OUTdrive

James Greer is committed to providing quality products and services in the oil and gas industry. As Senior Vice President of Supply and Transportation for MFA Oil Company, James helps to fuels rural America by leading the company's supply department, including refinery output and propane procurement, as well as mergers and acquisitions.

James became familiar with the oil and gas industry at an early age, learning from his father and grandfather who worked in the industry. Interested in both business and agriculture, he attended Oklahoma State University where he studied agricultural economics. Introduced to MFA Oil through his grandfather, James joined the company as a training agent shortly after graduation. Throughout his career, he's held several leadership positions within the company, including Western Region Vice President and Vice President of Supply and Government affairs. In addition to his role with MFA Oil, James serves on industry boards including Missouri Propane Research and Education Council (MOPERC) and Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (MPCA).

Hear more from James and Cliff on career longevity, what it takes to keep rural America running smoothly and how life has changed in rural communities. They also discuss what's ahead for energy infrastructure and how rural businesses and communities must blend old school values and new technology together to keep moving forward. Check it out!

What you'll learn:

• An inside look at what it takes to keep rural America running smoothly
• How to navigate challenges throughout your career and tips for career longevity
• Insight into legislation that James and MFA Oil have a vested interest in and what's ahead for energy infrastructure
• The importance of quality products and services and the power of a personal recommendation
• Insight into how rural American communities and businesses can find success by combining old school values with new technology
• More about how rural America is changing and some creative incentives to continue to grow and develop communities
• The importance of always wanting to learn and gain additional knowledge
• Perseverance, integrity and other rural American core values that James lives by

Aric Snyder Jr. is the third generation of family leadership for Inter-State Studio and Publishing, Co. As President and CEO, Aric is passionate about working with his team to utilize new technologies and strategies to lead the company into the future while remaining true to its rich history and core values.

Growing up in rural Missouri, Aric learned the importance of a strong worth ethic at an early age, watching and learning as his family ran the business that his grandfather founded in 1933. Interested in a career in business himself, Aric received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Drury University. After graduating, he began his career with Inter-State with positions in field and territory management before transitioning into leadership roles in sales and marketing. He was later named Vice President of Marketing and Business Development before stepping into his current role of President and CEO. Outside of work, Aric enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors enjoying the rural way of life.

Hear more from Aric and Cliff on leveraging artificial intelligence as a new way to do business, advances in digital tools and technology and managing uncertainties in business. They also discuss the importance of communication and trust in rural America, the benefits of a positive work environment and the power of a simple smile. Check it out!

What you'll learn:

• The value of artificial intelligence (AI) and how Inter-State utilizes it to achieve maximum efficiency and accuracy
• More about how Aric and his team have adapted to changes in digital tools and technology and how it has benefitted their business
• The value of a positive work environment and how it contributes to a high-performing and effective team
• An inside look at how Inter-State builds its own technology and processes to fit its unique needs
• More on how Aric's business has changed since its founding but remains very much the same
• Insight into managing uncertainties in business, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Effective strategies to reach consumers including integrating direct mail with online and email marketing
• Aric's thoughts on the importance of trust and communication in business and throughout rural America

Paul Dick is an experienced and driven operations professional that knows what it takes to meet the needs of the marketplace. As Operations Leader of Industrial Technologies & Services (ITS) Americas at Ingersoll Rand, Paul partners with businesses, communities, and colleagues to help lead the company to success.

A rural Missouri native, Paul grew up the son of an electrical contractor and was interested in the industry from an early age. His interest led him to attend the University of Central Missouri, where he earned his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering technology and his master's degree in industrial management. He began his career with Gardner Denver Sedalia during college and continued to climb the ranks. Today, he leads operations for ITS Americas at Ingersoll Rand, which merged with Gardner Denver in 2020. Outside of work, Paul is very involved in his community and enjoys spending time with his family.

Hear more from Paul and Cliff on the value of investing in workforce development, maximizing efficiency through process improvements and the value of strategic partnerships. They also discuss the importance of thinking and acting like an owner, digital connections and core values of the rural American workforce that appeal to businesses. Check it out!

What you'll learn:

• More about how Paul and his team meet the needs of the marketplace through innovation, workforce development and strategic partnerships
• The importance of continuously improving current processes to achieve maximum efficiency and continued growth
• Thinking and acting like owners and the impact of this mindset across every level
• The value of partnering with communities and education systems
• The value of sharing best practices to help teams achieve success
• More on the importance of referrals and personal connections in business, marketing and workforce development
• Connecting with customers and colleagues digitally and the unique benefits that it provides
• Serving as a one-stop-shop partner for customers to develop lasting relationships
• More about integrity, focusing on the small things and other rural American core values that appeal to individuals and businesses alike

Ben Frederickson, better known to readers as BenFred, lives out his passion as a sports columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. A talented storyteller and reporter, Ben engages readers and listeners by providing valuable, thought-provoking information through a creative and strategic approach.

Growing up in rural Missouri, Ben was a lifelong athlete and excelled in reading and writing, passions he combines today. A high school journalism class led him to discover his interest in journalism, with his first project coming to life in the school gymnasium. He pursued these interests and received his degree in journalism from the University of Missouri - Columbia and gained experience at a variety of publications, including the Knoxville News Sentinel, FOX Sports Midwest and the Casper Star-Tribune. Today, Ben has the opportunity to do what he loves, covering the teams he grew up watching while remaining close to his rural Missouri roots.

Hear more from Ben and Cliff on the value of consistently delivering compelling and creative stories, Ben's tips for developing and improving storytelling skills and the merging of print and digital media. They also discuss the importance of thought leadership and more about Ben's journey as a journalist. Check it out!

What you'll learn:

• Valuable insight about the benefits of consistently delivering compelling stories through a variety of platforms
• Ben's tips for developing and improving writing skills, including how to find your style, flow and rhythm
• The importance of being in tune with your audience and understanding what motivates them and how to retain their attention
• Providing audiences with valuable content that makes people think to encourage conversation, repeat engagement and long-term relationships
• The value of traditional print media and digital media platforms and how the two can be used to complement each other
• Evolving trends in content and how they can be used to maximize engagement and impact
• More on how Ben discovered his passion for journalism and rural American values that influence how he lives and works every day

Patti DeWalt is an experienced marketing and sales professional, passionate about utilizing the latest technology while remaining focused on individual connections. As Director of Marketing at Butler Manufacturing, Patti provides value-added marketing solutions for current and future customers to build relationships and grow market share.

A lifelong Kansas City resident, Patti received her undergraduate degree in communications form Rockhurst University before earning her master's degree in marketing from Webster University. Initially interested in acting, she began a career in broadcasting before transitioning into marketing and advertising. She gained experience with Valentine Radford and ERA Real Estate before accepting a position with Butler Manufacturing. She later began her own marketing consulting company before returning to Butler and eventually stepping into her current role.

Hear more from Patti and Cliff on providing value-added marketing solutions for customers, utilizing digital marketing technologies to achieve optimal results and understanding client needs at every level. They also discuss the importance of sticking to the basics, the peacefulness of rural America and life lessons that Patti lives by every day. Check it out!

What you'll learn:

• Insight into how Patti and her team provide value-added marketing solutions for partnering construction companies
• Patti's thoughts on emerging marketing technologies and how to utilize them to achieve optimal results
• Digital marketing strategies and how to measure and communicate the return on investment
• The story of Butler Manufacturing and how it has grown into the company it is today
• Listening, understanding and delivering solutions for customer needs
• The importance of developing content that focuses on customer needs and situations
• Communication tips and street smarts for building lasting relationships in business
• A look at life in rural America and the peace it provides for those who live here
• More life lessons and guiding principles that Patti lives by and guides others through

Chad McMullin is passionate about ministry, church leadership and his community, working to build personal connections in all areas of life. Currently Senior Minister at First Christian Church of Sedalia, Missouri, Chad and his team utilize a variety of tools to connect with audiences and further their mission every day.

Chad grew up with a love of the outdoors and continues to take advantage of every opportunity he has to go hunting, fishing and hiking. His interests led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in agriculture, range and wildlife management from Texas Tech University. He pursued careers in the industry before being called to ministry. He went on to receive a Master of Divinity (M.DIV) from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma and has spent the past 20 years as a minister. Before moving to Sedalia, he previously served at churches in Brownfield and Rowlett, Texas. Outside of the church, Chad and his family enjoy being active in sports, scouting and outdoor activities.

Hear more from Chad and Cliff on incorporating a variety of communication methods to effectively reach audiences, remaining open to trying new things and reaching audiences where they are. You'll also hear about the importance of empowering your team for success and more about core values integral to rural America. Check it out!

What you'll learn:

• Insight into how Chad and his team incorporate traditional and evolving strategies to effectively reach audiences where they are including live streaming content and social media
• The importance of providing engaging and easy to consume content
• How Chad's experience in previous positions prepared him to be an effective leader and minister
• The value of embracing new technologies and ideas when they are presented and using them to your advantage
• Continuously improving and building upon current processes to communicate as effectively as possible
• The importance of building a strong team and empowering each team member to succeed in their roles
• Core values such as integrity, honesty, trustworthiness and others that Chad was raised with and continues to live his life by
• More from Chad about his passion for the great outdoors and his story of being called into ministry

Davin Althoff is a lifelong farmer and experienced marketer and manager, working to educate audiences and provide opportunities for Missouri farmers and agribusinesses. Currently Division Director of Agriculture Business Development at the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Davin combines his passion and experience to strategically facilitate growth for Missouri agriculture-based businesses.

Davin learned the value of hard work growing up on his family's diversified row crop and livestock operation in rural Missouri. Passionate about agriculture, Davin simultaneously farmed and attended Lincoln University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in agribusiness. He earned his MBA from William Woods University and has a proven track record with the Missouri Senate, Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Missouri Beef Industry Council. In addition to his work with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Davin and his family continue to farm and enjoy the rural Missouri lifestyle.

Hear more from Davin and Cliff on bridging the gap between rural and urban America and the public perception of agriculture, closing the digital divide and the value of strategic digital marketing efforts. You'll also hear about creative ways to increase brand awareness and more about the American spirit prevalent in rural America today. Check it out!

What you'll learn:

• Insight into the importance of educating the public about the agriculture industry
• Closing the digital divide in rural America to efficiently and effectively communicate with audiences and provide new opportunities
• The importance of the agriculture industry to the Missouri economy, as well as the role it plays in national and international business
• How Davin combines his passion and experience in agriculture to provide opportunities for Missouri farmers and businesses
• The Missouri Department of Agriculture's MORE initiative and how it is connecting individuals and businesses across the state
• Creative strategies to increase awareness and educate consumers while delivering results for local businesses
• More about digital marketing technologies and how they can be used to strategically reach audiences and increase ROI
• Lifelong lessons and guiding principles that Davin learned growing up on the farm and how he continues to live them out every day
• More about the American spirit prevalent in rural America and the pride of rural communities

Pat Burke is an accomplished marketing and communications professional, building personal relationships across the globe. Currently Marketing and Communications Manager for Gavilon Group, LLC, Pat strategically plans and executes global communication efforts including public relations, advertising and brand management, as well as internal and external communications.

Pat grew up near Omaha, Nebraska and continues to live and enjoy life in the Midwest. He attended the University of Nebraska - Omaha, where he received his undergraduate degree in marketing and business before earning his MBA from Creighton University. He began his career in the agency world and later accepted his current position with Gavilon Group, LLC. In his role, Pat works to create value in the complex agricultural commodities marketplace. When he is not working to connect producers and consumers, Pat can be found with his family or seeking out a new challenge.

Hear more from Pat and Cliff on behavioral targeting and using data to build personal connections on a global scale, providing your team and customers with the right tools to succeed, the power of humility and the importance of listening in marketing and more. Check it out!

What you'll learn:

• How Pat and his team communicate with diverse audiences simultaneously while meeting individual needs
• Pat's thoughts on understanding communication preferences and the value of one-to-one communications
• Listening and developing a strong understanding of customer and internal wants and needs, then developing a plan to deliver results
• Recognizing and communicating your company's value proposition for sustainable business development
• More about the ability of effective marketing to drive sales and the importance of maintaining a focus on data
• Marketing trends such as behavior-based targeting and insights into how the Gavilon team is implementing them
• The importance of providing your team and customers with the tools they need to achieve optimal results
• Recognizing that there is always room for improvement and taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from others in your field
• The importance of working as a team and combining individual strengths to deliver great results
• Life lessons and insights from Pat's background in rural America including personal and professional development, remembering where you came from and always remaining humble

Tim Barnes is a great example of a hardworking rural American who proves that combining passion, hard work and dedication pays off. Tim lived out the childhood dreams of many, playing football at the collegiate and professional levels before returning home to his rural roots.

Tim began playing football in the third grade and his love for the sport only grew throughout the years. Growing up, he listened to the Mizzou Tigers while working on the farm with his dad and brothers. He applied himself in school and practice, earning a full ride scholarship to the University of Missouri to play on the team he grew up dreaming of playing for. While at MU, he earned a degree in American history with a minor in communications. After graduating, he entered the NFL, playing for the St. Louis Rams before moving with the team to Los Angeles and ending his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

After his time with the NFL, Tim returned home to raise his family near his hometown and run the family farm. Days that were once full of practices and game film are now full of row crops and raising cattle. Today, Tim continues to share his passion for football as the offensive line coach for a local high school.

Hear more from Cliff and Tim as they discuss strategies for brands to effectively reach a rural American audience. They also discuss the importance of accountability, the value of preparation, the rewards of dedication and how rural roots run deep, no matter the location.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• Effective strategies for understanding your audience, knowing where they are spending their time and crafting messages to connect with your audience in meaningful ways
• How Tim lived out the childhood dreams of many young athletes, growing up in a small town and working his way up to play football professionally
• An inside look into the daily lives of rural Americans and opportunities for brands marketing to rural America
• Understanding the rural American mindset and core values that can be attributed to success, no matter the industry
• Tim's thoughts on team sports and the importance of accountability and responsibility
• The importance of holding yourself accountable, knowing your role and always striving to do the right thing to the best of your ability
• The importance of doing your homework, being prepared and asking questions
• More about the science, timing and methodology that impacts rural Americans involved in production agriculture
• Life lessons and guiding principles that Tim has learned throughout life and continues to live by
• More on what Tim loves about the rural American lifestyle and why he decided to return to his roots to raise his family here

Adam Braverman is an accomplished sales and marketing professional, leveraging his experience in a variety of fields to deliver proven results in the precision ammunition business. He is currently the Director of Sales and Marketing for Capstone Precision Group, a manufacturer, importer and distributor of premium ammunition products. Committed to achieving results, Adam demonstrates sales and marketing expertise to create sustainable growth.

Adam, a rural Missouri native, received his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Combining education, interest and expertise, his career in the firearms and ammunition industry has included sales and marketing leadership positions with Sierra Bullets and Nammo, a parent company of Capstone Precision Group. He began his current role when Capstone Precision Group was formed as a result of Nammo acquiring Berger Bullets to become the USA's Sole Distributor for Berger, Lapua, SK, and VihtaVuori. Although his work includes brands across the world, Adam's roots remain in rural America, where he enjoys playing golf and the rural lifestyle in his free time.

Hear more from Adam and Cliff on strategic planning for sustainable growth, taking advantage of new opportunities and building personal relationships at every level. We also discuss the value of integrating sales and marketing efforts ('smarketing') to deliver optimal results and more about what rural America has to offer.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• How Capstone Precision Group creates sustainable success through strategic business planning in all areas
• Adam's thoughts on creating brand apostles to advocate for and build your brand from the ground up
• Integrating sales and marketing efforts ('smarketing') to attract and retain customers and partners
• The value of grassroots marketing to build brand awareness
• More about the creativity and adaptability of rural America that appeals to growing and developing businesses
• Incorporating new marketing strategies while remaining focused on the relationships and tried and true methods such as a simple phone call
• The importance of taking advantage of new opportunities when they are presented
• Remaining aware of the competitive landscape to continuously improve instead of operating in isolation