District Sales Manager (DSM) Bob Walsten, Manhattan, Kansas earned the Top DSM Award for Fontanelle Hybrids, Fontanelle, Nebraska for the 2005-2006 sales season. “Before Bob had even joined our Team as a DSM, he was out meeting producers and placing Fontanelle seed on their farms,” Steve Pike, president said. “What a way to show us what an impact he could make for us. Beyond that he proved to those producers that he brings value to their farms each time he stops by.”

The Top DSM Award is based upon the number of acres of growth a DSM has shown over the previous year. It includes the entire Fontanelle product line up of corn, soybeans, sorghum, sunflowers and alfalfa.

When asked the secret to his success, Walsten replies, “Nothing special. I just believe in providing customers the best product that will give them the most profit on their farm. The customers come first with me, and it’s great to be a part of a company that has that same philosophy.”

“Bob’s a great guy and does what it takes to ensure top notch customer service,” Tom Good, central regional manager said. “Obviously his customers understand his commitment to them because they have rewarded him with an increase in business.”

“I like having the ability to take care of the customers and the dealers,” Walsten said. “Even more importantly I like being with Fontanelle because our products have an excellent history of performance. And now with the new products we are introducing, it looks like this is going to be a good year to be in the seed business during harvest!”

There was a tie for the second highest sales award. “It’s the first time in a long time that’s happened,” Pike said. “We’re pleased that we were able to honor two more of our sales team with top awards. Kent Buckman, Martinsburg, Missouri and Brian Kintzle, Central City, Iowa tied for the runner up award. Job well done by all our top performers.”

Fontanelle Hybrids markets corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, alfalfa and sunflowers in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri and portions of Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas as an independent operating company within American Seeds Inc, a holding company of Monsanto.