Intern, Operations Technician, Custom Applicator, and Grain Superintendent - while Blake Beckett has held many titles during his 19 years with Landus, he currently serves as the Location Manager for Boxholm, Paton and Dayton. Every day, he’s motivating his employees to be the best they can be.
“I try to get them to be self-thinkers and to be innovative, so I support them making their own decisions,” said Beckett. “I believe everybody has the chance to make a mistake. Learning from your mistakes is the best way to learn.”
Originally from Boone, he got his start in agriculture on his own family’s farm of corn, soybeans and horses. Beckett obtained his associate degree in Agricultural Business and Agronomy from Des Moines Area Community College after high school.
As for his start with Landus, it all began with an internship in Jordan, Iowa. From there Beckett continued to excel from operations to agronomy to grain superintendent and to location manager.
During his 19-year journey with Landus, the biggest lesson he’s learned is to be proactive rather than reactive. With serving our farmer-owners successfully being one of the main goals at the end of the day, it’s crucial to always think one step ahead and be ready for the customer before they need you.
Through Beckett’s employee empowerment, their teamwork benefits greatly from it. But even as Location Manager you won’t see him taking the credit himself. Beckett’s the type to be in the background making sure everything is working together like a well-oiled machine while his employees shine in the front.
As the “man behind the curtain” ensuring everything runs smoothly at the three locations, building trust and relationships with co-workers is a focus of his. “I think of my co-workers like family,” Beckett said.
Stretching his leadership skills beyond Landus, Beckett also serves on the Boone County Horse Committee, in addition to also being the vice president of the state Palomino Horse Association in the past. It’s an involvement stemming from his love equine, which he passed on to his three daughters who now show horses.
Beckett knows he can’t serve the customer without a team that works together effectively. This is why he celebrates his team by doing things like grilling out for lunch or going ax throwing, which they did earlier this year – a testimony to the family atmosphere while at work and at home.
