Why would the national sales manager for an international seed company with responsibilities for the western United States and Mexico leave to become Stauffer Seeds Director of Sales and Marketing? Mike Smidt (photo) believes in the people, products, and philosophy of Stauffer Seeds.

“Helping shape Stauffer Seeds to achieve its potential offers a challenge I couldn’t refuse,” Smidt stated. “I like the service a regional company can provide its customers. This is an independent company with a management style allowing sound, quick decisions to be made for the benefit of its customers.”

When Smidt joined Garst and Thomas 27½ years ago as the controller, he was the company’s first accountant with a college degree on staff. He quickly moved into sales administration, spent time in the field as a district sales manager and became the top DSM in the company, then continued moving up through the ranks throughout mergers and acquisitions. Whether serving as Garst’s national sales manager or marketing communications manager, Smidt was recognized with several awards.

“To say that I’m thrilled to have Mike Smidt join Stauffer Seeds as our Director of Sales and Marketing is an understatement,” said Craig Williams, Director of Midwest Operations for Stauffer Seeds. “I had the pleasure of working directly with Mike during the 1990s and know the quality of his character and abilities. Our customers will benefit from his experience and our staff will grow under his guidance to increase our services and success.”

Moving to Stauffer Seeds, Smidt becomes part of a family-owned American business with a progressive attitude. “I was very impressed with the Lawhon family. I like their attitude and customer focus,” he said. “They are not afraid to take a risk for the benefit of their customers.” Stauffer Seeds operates as a Midwest division of Lawhon Farm Services, a leading seed producer and marketer based in Arkansas.

According to Smidt, Stauffer Seeds has access to all the new traits their customers need. “These are exciting times to be in agriculture and the seed business in particular,” he commented. “Our aim at Stauffer Seeds is providing the marketplace with the best genetics paired with the best traits to add to our customers’ profitability.” 

Smidt, 54, will work out of Stauffer Seeds headquarters in Carroll, Iowa. He resides in Coon Rapids.