Join our champion program: [email protected]

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Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode, Mark sits down with Wesley Davis, Partner and Chief Agricultural Economist at Meridian Ag Advisors, for a sharp conversation about cutting through the noise in agriculture — and building a business worth building.

Wes defines intentionality simply: shut out the distractions and be fully present with the person or problem in front of you. Just be here. Be now.

Signal vs. Noise in the Ag Economy

Wes has built his career around one skill: separating signal from noise. Three things he's watching closely right now:

Farmer P&L at the acre level. Not the headline — what does a specific commodity pencil out to on a specific acre? That's the number that tells the real story.

Trade policy — the tail that wags the dog. Major trade flows are rerouting away from China toward Europe and Southeast Asia. The picture isn't great. But it's not dire. Our stuff is moving.

Farmer financial health — the whole picture. About 70–80% of farmers have strong balance sheets. There's a stressed pocket — 10–20%, higher in small grains and row crops — and a critical 5% in real trouble. That's a very different story than "all farmers are failing." Know your numbers. That's not optional.

Why Wes Started Meridian — and What Entrepreneurship Actually Costs

Wes left his previous consultancy not because something went wrong, but because he got clear on what he wanted to build: truly independent economic research in ag. Not tracking every USDA amendment, but answering the real question — what does this actually mean for farmers?

The deeper driver? He wanted the freedom of entrepreneurship again. But freedom and uncertainty are a package deal. And the way you get your certainty back isn't by playing it safe — it's through structure. Maker time. Manager time. Knowing the difference and protecting both. That's where Jericho was born, and it's what keeps the wheels on.

AI in Ag: Skeptic Turned Advocate

Three years ago, Wes thought AI was mostly noise. Today he's a strong advocate. He's seeing real traction in agri-chem and seed research, commodity trading, and sales intelligence. The most underutilized opportunity? Using AI to understand your growers better and show up more prepared to every conversation.

His challenge: go to any AI tool, tell it what you do, and ask for five ways it can help you today. You'll find something you hadn't thought of. Head to askjericho.com to see how Jericho is doing exactly that for ag sales teams.

What the Chicken Farm Taught Him

Two lessons from growing up on a free-range egg operation in West Virginia:

You are what you feed yourself. Egg quality tracked directly to what the birds were fed. Same goes for your mind. Lumpy inputs, lumpy outputs.

Customer first — but it's still a business. His grandmother's flower shop ran on fierce customer loyalty. But she never forgot that going out on a limb for a customer is an investment, not a free favor. Don't forget why the tree needs to stay standing.

Listen if you are:

1. Chasing ag headlines instead of the data underneath them
2. Not clear on your numbers at the acre level
3. Navigating the freedom and uncertainty of entrepreneurship
4. On the fence about whether AI is worth your time
5. Building an ag sales team and want to show up more prepared

Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Cynthia Bruno, CEO of Early Ag, to discuss intentional leadership, startup realities, and the critical decisions that determine whether companies grow—or stall out.

Cynthia defines intentionality as doing things on purpose and with purpose. For her, intentional leadership and integrity are deeply connected. Leaders of integrity don’t just show up when things are easy—they show up when the unexpected happens and difficult decisions have to be made.

The conversation dives into the startup world and one of the most common causes of failure: lack of prioritization.

In the early stages, founders often chase too many opportunities at once in an effort to generate traction or revenue. But when companies continually veer off course to chase short-term wins, they drain resources, confuse teams, and lose sight of the original mission.

The real challenge for startups is balancing focus today with vision for the future. Founders must identify their immediate ideal customer while also understanding how that customer—and the company’s value—will evolve over time.

Cynthia also shares how Early Ag helps startups navigate these challenges by providing fractional executive leadership. Their team helps early-stage companies refine commercial strategy, test market assumptions, and build the partnerships needed to reach meaningful milestones faster.

The conversation also touches on a truth many founders experience but rarely discuss: startups are pressure cookers. The stakes are high, the pace is intense, and leaders often carry the weight of the entire organization on their shoulders.

That’s why surrounding yourself with the right expertise—and leaders who can challenge your thinking—is essential.

The episode closes with a reminder that great companies are not built by one skill set alone. Success happens at the intersection of complementary strengths—visionaries who push the future forward and operators who turn ideas into reality.

When those strengths come together, momentum follows.

Listen if you are:

• Leading a startup or early-stage company
• Struggling to prioritize opportunities in a growing business
• Trying to refine your ideal customer profile
• Looking for ways to accelerate commercialization in ag innovation
• Building a team that balances vision and execution

Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Rodney Penner, CEO of People Purpose, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about intentional leadership, money, faith, and courage in business.

Rodney defines intentionality in simple, practical terms: build accountability into the process. If you want a better marriage, schedule date night. If you want employees to succeed, schedule quarterly reviews from day one. Intentionality isn’t a feeling — it’s a structure.

But the conversation quickly moves beyond structure and into conviction.

Rodney shares the story of walking away from a $178,000 construction contract — and returning a $60,000 deposit — after a client called him a thief and a liar. Instead of reacting from fear or scarcity, Rodney made a decision rooted in principle:

Remove money from the equation.

If money wasn’t part of the decision, what would I do?

That mindset shifted the power dynamic immediately. The client’s tone changed. The relationship reset. And ultimately, the deal moved forward — this time built on mutual respect.

The deeper lesson? Many leaders operate from scarcity. They bend over backward for the wrong customers, tolerate disrespect, and allow fear of loss to dictate their decisions. Rodney challenges leaders to think differently:

When you stop making decisions based on fear of losing money, you start making better decisions.

The conversation parallels sales and customer strategy, reinforcing a truth many leaders overlook: 80% of revenue often comes from 20–30% of customers. The most stressful clients frequently represent the smallest portion of total business. Clarity around this data gives leaders permission to say no — and redirect energy toward the best customers.

Rodney also shares personal insight into why money doesn’t control him. Growing up feeling that money was valued more than people shaped his determination to never make others feel that way. That early pain became a leadership strength — prioritizing impact over income.

Today, through People Purpose, Rodney helps entrepreneurs build healthy leadership systems, intentional customer journeys, hiring processes, and organizational clarity. His focus is expanding leaders’ thinking so they can design businesses that serve both their teams and their clients well.

The episode closes with reflections on legacy, faith, and starting with the end in mind — drawing inspiration from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. What will people say about you? What fruit will your life produce?

Intentional leadership is not about chasing revenue.

It’s about building impact that outlives you.

Listen if you are:

• Feeling controlled by difficult customers
• Making decisions from scarcity instead of clarity
• Leading a team that needs stronger accountability systems
• Navigating faith and business in the same arena
• Wanting to build impact, not just income

Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark reconnects with one of the first CEOs he ever worked for, Rich Reynertson, President of Cultura Technologies.

Rich oversees a portfolio of 14 agricultural software companies that touch nearly every part of the ag supply chain—from grain scale systems to compliance tracking in global fruit and vegetable markets. With more than 500 employees and consistent double-digit growth, the complexity is real.

But this conversation isn’t about software.

It’s about intentional leadership.

Rich defines intentionality through mission clarity: deploy capital at strong returns while improving the agricultural supply chain. Everything filters through those two commitments.

During COVID, he embraced a powerful leadership insight: you can’t give employees certainty—but you can give them clarity. He challenges leaders to help their teams focus on three things:

• Know who you are.
• Know your role.
• Be a positive influence in your community.

As Cultura expanded through acquisitions, Rich faced a common growth challenge: strong independent companies that lacked a shared identity. Instead of forcing alignment through top-down mandates, he adopted a different model.

“Circles are better than rows.”

Rows create spectators. Circles create ownership.

By forming intentional circles—small groups committed to shared outcomes—Cultura fostered collaboration across businesses that once operated independently. These circles duplicate each year, growing culture organically rather than imposing it from above.

The conversation also dives into the friction of mergers and acquisitions. Integration always creates resistance—on both sides. Employees worry about job security. Acquirers sometimes underestimate the emotional impact on their own teams. Rich reminds leaders that friction isn’t failure—it’s part of the process.

Beyond business growth, Rich shares two books that shaped his leadership journey:

Corporate Life Cycles by Ichak Adizes — a framework comparing business growth stages to human development, helping leaders anticipate natural organizational transitions.

Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks — a reflection on career transitions, long-term happiness, and preparing for the next season of contribution beyond traditional career milestones.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder: leadership isn’t about holding onto people. It’s about helping them grow—even if that growth eventually leads them elsewhere.

If you can help people know who they are, understand their role, and become a positive force in their community—you’ve done your job.

Listen if you are:

• Leading through acquisitions or rapid growth
• Trying to unify independent teams under one culture
• Navigating merger friction
• Building leadership pipelines inside your organization
• Thinking about your own next season of leadership

​​Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Corey Rosenbusch, CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, to unpack what’s really happening in Washington — and why it directly impacts growers, retailers, and agribusiness leaders across the country.

Corey shares how fertilizer has been elevated to a global stage over the past year. From tariffs on Canadian potash to sanctions on Belarus and global urea disruptions, fertilizer now sits at the center of food security, national security, and geopolitical negotiations.

One key reminder: fertilizer is a global commodity. Prices are driven by worldwide supply and demand — not local preference. When China limits phosphate exports or global supply tightens, U.S. growers feel it immediately.

Corey also gives a behind-the-scenes look at what trade associations actually do. From securing critical tariff exemptions during planting season to preventing bio-stimulants from being regulated like pesticides, the work happening in D.C. often determines whether products move efficiently — or get buried in red tape.

Another major focus is nutrient stewardship. The 4R framework — right source, right rate, right time, right place — becomes even more critical in tight-margin seasons. Efficiency isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Beyond policy, Corey talks about leadership. When he stepped into TFI six years ago, he asked his team to define their culture — and got 25 different answers. That sparked a deliberate effort to define core values, behaviors, and weekly culture reinforcement. For Corey, intentional leadership starts with clarity.

This episode is a reminder that what feels like “noise” in Washington often has very real implications at the farm gate.

Listen if you are:

• Navigating tough fertilizer pricing conversations
• Leading in a volatile policy environment
• Curious how global supply chains impact local decisions
• Interested in culture-building inside mission-driven organizations

​​Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Ed Howie, a highly sought-after retention and branding expert whose work has helped generate more than $350 million in incremental revenue for some of the most recognizable brands in the world.

This is not a typical agribusiness conversation — and that’s exactly why it matters right now.

Ed brings decades of experience working with brands like Chick-fil-A, United Airlines, 7-Eleven, Kroger, and H-E-B, but the heart of this discussion isn’t about big brands. It’s about helping leaders understand how clarity, alignment, and intentional repetition create sales velocity, peace of mind, and long-term profitability.

Ed defines intentionality as doing all you can with what you have today — not what you wish you had, not what you used to have. That mindset shift alone reframes leadership from chasing the next thing to optimizing what already exists.

A major theme throughout the episode is incremental revenue. Instead of constantly pursuing new customers, Ed challenges leaders to look in their “kitchen cupboard.” What products, services, or solutions already exist that current customers aren’t buying simply because they don’t know about them, forgot about them, or were never intentionally guided toward them?

The conversation dives deep into why leaders and teams get distracted by novelty. Internal teams get bored with messaging long before customers do, leading organizations to constantly change their story instead of reinforcing it. Great brands don’t win by being clever — they win by being consistent.

Ed also introduces one of the most practical leadership frameworks in the episode: the words you use and the behaviors you choose. Culture isn’t a mission statement or a billboard. Culture is what your people say and do when it matters most. If leaders aren’t clear about the exact words to use — and just as importantly, the words not to use — confusion sets in, customers hesitate, and momentum slows.

Using powerful examples from Chick-fil-A, Ed explains how scripting language isn’t about removing authenticity. It’s about creating alignment, confidence, and a consistent experience that customers can trust. Confused customers don’t buy. Clear customers do.

Mark connects this directly to leadership inside organizations — from onboarding experiences to sales conversations to client retention. When teams lack clarity, they hesitate. When leaders provide clarity, alignment follows. And when clarity and alignment come together, velocity is the natural outcome.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about ROI — return on investment. It’s about return on impact. When leaders reduce confusion, remove distraction, and focus on what truly matters, the byproduct isn’t just growth. It’s peace of mind. And peace of mind creates joy.

This conversation is a masterclass in intentional leadership, retention, and sustainable growth — especially in seasons where margins are tight and distractions are high.

Listen if you are:

• A leader trying to generate growth without burning out your team
• Struggling with customer retention or stalled momentum
• Constantly changing your message but not seeing results
• Looking to drive incremental revenue without chasing strangers
• Someone who believes leadership should produce both results and joy

​​Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Landon Bunderson, Chief Science Officer at Nano Yield, for a thoughtful conversation about intentional leadership, organizational clarity, and how innovation actually works inside a growing agribusiness.

Landon leads both science and marketing at Nano Yield—a combination that forces constant clarity. His definition of intentionality is simple but demanding: say fewer things, repeat them often, and never lose sight of why the company exists. At Nano Yield, everything ladders up to one goal—making the sales team’s job easier by ensuring customers clearly understand the value of the people and the products.

One of the central themes of the episode is the power of repetition in leadership. Landon explains that effective leaders don’t constantly reinvent their message. Instead, they identify the few things that matter most and put them on repeat. Just like a political stump speech, clarity is built through consistency—not novelty. Leaders don’t need more ideas; they need sharper focus.

The conversation also explores what Nano Yield actually does and why “nanotechnology” doesn’t need to be scary. Landon breaks down nano-scale delivery in simple terms, explaining how their technology improves the efficiency of fertilizers and crop inputs by helping nutrients reach plant cells more effectively. The result is better performance, less waste, and improved outcomes for growers.

From there, the discussion shifts to culture and growth. Having been with Nano Yield for over a decade, Landon shares how culture has evolved as the company has scaled. He describes culture through a family analogy—clear expectations, consistent communication, defined boundaries, and increasing autonomy over time. When people know what’s expected and feel trusted, they thrive.

Mark and Landon dive into the realities of hiring and growth, including one of the hardest leadership challenges: realizing when someone is in the wrong role. Landon frames these moments not as failures, but as necessary course corrections—helping people move on to roles where they can truly succeed.

Another key insight from the episode is the idea that people don’t actually thrive in total freedom—they thrive within clear boundaries. As companies grow, systems and processes become essential not to restrict people, but to support them. Structure creates stability, and stability enables innovation.

The episode closes with a discussion on creativity and problem-solving. Landon recommends the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, emphasizing that creativity isn’t about reinventing everything—it’s about approaching challenges with curiosity and courage. That creative muscle, when paired with disciplined execution, becomes a powerful leadership advantage.

This conversation is a reminder that intentional leadership isn’t loud or flashy. It’s focused, repeatable, human, and deeply practical.

Listen if you are:

• A leader trying to create clarity in a fast-growing organization
• Balancing innovation with execution
• Struggling with focus, messaging, or alignment across teams
• Building culture while scaling people, systems, and products
• Curious about how technology and leadership actually intersect in ag

​​Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Dean Harder for a powerful conversation about intentionality, purpose, and why most sales conversations fail before they ever begin.

Dean’s definition of intentional leadership starts with one word: purpose. Without clearly defined purpose, it’s impossible to lead well, sell well, or even make good decisions. Throughout the episode, Dean challenges listeners to rethink how they define success, how they communicate value, and how they show up in conversations—whether in sales, leadership, or life.

One of the central themes of the conversation is the difference between pitching and conversational selling. Dean explains that pitching starts from the inside out—it’s focused on what you do, what you sell, and what you want. Conversational selling flips that model. It starts from the outside in by focusing on what the other person wants, what they care about, and what outcomes they’re trying to achieve.

The shift sounds simple, but it’s transformative. Instead of trying to convince, impress, or persuade, the goal becomes understanding. When you understand what someone wants, you earn the right to proceed—and only then does what you offer actually matter.

Dean also introduces a powerful framework for influence built on two principles: focus on the other person, and earn the right to proceed. Rather than jumping in with advice or opinions, great leaders and sellers ask permission, make observations, and invite conversation. This approach lowers defenses, builds trust, and creates space for real dialogue.

The episode goes deep into mindset and preparation, especially for newer sales professionals who feel stuck or intimidated. Dean emphasizes that confidence doesn’t come from talent—it comes from clarity. When outcomes are clearly defined and expectations are realistic, people are free to grow without comparing themselves to veterans with decades of experience.

Mark and Dean also explore accountability, drawing a distinction between monitoring activity and aligning around results. True accountability focuses on outcomes, not micromanaging behavior. When leaders agree on results and review progress consistently, people take ownership—and performance follows.

Throughout the conversation, there’s a recurring reminder: improvement doesn’t come from comparison. It comes from progress. Measuring yourself against who you were yesterday, not against someone with 30 years of experience, is how real growth happens.

This episode is a masterclass in communication, leadership, and selling with integrity. It’s not about scripts or tactics—it’s about mindset, discipline, and learning how to have better conversations that actually move people forward.

Listen if you are:

• A sales professional who feels stuck pitching instead of connecting
• A leader responsible for developing people, not just hitting numbers
• New to sales and looking for confidence without pressure
• Experienced in your role but ready to improve how you communicate
• Someone who believes relationships still matter in business

​​Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Jay Doan of Black Leg Ranch — a fifth-generation North Dakota ranch that has evolved far beyond cattle into a stacked, regenerative, value-added agribusiness.

Jay shares what it really takes to keep a family operation alive across generations, from brutal honesty about debt and communication to the decision to go regenerative long before it was trendy. This isn’t a polished Instagram version of ranch life — it’s the real work of leadership, culture, and stewardship.

If you lead a farm, ranch, or family business, this conversation will challenge how you think about legacy, diversification, health, and intentional leadership.

Key Takeaways

Intentional leadership starts with honest self-conversation

Jay defines being intentional as being genuinely honest with yourself about where you are and where you’re going, not just what sounds good on the surface. Without that self-honesty, every big decision eventually cracks under pressure.

Multi-generational success is built on communication, not nostalgia

Five and six generations working together isn’t romantic — it’s heavy. Jay explains that what keeps Black Leg Ranch intact isn’t just tradition, but the willingness to have open, sometimes uncomfortable conversations across generations.

Regenerative agriculture was a survival decision, not a trend

The ranch nearly collapsed in the 1980s and 90s. That pressure forced Jay’s father to rethink soil health, grazing, and debt — pushing them toward cover crops, holistic management, and biodiversity long before it became mainstream.

Diversity is risk management for the land and the business

Black Leg Ranch didn’t stack enterprises because it was fashionable — they did it because monoculture is fragile. Cattle, bison, hunting, agritourism, beer, and meat sales all create resilience when markets, weather, or supply chains break.

Your health and the land’s health are inseparable

Jay connects regenerative farming directly to human health — pointing out that a society growing sick food produces sick people, and that consumers are beginning to demand something better.

Notable Quotes

“Being intentional is being genuinely pointed with an end goal in mind — and being honest with yourself about it.” — Jay Doan

“There’s a weight that comes with legacy. You don’t want to be the generation that screws it up.” — Jay Doan

“We were homesteading before it was cool.” — Mark Jewell

“Run your operation like a business first — lifestyle second.” — Jay Doan

Action Steps

• Have the hard conversation with your family or partners about where the business is really headed.
• Audit your diversity. Are you exposed to one crop, one market, or one buyer?
• Look at soil health and financial health together — they’re connected.
• Write down the stories of the generation ahead of you before they’re gone.
• Get outside your comfort zone — internships, travel, and outside perspectives build better leaders.

Listen If You Are

• Part of a family farm or ranch trying to survive generational transition
• Exploring regenerative agriculture or diversified revenue streams
• Feeling the pressure of debt, stress, and monoculture risk
• A leader who wants to build something that lasts longer than you

​​Join our champion program: [email protected]

Attend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/

Instagram: @the.momentum.company

LinkedIn: /momentum-company

In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, for a wide-ranging and timely conversation on leadership, policy, and navigating uncertainty in agribusiness.

Duane brings a rare perspective — blending decades of experience in government, global agribusiness, and cooperative leadership — to help leaders understand what’s really happening behind the headlines in Washington, how policy decisions impact the farmer balance sheet, and why intentional leadership matters more now than ever.

This episode isn’t about politics for politics’ sake. It’s about clarity, resilience, and leading people well in a season of volatility.

Key Takeaways

Intentional leadership is about designing moments, not just delivering messages

Duane defines intentionality as thinking deeply about what people should feel, know, and do after a leadership moment — whether that’s a major announcement, a transition, or a difficult conversation. Leaders who ignore the emotional component leave impact on the table.

The farmer balance sheet is under real pressure

Across agriculture, farmers are navigating rising costs, tight margins, and uncertainty. Duane explains that NCFC’s work centers on two levers: lowering input costs and expanding markets — both critical to long-term farm viability.

Policy details matter more than headlines

From tariffs to labor to the updated dietary guidelines, Duane breaks down how seemingly distant policy decisions directly affect domestic demand, production costs, and competitiveness for U.S. farmers. The nuance matters — and leaders need to understand it.

Ag labor is one of the most pressing cost challenges

Labor availability and affordability continue to strain producers, especially in specialty crops and dairy. Duane explains why existing systems like H-2A are imperfect — and why solutions must balance realism with economic sustainability.

Technology won’t replace people — but it will reshape roles

AI, automation, and software will elevate average performance faster, reduce friction, and shift how work gets done. The leaders who win will focus on adaptability, resilience, and redeploying people into higher-value roles — not eliminating them.

Notable Quotes

“Intentionality is thinking about what you want people to come away with — how they feel, what they know, and what they do next.” — Duane Simpson

“The volatility and uncertainty are more damaging to the economy than any single tariff.” — Duane Simpson

“Technology can’t replace human connection — especially in agriculture.” — Duane Simpson

“Intentional leadership matters more now because the noise is louder than it’s ever been.” — Mark Jewell

Action Steps

• Audit how you communicate big moments with your team — are you designing the experience or just delivering information?
• Stay informed beyond headlines. Understand how policy details affect your operation.
• Plan for workforce transitions. Automation should elevate people, not disconnect them.
• Create space to think. Reading, walking, and reflection are leadership disciplines — not luxuries.
• Double down on human connection. In-person conversations still matter.

Listen If You Are

• A co-op, ag retail, or agribusiness leader navigating uncertainty
• Concerned about policy impacts on costs and markets
• Thinking about AI, labor, and workforce transitions
• Committed to leading with clarity, intention, and steadiness