Employee Spotlight: Ardy Allen
posted on Sunday, May 13, 2018
“If you would have told me 20 years ago Iowa Select Farms would have grown to where it is today, I’m not sure I would have believed you,” said Ardy Allen, who’s been a part of our story since it was, well, even a story. “I never dreamed we’d be as big as we are now. It’s been a fun journey and a wild ride all at the same time.”
For Ardy, his career with Iowa Select Farms has been nothing short of an adventure. “I remember very well a car ride with Jeff when he talked about this idea he had to start his own pork production company,” he said. “Soon after it all started happening.”
Initially an environmental services operator manager, Ardy was responsible for the team that was applying manure from the existing farms to local cropland and pastures in a safe, timely manner.
“Back then it wasn’t as common of a practice as it is today, so we were also teaching farmers about the benefits of manure,” recalled Ardy. “It’s fun to look back and see how much we helped the program grow to where it is today. We were always looking for ways to make things better and easier for everyone.”
Today, Ardy is a part of the special projects crew that helps with a variety of things. Special events, site development, construction, grilling – you name it, the special projects team does it!
“Some of my proudest moments over the years aren’t necessarily the projects, but the people,” said Ardy. “My coworkers have turned into great friends and some are like family. It’s the relationships that I’m proudest of.”
And although Ardy’s roles have changed over the years, there are some things that have stayed the same.
“What's never changed is Jeff’s positive attitude, his motivation to keep getting better and how me puts a priority on taking care of his people,” said Ardy. “He’s a man with a vision and mind that never stops. I’m just honored to have been a part of it all.”
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