January 25, 2024 • 23 mins
Get ready to be inspired as we sit down with John Caupert, the visionary new Executive Director of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS). John brings to the table a lifetime of agricultural wisdom, from his early days on the farm to his transformative work at the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center. In this riveting discussion, he shares the convictions that steer his helm at GEAPS: respect, volunteering, and the power of keeping an open mind. You won't want to miss the wealth of knowledge and forward-thinking ideas John has in store for the grain handling and processing community, as well as his infectious enthusiasm for connecting members across the globe.
As John Caupert settles into his role, he's already making waves by strengthening ties with GEAPS members and leaders through genuine, face-to-face interactions. His dedication to fostering a community of industry innovators and thought leaders is evident as he eagerly anticipates the upcoming GEAPS Exchange event. With its blend of educational sessions, entertainment, and invaluable networking opportunities, it's an event that promises to be both enlightening and enjoyable. John's call to action is clear: Whether you're a seasoned grain professional or simply grain-curious, there's a place for you in the vibrant GEAPS community. Join us to discover the synergies that make our industry thrive and how you can be a part of it all.
John Caupert discusses:
As John Caupert settles into his role, he's already making waves by strengthening ties with GEAPS members and leaders through genuine, face-to-face interactions. His dedication to fostering a community of industry innovators and thought leaders is evident as he eagerly anticipates the upcoming GEAPS Exchange event. With its blend of educational sessions, entertainment, and invaluable networking opportunities, it's an event that promises to be both enlightening and enjoyable. John's call to action is clear: Whether you're a seasoned grain professional or simply grain-curious, there's a place for you in the vibrant GEAPS community. Join us to discover the synergies that make our industry thrive and how you can be a part of it all.
John Caupert discusses:
- Highlights of his first 4 weeks on the job
- Background and experience
- Motivation to join GEAPS
- What makes the grain industry so exciting
- Perception of the current state of the grain handling and processing industry
- How he anticipates engaging with the international membership base and greater grain industry
- Underlying theme why so many are attracted towards GEAPS
- GEAPS Exchange
Links:
- GEAPS website
- Connect with executive director, John Caupert, on LinkedIn
- Connect with host and director of education, Jim Lenz, on LinkedIn
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.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educ (00:00):
It's so exciting to use this whole
grain podcast channel tointroduce whole grain listeners
to the new executive director ofthe grain elevator and
processing society.
His name is John Culpert.
John, welcome to the show.
John Caupert, Executive Di (00:13):
Well , hello, jim, it's great to be
here with you today.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educa (00:16):
Now , john, this is your very first
appearance on the show, but wewant to let listeners know that
you, john, will be active withour Jeeps whole grain podcast
into the future.
John may not be in everyepisode, but you'll hear his
voice in many upcoming shows,including the next episode about
our big Jeeps exchange episode,as we prepare you for the
(00:36):
biggest and best show in thegrain handling and processing
industry.
Our podcast offers a uniqueopportunity to connect with so
many grain professionals fromaround the world and easy to
share, easy to access, a meansof delivering.
In fact, we now have listenersfrom 62 different countries.
At the time of this recording,you can listen to the show on
your drive to and from work,while you're exercising or
however and wherever you chooseto do so.
(00:57):
So, john, I'm looking forwardto working with you on projects,
including the whole grain show.
We're excited for your interestand participation in future
episodes.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (01:05):
Jim , I'm looking forward to it as
well.
I mean, when I think not onlyabout this podcast, but just the
future opportunities that wehave.
There are so many subject areasthat we're going to be able to
touch on, bringing awareness andinformation not only to our
members but, frankly, to theentirety of the grain and grain
processing industries.
Jim Lenz, Director of (01:24):
Wonderful John.
I often start the show byasking guests if they have a
mantra or a success quote thatthey live by professionally.
John, do you have a mantra ortwo that you'd be willing to
share with our listeners?
John Caupert, Executive Di (01:36):
It's interesting that you asked that
question, jim and, frankly,anybody that has ever worked
with me before me or that I'veworked with and are reported to.
There's really two or three and, if you don't mind me sharing
the three, there's really two orthree beliefs and philosophies
(01:58):
that I have, beginning withrespect.
I'm big on respect andreverence for those that have
come before you in whatever roleyou're in, because those are
the people that have paved theopportunity highway.
Secondly, volunteerism Whenevera person gets involved in their
local community, their localchurch, whatever a school,
(02:23):
whatever it might be, I trulybelieve that it is incumbent
upon all of us to share the time, treasure, skills that we have
with others in a volunteer role.
That being said, if there's onesuccess mantra that I truly do
live my professional career by,it's this saying, not one that I
(02:44):
created, but one that I use,and it goes like this If you
always do what you've alwaysdone, you'll always get what
you've always got.
And to me, jim, what thatsaying means is that always be
open-minded.
Be open-minded to a diversityof opinions, ideas and thoughts,
(03:06):
and that's how we evolve andprogress.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educati (03:09):
I love it.
Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome, john.
You officially joined Jeeps onDecember 11th of last year, 2023
, which was not long ago.
It is now late January of 2024.
At the time of this recording,you've been highly active.
For sure Listeners may becurious of the activities,
interactions and kind of whatyour schedule has been like
(03:31):
during your first 40 days or soas a new leader of Jeeps.
John Caupert, Executive Di (03:34):
Yeah , sure.
Well, aside from theinformation coming at me like
drinking water from a fire hose,that's what it has felt like at
times.
I have spent this first sixweeks or so doing exactly what I
discussed in the interviewprocess and with our
international board of directors.
I have been active in engagingwith the Jeeps community and
(03:58):
when I talk about the Jeepscommunity I'm talking about
members, I'm talking aboutchapter leadership, the two
dozen plus chapters that we havethroughout North America Very
interactive with the Jeeps mediagroup as well as the foundation
.
Now these efforts have beencomplimented by also reaching
out to my friends, peers,colleagues throughout the
(04:23):
agriculture, trade organizationand trade association world, as
well.
Jim Lenz, Director of (04:29):
Excellent .
Thanks for sharing, john.
There's so much I like aboutyour background.
I find it all very interestingand one thing for sure is
agriculture has been an ongoingtheme since you arrived on this
planet and in your previous role, prior to joining Jeeps, you
served as the executive directorfor the nonprofit organization
(04:50):
the National Corn to EthanolResearch Center, or NCERC.
You have such breadth and depthin your experiences.
Please share with whole grainlisteners some of your
background, education andexperiences.
Who is John Culpert?
John Caupert, Executive Di (05:05):
Yeah , sure, jim, I appreciate that
question.
Well, you know, I'm a farm kid,not only at heart, but in
reality.
I was born and raised on agrain and livestock farm in
southern Illinois, a farm inwhich my parents, my very
youthful parents in their 80sand age, still reside.
From an education standpoint, Ihave both a bachelor's and
(05:27):
master's degree in agribusinesseconomics.
My master's degree focused moreon agriculture policy.
Jim, I've been blessed not onlythroughout my life but my
career.
I'm three decades into, as youdescribed, all things
agriculture.
Right out of college I wasworking as a grain merchandiser,
(05:48):
then moved into a role as agrain accountant.
In that role I worked with thefront lines of production,
agriculture, the farmer.
After graduate school, I wentto work as a corporate
contractor for the world'slargest, bruer, where I had
marketing responsibility of anexcess of 2.5 million tons per
(06:10):
year of spent bruer grains, aprocessed grain.
Approximately 20 to 22 yearsago is when I first became
familiar with Jeeps.
I went to work for a company inwhich we marketed grain quality
testing systems, specificallyin the area of microtoxins, to
(06:34):
all levels of grain and grainprocessing.
Again, this is where I becameintimately familiar with Jeeps,
as you mentioned there.
Yes, I spent the last 17 yearsas the executive director of
National Carnet EthnologyResearch Center as a non-profit
entity.
I oversaw the commercializationof more than 80 products and
(06:57):
technologies that have beenwidely adopted throughout the
corn ethanol industry.
A real point of pride is duringthose 17 years we saw the US
corn ethanol industry grow froma 1.6 billion gallon industry to
the 16 billion gallon industrythat it is today.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educ (07:16):
What motivated you to join our
organization in this leadershiprole?
John Caupert, Executive Di (07:20):
It's interesting, different folks
are motivated by differentthings.
You know, first off, over thelast probably three to five
years, I repeatedly told myselfthat there's one more big thing
out there to accomplish.
I just didn't know what it was,jim.
I didn't know what it was,didn't know where it was, and
(07:45):
some would argue, thisopportunity at Jeeps.
This is it, and it likely is.
That being said, though, jim,throughout my career, what I've
always been motivated by ispeople and, more importantly,
seeing the success of thosepeople, and, as a member driven
organization, that's what Jeepsis all about People highlighted
(08:08):
by our 3000 plus members.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educa (08:11):
Now we got a little bit about your
background and some personalinsights there.
Could you share a fun fact or ahobby or two that our audience
may not know about you, and whenthey meet you they may have
something common or certainlysomething fun to talk about.
John Caupert, Executive Di (08:27):
Yeah , a couple of, maybe a few,
maybe two or three fun factshere, maybe two or three fun
facts is one is I am a HallmarkChristmas movie nerd.
This past Christmas season,beginning Friday October 20th
all the way through January 2nd,it was it was nonstop Hallmark
(08:48):
Christmas movies, and that'ssomething that some folks find
interesting.
But here's a fun fact for youis that even though I've been a
licensed pilot for over 30 years, I'm deathly afraid of heights.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educat (09:03):
Oh , wow.
John Caupert, Executive Di (09:04):
When I share that with folks, the
next thing is can you pleaseexplain?
I can't really explain it,other than I can fly an airplane
, but I don't like going up on aladder.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educat (09:18):
Is there a particular aspect of
the green industry that you findpersonally fascinating?
John Caupert, Executive Dir (09:24):
Jim , there there is, and this is
where I really think that, whereI spent the last 17 to 20 years
is going to prove some realopportunity, not only for Jeeps
and Jeeps existing members, butpotential members.
What I'm talking about is thecorn ethanol industry, and
(09:47):
here's why, jim, when you thinkof the nearly 200 corn ethanol
plants that exist just here inthe United States alone, every
single one of those corn ethanolplants, they start off as a
grain elevator.
It's corn coming in by way oftruck, rail and in some cases a
(10:09):
barge.
The handling systems are thatof a grain elevator.
But then, when you think aboutthe very first step in the corn
ethanol process, corn goesthrough a hammer mill.
That's processing.
So to me, the corn ethanolindustry, and in particular
(10:31):
those corn ethanol plants,encapsulates everything that
grain elevator and processingsociety stands for.
I find that fascinating, and Ican also say that equally, on
the soybean side of things, youknow the soy crush and
conversion into bio biodiesel.
Jim.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educa (10:50):
And that's why your background is
so interesting.
How do you perceive, John, thecurrent state of the grain
handling and processing industry?
John Caupert, Executive Dir (10:57):
Jim , when it comes to all things
agriculture and agriculturerelated which is what we are and
who we serve I'm a realist.
I take great pride in being arealist.
That being said, I take greatpride in identifying opportunity
, seizing opportunity, and whenI look at the entirety of the
(11:20):
grain elevator, grain processingindustry, that's exactly what I
see.
I see opportunity afteropportunity after opportunity.
And here's why, jim, the folksthat work in the grain and grain
processing industry.
They truly are the heart andsoul of who we work with and who
we represent.
And here's the reason why theseare the folks that are taking
(11:45):
agricultural products corn,soybeans, wheat, oats, rice,
whatever it might be and theyare converting those
agricultural products from farmto fork, from farm to fuel and
from farm to the thousands ofdifferent products that are made
(12:07):
from grains.
So, again, what I see is just asea of opportunity waiting for
us to capture it.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educ (12:14):
It's exciting and we're excited to
have you here, and it was greatto learn that you were also
excited to play a big role infuture podcast episodes of the
whole grain show In addition tothe podcast channel.
In what ways do you anticipateengaging with our international
membership base and broadergrain handling and processing
industry?
John Caupert, Execut (12:35):
Engagement .
That's who I am For Jim, forthe listeners out there, I refer
to myself as being old school.
Now, my daughter would refer tome as just being old, but I
think I'm old school.
What I mean by that is I'm anin-person, face-to-face.
I'm all about relationships,building relationships, growing
(12:58):
relationships, strengtheningrelationships.
And, frankly, jim, and againfor the listeners out there, I
can't wait to get out of theoffice.
I can't wait to get out thereand engage with our members,
engage with our chapters.
I welcome each and opportunityto be a guest, to be a guest
speaker at a chapter meeting orwhatever it might be.
Jim Lenz, Director of (13:19):
Wonderful .
Thank you, john, even thoughit's in the early stages.
As the executive director ofthe Green Elevator and
Processing Society, you musthave had a lot of conversations
with people leading up to theinterview and selection process
for executive director and, ofcourse, so many more
conversations within your firstfew weeks on the job.
What is the underlying theme orthemes you've gathered as a
(13:42):
reason why grain handling andprocessing professionals lean
towards Jeeps and are excited tobe a member of the organization
?
John Caupert, Executive Direc (13:52):
I think there truly is a central
theme, and it's one that I notonly researched on my own.
I certainly heard commented onduring the interview process and
, yes, in these first 40 daysI've gathered just this
resounding overall theme Jeepsas a global organization.
(14:15):
We are here to connect andserve the global grain industry,
and when I'm married thatmission and vision of Jeeps as
an organization with a strategicplan that was recently adopted
by our international board ofdirectors, igm, come up with a
(14:37):
central theme.
And that central theme to me isthis Jeeps is a thriving
community of thought leaders.
We are here to enhance thecareers of those that work in
the grain and grain processingindustry.
And how do we do that?
We do that by bringingawareness, by bringing
(14:59):
information, by bringingeducational and networking
opportunities.
That's the central theme, jim,that I've heard and that I've
come up with.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educ (15:08):
Love it, john.
You'll be joining the show inmany future whole grain podcast
episodes, including our nextepisode, as we and other team
members prepare you for thebiggest and best show in the
grain handling and processingindustry.
It's a special event takingplace February 4th through the
7th at the Kansas CityConvention Center in Kansas City
, missouri.
We'll get you excited about theenormous trade show floor, the
(15:30):
vast array of educationalopportunities and the networking
opportunities and so much more.
We are talking about JeepsExchange.
It will be a fun episode.
We're looking forward tosharing that with you, so be on
the lookout for it Now, john.
Listeners can find out moreinformation and register for the
event by visiting jeepscomforward slash exchange.
(15:51):
John, tell us what makes thisevent so special and what are
you looking forward to.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (15:57):
I'm really excited about Exchange.
We're gonna be more than 3,000strong in attendance, with
nearly 400 exhibitors in oursold out expo.
Exchange is not only anopportunity to receive some
educational sessions but alsosome entertainment, and it's
gonna be fun.
We're gonna kick things off onSunday with a world renowned
(16:20):
drummer and motivational speaker, sandy Gennaro.
You know Sandy Gennaro.
I didn't realize it until Iresearched his background a bit,
but nearly 30 years ago Iactually heard Sandy Gennaro on
drums when he was with Joan Jettin the black hearts.
Sandy Gennaro has performed infront of more than a billion
(16:40):
people worldwide when performingwith music icons like Michael
Bolton, cindy Lauper and, as Imentioned, joan Jett in the
black hearts.
Educational opportunities thatI mentioned just a bit ago we're
gonna have more than two dozeneducational sessions across four
different educational tracksalmost unlimited opportunity
(17:03):
there.
The expo the expo I think it'sour biggest in organizational
history.
And that nearly 400 exhibitors.
We are sold out and on that,for the listeners out there, I'm
gonna extend a special thankyou to those exhibitors, to
those sponsors.
Exchange would not be possiblewithout them.
(17:25):
And then, finally, we're gonnaclose out exchange by having
some fun in the expo hall in theform of a music bingo.
So, again, to all the listenersout there, I'd encourage them
to brush up on your musicknowledge, because there's gonna
be a number of prizeopportunities involved in that,
so we're just really lookingforward to it, jim.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educa (17:44):
All right, John, it's been fun.
We welcome you to Jeeps.
We're excited about the futureof Jeeps.
I'm glad we were able to usethis podcast channel to have a
chance to have a conversationand for listeners to learn more
about you.
This might be the first timemembers and green professionals
have heard your voice and Ithink it may bring a sense of
excitement and comfort to themof who is leading Jeeps.
(18:06):
And hopefully yourparticipation in the show will
encourage others to reach out toyou and meet you, whether it's
in person at Jeeps Exchange orthrough our other channels of
communication.
Any final closing words beforewe conclude the show.
John Caupert, Executive Di (18:17):
Sure well, first off, jim, thank you
for this opportunity.
This has been fun.
I truly am looking forward tomany more opportunities to visit
with you.
But just a couple of quickmessages.
The first one to our members.
To our Jeeps members we thankyou.
We are a member-drivenorganization, which means we are
your organization.
(18:37):
To the non-members out there tothe folks that work in the
grain processing industries andanywhere in that value chain.
I'd encourage you to check usout at jeepsgeapscom.
We have a wide variety ofmembership offerings and we'd
love to welcome you to ourfamily of more than 3,000
members.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educ (18:57):
John , thank you for spending quality
time with whole green listeners.
Jim, thank you so much, it'sbeen a pleasure.
It's so exciting to use this whole
grain podcast channel tointroduce whole grain listeners
to the new executive director ofthe grain elevator and
processing society.
His name is John Culpert.
John, welcome to the show.
John Caupert, Executive Di (00:13):
Well , hello, jim, it's great to be
here with you today.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educa (00:16):
Now , john, this is your very first
appearance on the show, but wewant to let listeners know that
you, john, will be active withour Jeeps whole grain podcast
into the future.
John may not be in everyepisode, but you'll hear his
voice in many upcoming shows,including the next episode about
our big Jeeps exchange episode,as we prepare you for the
(00:36):
biggest and best show in thegrain handling and processing
industry.
Our podcast offers a uniqueopportunity to connect with so
many grain professionals fromaround the world and easy to
share, easy to access, a meansof delivering.
In fact, we now have listenersfrom 62 different countries.
At the time of this recording,you can listen to the show on
your drive to and from work,while you're exercising or
however and wherever you chooseto do so.
(00:57):
So, john, I'm looking forwardto working with you on projects,
including the whole grain show.
We're excited for your interestand participation in future
episodes.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (01:05):
Jim , I'm looking forward to it as
well.
I mean, when I think not onlyabout this podcast, but just the
future opportunities that wehave.
There are so many subject areasthat we're going to be able to
touch on, bringing awareness andinformation not only to our
members but, frankly, to theentirety of the grain and grain
processing industries.
Jim Lenz, Director of (01:24):
Wonderful John.
I often start the show byasking guests if they have a
mantra or a success quote thatthey live by professionally.
John, do you have a mantra ortwo that you'd be willing to
share with our listeners?
John Caupert, Executive Di (01:36):
It's interesting that you asked that
question, jim and, frankly,anybody that has ever worked
with me before me or that I'veworked with and are reported to.
There's really two or three and, if you don't mind me sharing
the three, there's really two orthree beliefs and philosophies
(01:58):
that I have, beginning withrespect.
I'm big on respect andreverence for those that have
come before you in whatever roleyou're in, because those are
the people that have paved theopportunity highway.
Secondly, volunteerism Whenevera person gets involved in their
local community, their localchurch, whatever a school,
(02:23):
whatever it might be, I trulybelieve that it is incumbent
upon all of us to share the time, treasure, skills that we have
with others in a volunteer role.
That being said, if there's onesuccess mantra that I truly do
live my professional career by,it's this saying, not one that I
(02:44):
created, but one that I use,and it goes like this If you
always do what you've alwaysdone, you'll always get what
you've always got.
And to me, jim, what thatsaying means is that always be
open-minded.
Be open-minded to a diversityof opinions, ideas and thoughts,
(03:06):
and that's how we evolve andprogress.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educati (03:09):
I love it.
Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome, john.
You officially joined Jeeps onDecember 11th of last year, 2023
, which was not long ago.
It is now late January of 2024.
At the time of this recording,you've been highly active.
For sure Listeners may becurious of the activities,
interactions and kind of whatyour schedule has been like
(03:31):
during your first 40 days or soas a new leader of Jeeps.
John Caupert, Executive Di (03:34):
Yeah , sure.
Well, aside from theinformation coming at me like
drinking water from a fire hose,that's what it has felt like at
times.
I have spent this first sixweeks or so doing exactly what I
discussed in the interviewprocess and with our
international board of directors.
I have been active in engagingwith the Jeeps community and
(03:58):
when I talk about the Jeepscommunity I'm talking about
members, I'm talking aboutchapter leadership, the two
dozen plus chapters that we havethroughout North America Very
interactive with the Jeeps mediagroup as well as the foundation
.
Now these efforts have beencomplimented by also reaching
out to my friends, peers,colleagues throughout the
(04:23):
agriculture, trade organizationand trade association world, as
well.
Jim Lenz, Director of (04:29):
Excellent .
Thanks for sharing, john.
There's so much I like aboutyour background.
I find it all very interestingand one thing for sure is
agriculture has been an ongoingtheme since you arrived on this
planet and in your previous role, prior to joining Jeeps, you
served as the executive directorfor the nonprofit organization
(04:50):
the National Corn to EthanolResearch Center, or NCERC.
You have such breadth and depthin your experiences.
Please share with whole grainlisteners some of your
background, education andexperiences.
Who is John Culpert?
John Caupert, Executive Di (05:05):
Yeah , sure, jim, I appreciate that
question.
Well, you know, I'm a farm kid,not only at heart, but in
reality.
I was born and raised on agrain and livestock farm in
southern Illinois, a farm inwhich my parents, my very
youthful parents in their 80sand age, still reside.
From an education standpoint, Ihave both a bachelor's and
(05:27):
master's degree in agribusinesseconomics.
My master's degree focused moreon agriculture policy.
Jim, I've been blessed not onlythroughout my life but my
career.
I'm three decades into, as youdescribed, all things
agriculture.
Right out of college I wasworking as a grain merchandiser,
(05:48):
then moved into a role as agrain accountant.
In that role I worked with thefront lines of production,
agriculture, the farmer.
After graduate school, I wentto work as a corporate
contractor for the world'slargest, bruer, where I had
marketing responsibility of anexcess of 2.5 million tons per
(06:10):
year of spent bruer grains, aprocessed grain.
Approximately 20 to 22 yearsago is when I first became
familiar with Jeeps.
I went to work for a company inwhich we marketed grain quality
testing systems, specificallyin the area of microtoxins, to
(06:34):
all levels of grain and grainprocessing.
Again, this is where I becameintimately familiar with Jeeps,
as you mentioned there.
Yes, I spent the last 17 yearsas the executive director of
National Carnet EthnologyResearch Center as a non-profit
entity.
I oversaw the commercializationof more than 80 products and
(06:57):
technologies that have beenwidely adopted throughout the
corn ethanol industry.
A real point of pride is duringthose 17 years we saw the US
corn ethanol industry grow froma 1.6 billion gallon industry to
the 16 billion gallon industrythat it is today.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educ (07:16):
What motivated you to join our
organization in this leadershiprole?
John Caupert, Executive Di (07:20):
It's interesting, different folks
are motivated by differentthings.
You know, first off, over thelast probably three to five
years, I repeatedly told myselfthat there's one more big thing
out there to accomplish.
I just didn't know what it was,jim.
I didn't know what it was,didn't know where it was, and
(07:45):
some would argue, thisopportunity at Jeeps.
This is it, and it likely is.
That being said, though, jim,throughout my career, what I've
always been motivated by ispeople and, more importantly,
seeing the success of thosepeople, and, as a member driven
organization, that's what Jeepsis all about People highlighted
(08:08):
by our 3000 plus members.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educa (08:11):
Now we got a little bit about your
background and some personalinsights there.
Could you share a fun fact or ahobby or two that our audience
may not know about you, and whenthey meet you they may have
something common or certainlysomething fun to talk about.
John Caupert, Executive Di (08:27):
Yeah , a couple of, maybe a few,
maybe two or three fun factshere, maybe two or three fun
facts is one is I am a HallmarkChristmas movie nerd.
This past Christmas season,beginning Friday October 20th
all the way through January 2nd,it was it was nonstop Hallmark
(08:48):
Christmas movies, and that'ssomething that some folks find
interesting.
But here's a fun fact for youis that even though I've been a
licensed pilot for over 30 years, I'm deathly afraid of heights.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educat (09:03):
Oh , wow.
John Caupert, Executive Di (09:04):
When I share that with folks, the
next thing is can you pleaseexplain?
I can't really explain it,other than I can fly an airplane
, but I don't like going up on aladder.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educat (09:18):
Is there a particular aspect of
the green industry that you findpersonally fascinating?
John Caupert, Executive Dir (09:24):
Jim , there there is, and this is
where I really think that, whereI spent the last 17 to 20 years
is going to prove some realopportunity, not only for Jeeps
and Jeeps existing members, butpotential members.
What I'm talking about is thecorn ethanol industry, and
(09:47):
here's why, jim, when you thinkof the nearly 200 corn ethanol
plants that exist just here inthe United States alone, every
single one of those corn ethanolplants, they start off as a
grain elevator.
It's corn coming in by way oftruck, rail and in some cases a
(10:09):
barge.
The handling systems are thatof a grain elevator.
But then, when you think aboutthe very first step in the corn
ethanol process, corn goesthrough a hammer mill.
That's processing.
So to me, the corn ethanolindustry, and in particular
(10:31):
those corn ethanol plants,encapsulates everything that
grain elevator and processingsociety stands for.
I find that fascinating, and Ican also say that equally, on
the soybean side of things, youknow the soy crush and
conversion into bio biodiesel.
Jim.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educa (10:50):
And that's why your background is
so interesting.
How do you perceive, John, thecurrent state of the grain
handling and processing industry?
John Caupert, Executive Dir (10:57):
Jim , when it comes to all things
agriculture and agriculturerelated which is what we are and
who we serve I'm a realist.
I take great pride in being arealist.
That being said, I take greatpride in identifying opportunity
, seizing opportunity, and whenI look at the entirety of the
(11:20):
grain elevator, grain processingindustry, that's exactly what I
see.
I see opportunity afteropportunity after opportunity.
And here's why, jim, the folksthat work in the grain and grain
processing industry.
They truly are the heart andsoul of who we work with and who
we represent.
And here's the reason why theseare the folks that are taking
(11:45):
agricultural products corn,soybeans, wheat, oats, rice,
whatever it might be and theyare converting those
agricultural products from farmto fork, from farm to fuel and
from farm to the thousands ofdifferent products that are made
(12:07):
from grains.
So, again, what I see is just asea of opportunity waiting for
us to capture it.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educ (12:14):
It's exciting and we're excited to
have you here, and it was greatto learn that you were also
excited to play a big role infuture podcast episodes of the
whole grain show In addition tothe podcast channel.
In what ways do you anticipateengaging with our international
membership base and broadergrain handling and processing
industry?
John Caupert, Execut (12:35):
Engagement .
That's who I am For Jim, forthe listeners out there, I refer
to myself as being old school.
Now, my daughter would refer tome as just being old, but I
think I'm old school.
What I mean by that is I'm anin-person, face-to-face.
I'm all about relationships,building relationships, growing
(12:58):
relationships, strengtheningrelationships.
And, frankly, jim, and againfor the listeners out there, I
can't wait to get out of theoffice.
I can't wait to get out thereand engage with our members,
engage with our chapters.
I welcome each and opportunityto be a guest, to be a guest
speaker at a chapter meeting orwhatever it might be.
Jim Lenz, Director of (13:19):
Wonderful .
Thank you, john, even thoughit's in the early stages.
As the executive director ofthe Green Elevator and
Processing Society, you musthave had a lot of conversations
with people leading up to theinterview and selection process
for executive director and, ofcourse, so many more
conversations within your firstfew weeks on the job.
What is the underlying theme orthemes you've gathered as a
(13:42):
reason why grain handling andprocessing professionals lean
towards Jeeps and are excited tobe a member of the organization
?
John Caupert, Executive Direc (13:52):
I think there truly is a central
theme, and it's one that I notonly researched on my own.
I certainly heard commented onduring the interview process and
, yes, in these first 40 daysI've gathered just this
resounding overall theme Jeepsas a global organization.
(14:15):
We are here to connect andserve the global grain industry,
and when I'm married thatmission and vision of Jeeps as
an organization with a strategicplan that was recently adopted
by our international board ofdirectors, igm, come up with a
(14:37):
central theme.
And that central theme to me isthis Jeeps is a thriving
community of thought leaders.
We are here to enhance thecareers of those that work in
the grain and grain processingindustry.
And how do we do that?
We do that by bringingawareness, by bringing
(14:59):
information, by bringingeducational and networking
opportunities.
That's the central theme, jim,that I've heard and that I've
come up with.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educ (15:08):
Love it, john.
You'll be joining the show inmany future whole grain podcast
episodes, including our nextepisode, as we and other team
members prepare you for thebiggest and best show in the
grain handling and processingindustry.
It's a special event takingplace February 4th through the
7th at the Kansas CityConvention Center in Kansas City
, missouri.
We'll get you excited about theenormous trade show floor, the
(15:30):
vast array of educationalopportunities and the networking
opportunities and so much more.
We are talking about JeepsExchange.
It will be a fun episode.
We're looking forward tosharing that with you, so be on
the lookout for it Now, john.
Listeners can find out moreinformation and register for the
event by visiting jeepscomforward slash exchange.
(15:51):
John, tell us what makes thisevent so special and what are
you looking forward to.
John Caupert, Executive Dir (15:57):
I'm really excited about Exchange.
We're gonna be more than 3,000strong in attendance, with
nearly 400 exhibitors in oursold out expo.
Exchange is not only anopportunity to receive some
educational sessions but alsosome entertainment, and it's
gonna be fun.
We're gonna kick things off onSunday with a world renowned
(16:20):
drummer and motivational speaker, sandy Gennaro.
You know Sandy Gennaro.
I didn't realize it until Iresearched his background a bit,
but nearly 30 years ago Iactually heard Sandy Gennaro on
drums when he was with Joan Jettin the black hearts.
Sandy Gennaro has performed infront of more than a billion
(16:40):
people worldwide when performingwith music icons like Michael
Bolton, cindy Lauper and, as Imentioned, joan Jett in the
black hearts.
Educational opportunities thatI mentioned just a bit ago we're
gonna have more than two dozeneducational sessions across four
different educational tracksalmost unlimited opportunity
(17:03):
there.
The expo the expo I think it'sour biggest in organizational
history.
And that nearly 400 exhibitors.
We are sold out and on that,for the listeners out there, I'm
gonna extend a special thankyou to those exhibitors, to
those sponsors.
Exchange would not be possiblewithout them.
(17:25):
And then, finally, we're gonnaclose out exchange by having
some fun in the expo hall in theform of a music bingo.
So, again, to all the listenersout there, I'd encourage them
to brush up on your musicknowledge, because there's gonna
be a number of prizeopportunities involved in that,
so we're just really lookingforward to it, jim.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educa (17:44):
All right, John, it's been fun.
We welcome you to Jeeps.
We're excited about the futureof Jeeps.
I'm glad we were able to usethis podcast channel to have a
chance to have a conversationand for listeners to learn more
about you.
This might be the first timemembers and green professionals
have heard your voice and Ithink it may bring a sense of
excitement and comfort to themof who is leading Jeeps.
(18:06):
And hopefully yourparticipation in the show will
encourage others to reach out toyou and meet you, whether it's
in person at Jeeps Exchange orthrough our other channels of
communication.
Any final closing words beforewe conclude the show.
John Caupert, Executive Di (18:17):
Sure well, first off, jim, thank you
for this opportunity.
This has been fun.
I truly am looking forward tomany more opportunities to visit
with you.
But just a couple of quickmessages.
The first one to our members.
To our Jeeps members we thankyou.
We are a member-drivenorganization, which means we are
your organization.
(18:37):
To the non-members out there tothe folks that work in the
grain processing industries andanywhere in that value chain.
I'd encourage you to check usout at jeepsgeapscom.
We have a wide variety ofmembership offerings and we'd
love to welcome you to ourfamily of more than 3,000
members.
Jim Lenz, Director of Educ (18:57):
John , thank you for spending quality
time with whole green listeners.
Jim, thank you so much, it'sbeen a pleasure.
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