth andsuccess.
But you asked me if there wassomeone who I could talk about
specifically.
Yeah, there's a young lady atMount Air.
(17:17):
She has very well-defined goalsfor herself in the grain
industry and truly understandthe value of networking.
So last year she accompanied meto Deep's Exchange and she, on
her own initiative, sat in onvarious committee meetings.
I had several of my fellowboard directors come up to me
afterward and say how impressedthey were with her participation
(17:40):
and her insights.
She didn't just observe, sheengaged, she asked questions and
she, you know, made ameaningful contribution.
Today she's a member of a GEAPSEducation Committee, so
watching her grow and step intoa leadership role it's been
incredibly rewarding.
And that's what mentorship isall about, you know helping
someone find their footing andthrive.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (18:00):
I know who you're exactly talking about and
she really is fantastic, Agreat add to the education and
training committee at GEAPS hereand to the industry at large.
I'm so excited for her future.
She really is getting afterthings and largely thanks to you
and thanks to her family andher choices that she's made up
to this point.
So that's really fantastic.
(18:20):
Now advice for newcomers.
Let's segment there.
What practical advice orguidance do you have for early
career professionals or thoseexploring the industry?
What advice would you givesomeone who's new to the grain
industry and looking to growtheir career?
Scott Brittingham (18:35):
Well, actually I do this all the time.
I tell them start out by takingone of the introduction to the
grain industry courses atCheucers.
It's a great foundation,especially for folks who are new
to the field and trying to makesense of everything.
A few years ago we had a younglady start as an assistant
manager at one of our greenfacilities.
It was right at the beginningof wheat season so we didn't
(18:58):
have much time to show her theropes.
But I told her.
I said just absorb what you canfrom what's going on around you
and we'll get the rest takencare of later.
So after wheat season I had hertake the introductory course.
When she finished that courseshe came back to me and she said
thanks, she goes.
Now, everything makes sense andthat's the kind of clarity and
confidence that the GEAPS'straining can provide.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (19:21):
That's fantastic, great example.
What are one or two things newjeeps members can do right away
to get the most of theirmembership?
Isn't that exactly it?
Anything else to add?
Scott Brittingham (19:33):
Yeah, well, as I said, join jeeps, take the
classes.
That's the foundation.
GEAPS offers excellent trainingthat can help you understand
the industry and build yourconfidence level.
There's excellent training thatcan help you understand the
industry and build yourconfidence level.
Then attend some of your localGEAPS, whether it's a local
event or even a nationalconference.
These gatherings are where youmeet industry colleagues, make
(19:54):
connections and meet so manyfriends who are powerhouses in
the industry, and the more youengage, the more you'll get out
of it, because each is that wayEverything you put in you're
going to get back, and so it's acommunity and the best way to
benefit from it is to be a partof it.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (20:11):
Wow, well said, thank you.
A community you just mentionedthat.
There you become part of aspecial community to support
your own personal professionaldevelopment, to support your
organization.
You serve and help feed, fueland clothe the world.
It's a fantastic community.
Thank you for mentioning thatNow as we kind of get closer to
(20:31):
concluding here.
I'm curious.
You are just a really specialindividual, scott, and I'm
curious.
You have a motor, scott, andyou are on a mission and it's
not at all self-serving, it'sthe opposite you are looking to
serve others in everything youdo and I see that at GEAPS
(20:51):
Exchange, when I first met youat the board meeting and then
Exchange, I did hear that storyof how your dad helped you
propagate an early age into theindustry which you know.
That's so special that youactually mentioned that and that
really is a reason of how yougot started.
(21:13):
So, but that motor did not stopand you mentioned 50 years in
the industry.
I can't believe that.
That's not possible.
Is that true, Scott?
Scott Brittingham (21:22):
It doesn't seem possible.
You know, back in the day whenI was a facility manager I had
hair down to my shoulders and Icalled myself not your typical
green facility manager, andsomehow I've gone from that to
Mounta ire's elder statesman andI still feel like that young
guy inside.
So hopefully I'll stick aroundfor a while.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (21:45):
I love that.
So let's uncover that.
What keeps Scott Brittinghammotivated to do this work year
after year?
Scott Brittingham (21:53):
Well, I really am motivated by all the
great people that I get to workboth at Mount Air and through
GEAPS.
The relationships I've builtover the years they've all been
incredibly rewarding and I'mdriven by the opportunity to
share what I've learned over thepast 50 the years.
They've all been incrediblyrewarding and I'm driven by the
opportunity to share what I'velearned over the past 50 plus
years.
If I can help someone avoid amistake, solve a problem, grow
(22:16):
in their career, you knowwhatever then I've done
something worthwhile.
That's my legacy and that'swhat keeps me going Legacy Wow,
fantastic.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (22:25):
Thank you for all you've done, scott.
What are you most excited aboutfor the future, either in the
industry or within GEAPS?
Scott Brittingham (22:32):
I think what I'm most excited about is the
technological and automationadvances on the horizon.
It's very different from theindustry I stepped into when I
was 14 and started my journey.
The upcoming innovations inproductivity and safety are
going to be astounding fromautomated systems to real-time
(22:54):
data tracking and we're ending anew era of efficiency and
precision and customercommunication.
And Jeeps is right there.
It's helping professionals stayahead of the curve, offering
training and resources that aregoing to support this evolution.
So it's an exciting time to bea part of the grain industry.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (23:12):
Thank you, Scott, Great expression there.
Now you have earned what theacronym MCGOM, and for those who
are not familiar with that, wehave a credentialing program
unique for the grain industry.
This is the Master Credentialin Grain Operations Management.
That's what MCGOM stands for.
It's earned by completing theCGOM and all three specialist
(23:36):
credentials, and so the CGOM isa credential in grain operations
management includes completionof online course and management
basics for grain facilitysupervisors, grain facilities
planning and design.
One grain quality managementcourse, grain quality management
systems for bulk materialshandling operations, the
entry-level safety and alsomaterials handling one as well,
(23:58):
and I said it includes all threespecialists.
There's a specialist in grainquality management includes
grain aeration, FGIS, graininspection orientation, grain
drying, management of pests andgrain storage.
There's also specialists ingrain handling equipment
management I won't go into thecourses and then also
specialists in property andcasualty risk management.
(24:18):
Those specialty credentialsinclude the completion of four
courses and the CGOM and VALS 6,like I mentioned there and I
bring this up because you havededicated time.
You have taken time from yourday, beside all these other
things that you have mentioned,which is full of nuggets, and
this is going to be a greatresource for those who are GEAPS
(24:40):
members and grain professionals, and there's gonna be a lot of
takeaways from this.
But also now examining thecredentialing program for GEAPS,
Can you reflect on that?
How has it helped you amongstall these things and for anybody
considering that or wanted toknow more information?
Can you kind of step forwardand speak on that?
Scott Brittingham (24:59):
Absolutely yes.
I've always had a lifelong loveof learning.
And as such, this was anopportunity that was attractive
to me.
Love of learning and as such,this was an opportunity that was
attractive to me, and I saw itas also an opportunity to
demonstrate to my employers thatI was serious about what I was
doing and I was wanting to growand be someone who made a great
contribution to the company andto the works going on around me.
(25:23):
So that's what led me to pursueit, and the master's credential
is currently the highest levelof recognized credentialing
available in the grain industry.
All of these courses wereoriginally created by GEAPS in
Kansas State University and Iset myself a goal of being among
the first dozen people in theworld to receive that credential
(25:44):
and, as it turned out, I wasthe 12th person in the world to
get the credential.
And, as it turned out, I wasthe 12th person in the world to
get the master's credential ingrain operations management.
I felt really good about thatand it just reflects on Mounta
ire's level, their forwardthinking and their support of my
efforts, because they paid thewhole way and they rewarded me
for what I was willing to put into obtain that credential.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (26:07):
That is fantastic.
So you get the support of yourorganization, mount Air, but
also your personal drive tosucceed and grow.
That is a great testament.
Thank you for sharing that.
Listeners out there.
You can just go to jeepscomslash training, dash education
(26:28):
forward, slash credentials orsimply just go to online
learning in there and you'llfind the credential piece and
I'll take you there and I'llshowcase what Scott talked about
.
These are available 24 seven.
Wherever you stop, it'llcontinue where you left off, and
so please take a look at thecredential page on the GEAPS
website.
It's fantastic.
Thank you for expressing that.
Now, as we close, I just wantto have one kind of final thing
(26:52):
here Again.
What does it mean to youpersonally to receive the top
recruiter award for four yearsin a row from the GEAPS
organization?
That's incredible.
Scott Brittingham (27:03):
Actually, it's interesting you should
mention that it's not just fouryears in a row, it's actually
six of the last seven years.
Wow, yeah, we used to getrewarded with a leather jacket
every year, and they assumed itcorrectly that there was only so
many leather jackets that wouldfit in my closet.
(27:24):
So they've been experimentingwith some other rewards, but
it's certainly rewarding to behonored for your efforts.
What's even more meaningful,though, is knowing that you've
helped so many others along theway.
So every time someone joins you,you can find value in it,
whether it's the education, thenetworking, leadership.
(27:44):
That's the real win.
The award is nice, but theimpact that I have on others is
what keeps me going.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (27:52):
Scott, thank you for joining, sharing your
insights.
You've reflected on keytakeaways such as value of
connection, mentoring, gettinginvolved, supporting, recruiting
not just those who are new butthose who are curious-minded and
want to grow themselves.
You see, in conversations withpeople who are looking for an
opportunity and give a verywell-designed tools, instead of
(28:16):
instruments, to take them tothat next step and be active in
the industry, being active withGEAPS.
We thank you so much.
Any closing sentiments from youbig picture kind of things as
we conclude here, Really justkind of the same thing.
Scott Brittingham (28:30):
I said.
Jeeps is an outstandingorganization and if you're a
part of this industry and you'reserious about growing, you
definitely should belong andyou'll get back tenfold anything
that you put into it.
Jim Lenz, GEAPS (28:41):
Fantastic.
Thank you very much, scott.
It's been a pleasure, Jim.
We thank Scott Brittingham ofMountaire Farms for joining us
and sharing his insights,strategies and passions for
people and progress Frombuilding strong connections to
mentoring the next generation.
His story reminds us that oneperson really can make a lasting
impact on the industry andcommunity around them.
(29:03):
To our listeners.
What's one step you can taketoday to grow your own network
and help someone else find theirpath in this field?
If you're not yet a Jeepsmember or you know someone who
would benefit, now is theperfect time to get involved.
Explore GEAPS' professionaldevelopment resources,
credentialing programs andmember community at www.
(29:24):
geaps.
com.
If you have not yet subscribedto the GEAPS Whole Grain Podcast
and your favorite podcast app,I encourage you to do so, as
podcast episodes will drop onyour phone or your device as
soon as episodes are released.
Plus, you can easily catch upon all past shows as well.
Whole Grain is found on ApplePodcasts, google Music, spotify,
amazon Music, podbean, pandoraand more.
The Whole Grain Podcast bringstogether grain industry
(29:46):
professionals like yourself from94 countries from around the
world.
Be sure to share this episodeof the news of the Whole Grain
Show as an easy-to-access andeasy-to-share educational
resource with your network, butalso can find the show on the
GEAPS website at geaps dot comslash wholegrain.
I'm Jim Lenz, director of GlobalEducation and Training at GEAPS
.
My email james@geaps.
(30:08):
com We look forward toconnecting with you to learn
more about being a member of theGreen Elevator and Processing
Society, to identify a GEAPSchapter to connect with, to
learn about the vast portfolioof educational resources.
Again, please visit www.
geaps.
com.
Until next time, keep learning,keep innovating and keep moving
the industry forward.
Have yourself a great day andthanks for listening to the
(30:30):
Whole Grain Show.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.