Ursa, Illinois, USA
October 13, 2010
Lewis Hybrids was founded in 1946 by Frank W. Lewis. Today, his grandsons Scott and Shawn Lewis remain at its forefront and operate a seed business that has grown remarkably over the last few years. When asked what contributed to the success of the once-small, family-run business, Scott Lewis, Brand Lead, remarks, “It’s our people. We treat them like family and they, in turn, treat our customers like family. That is what has helped our business grow.” Treating people like family is part of the year-round Lewis Service Promise, which also includes a commitment to specific product placement, regionally-adapted solutions, and year-round commitment. In 2010, three employees received honors for their commitment to Lewis Hybrids: Brad Gibson was recognized for 10 years of service; Warren Hull was recognized for 20 years of service and Kent Buckman recently celebrated his 30 year anniversary.
Brad Gibson began his career in 2000 as a District Sales Manager (DSM) with Hubner Seeds, another Monsanto regional seed brand. Two years ago he transitioned into the same role with Lewis Hybrids. Since that time, he has enjoyed extending the year-round Lewis Service Promise to his customers. “This is a big commitment. I’ve enjoyed working with dealers and customers and fitting the promise to meet their needs. Our replant program has made a big impact on a lot of growers. Lewis Hybrids has gained a lot of credibility, and I am proud to work for a brand that stands behind its products.” Gibson has noticed great synergy with his Lewis teammates. “We are enthused about working together to spread the word about Lewis Hybrids.” Gibson resides in Lathrop, MO with his wife, Beth and children, Makenzie, Lauren, Hunter and Ashley.
Warren Hull was offered an internship in the Lewis Hybrids production plant back in 1990. He has known the Lewis family his entire life. “My grandfather worked for Scott and Shawn’s grandfather,” recalls Hull. One year after accepting the internship, he moved into the Customer Service department where he has remained and now holds the position of Customer Service Lead. “Working at Lewis Hybrids is like working with family members. I have a lot of long-term customers—and they are basically like my immediate family. We welcome all new customers to the Lewis family.’” Although a lot has changed, Hull has always believed that “If I can earn people’s trust and respect, then it comes back the other way.” Hull lives in Ursa, IL, a half mile away from the Lewis production plant, with his wife, Kara and children, Kailey and Karson.
When Kent Buckman began his seed industry tenure in 1980, he was given a car, a map and a list of customers. Having seen many changes throughout the years, Buckman said it is rather remarkable how technology now impacts his current job as a District Sales Manager (DSM) with Lewis Hybrids. “Biotechnology--and technology in general--in the seed industry has abounded. Genetically-modified crops in 1980 were just a vision. There were no cell phones, no laptops, no conference calls or webinars.” Lewis Hybrids is able to adopt the most recent traits from Monsanto and Buckman is happy that he now has access to webinars that offer training about the newest traits and corn and soybean products. “My ability to access the newest technologies has only a positive impact for my customers. And, with the support of the year-round Lewis Service Promise, I’m able to really help them.” Buckman lives just outside of Martinsburg, MO. He and his wife, Angela, have three grown children: Daniel, Jeffrey (Julie), Melissa Buckman-Young (Jason), and three grandchildren.
Lewis Hybrids is a family-run seed brand that has delivered seed solutions and service to Missouri, West Central Illinois and Southeastern Iowa farmers for three generations. Their corn, soybean and wheat seed solutions are backed by the year-round Lewis Service Promise, a commitment to specific placement, regionally-adapted solutions, year-round commitment and treating customers like family. For more details about Lewis Hybrids, visit www.lewishybrids.com.
Rural communities are the heart of America. In an effort to help farmers grow their local communities, the Monsanto Fund has created the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program. This program gives farmers in more than 1,200 counties across 38 states the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organization. For more information and to register, visit www.growcommunities.com or call 1.877.267.3332.
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