Host Joe Sampson welcomes Jamie Meier, longtime industry expert and sales leader at Landoll Corporation. They discuss Landoll’s long-standing reputation for quality, customer commitment, and relationship-driven sales, tracing its roots back to Don Landoll’s vision in 1963.

Joe and Jamie dive into the current challenges facing the ag industry, including commodity price fluctuations, high interest rates, and the impact of tariffs on the farm equipment market. They also discuss how Landoll’s diversification across multiple industries—from trailers to government contracts—has helped it weather economic downturns and avoid layoffs.

From the importance of face-to-face relationships in sales to the shifting dynamics of the Louisville Farm Show, this episode is packed with market insights, sales strategies, and a look ahead at the future of ag equipment.

Key Takeaway

✅ Relationships drive business success – Landoll prioritizes customer service, supplier partnerships, and long-term trust.
✅ Diversification is key – Landoll’s business model spans trailers, government contracts, and ag equipment, allowing them to stay stable through market shifts.
✅ Market conditions are shifting – Tariffs, high interest rates, and commodity prices are creating uncertainty, but long-term demand will return.
✅ Quality over quantity – Landoll’s reputation is built on durable, reliable, and well-engineered products rather than flashy marketing.
✅ The importance of dealer and field presence – Supporting customers directly in the field makes a big difference in service and loyalty.

Notable Quotes

• At the end of the day, it’s people working together. That’s what makes a great company." – Jamie Meier
• "Landoll’s diversified model is something every OEM is trying to copy right now." – Joe Sampson
• "We don’t shy away from problems—we learn from them and take care of our customers." – Jamie Meier
• You can almost see the quality coming out of a Landoll machine. It’s built different." – Joe Sampson

Host Joe Sampson sits down with Henning Schwinum, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Vendux LLC, to discuss the growing demand for fractional sales leadership. Henning shares his journey from corporate sales leader to entrepreneur, the inspiration behind Vendux, and why companies today are redefining how they scale their sales teams.

They dive into why multitasking CEOs struggle to grow, how outside perspectives drive sales innovation, and why a fractional VP of Sales can often be more committed than a full-time hire. Henning also explains how Vendux matches businesses with top-tier fractional sales leaders and why the traditional career path is evolving.

If you're a business owner, sales professional, or executive considering fractional leadership, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways

• Fractional sales leadership is growing – More companies are adopting this model to right-size leadership roles.
• Multitasking CEOs hurt business growth – Owners handling toomany roles risk limiting their company’s potential.
• Sales is human-to-human – Success depends on trust, process, and leadership, not just product expertise.
• Outside perspectives drive innovation – Bringing in a fresh sales leader can unlock new opportunities and strategies.
• Fractional leaders are highly committed – Their reputation, results, and future work depend on their success.

Notable Quotes

• "Growth stalls when CEOs try to wear too many hats—fractional sales leadership is the solution." – Henning Schwinum
• A great product alone doesn’t guarantee sales—leadership, process, and trust do." – Joe Sampson
• "Sales is still a human-to-human business. It's about understanding people, not just data." – Henning Schwinum
• "The average tenure of a VP of Sales is just 12-18 months. Companies should consider fractional leadership." – Henning Schwinum

Host Joe Sampson welcomes Marc Adams, VP of Sales at GBGI Inc., to discuss his unexpected journey into agriculture, the importance of hands-on product knowledge, and how GBGI has evolved into a leading manufacturer of sealing solutions and precision components.Marc shares insights on business growth, adapting to market slowdowns, and why investing in technology and relationships is key. He also dives into GBGI’s aftermarket expansion, how they work with dealers, and the value of industry networks like FEMA. Plus, he reflects on leadership, family values, and faith as key drivers in his career.Key Takeaways- Start from the ground up – Understanding your product inside and out is key in sales.- Slowdowns are opportunities – Use downturns for R&D, innovation, and automation.- Customer relationships matter – Listening to pain points leads to better solutions.- Aftermarket sales are crucial – Farmers fix equipment in downturns, creating demand.-Invest in people & technology – Automation and supplier partnerships drive efficiency.Notable Quotes- “If you don’t take advantage of slowdowns to innovate, you’ll fall behind when the market picks up.” – Marc Adams- “Success in sales comes from being present—showing up, listening, and standing behind your product.” – Marc Adams- “We don’t have anything without Jesus. That’s our foundation.” – Marc Adams- “The best partnerships come from trust, not just transactions.” – Joe Sampson

Host Joe Sampson sits down with JC Hatton, a seasoned manufacturer’s representative, to discuss the importance of relationships, diversification, and problem-solving in sales. JC shares his journey into sales, the value of industry organizations like FEMA, and how staying authentic is key to success. Plus, he showcases his incredible singing talent at the end!Key Takeaways- Manufacturer’s reps bridge the gap between suppliers and buyers.- Long-term success comes from relationships, not just transactions.- Diversification helps navigate industry cycles.- Listening & problem-solving are the core of great sales.- FEMA & industry networking provide crucial business opportunities.Notable Quotes- “Sales is about solving problems, not just pushing products.” – JC Hatton- “You have to be steady—don’t get too high or too low.” – Joe Sampson

Join Joe Sampson and guests as we explore the intersection of agriculture, business and innovation. With nearly two decades of expertise in agricultural equipment and scaling businesses, this podcast delivers actionable insights, inspiring stories, and strategic advice to help manufacturers and professionals grow their ventures. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting out, join us every week to cultivate ideas, expand your knowledge, and germinate your path to success.