About Us
Our Team
John Lehnst
President
Agriculture Account Manager
john@mriowacity.com
Having grown up in a seed family and after more than 30 years in ag-related companies, I have developed contacts and insights that are beneficial to both my clients and candidates. My experience includes the full spectrum of agronomic developments encompassing research and technical operations through sales and marketing. Over the last thirty years I have worked with many notable people in agriculture. From senior managers to highly talented people who are the movers and shakers in our industry.
The agriculture business is based on honesty and relationships. To be successful as a supplier to this industry the same values must prevail. My approach to recruiting is based on the same principals. I believe it is just as important to present solid companies to candidates as it is to bring highly qualified candidates to companies. An opportunity must be good for both parties and I work hard to make that happen.
There is no perfect candidate, just as there is no perfect job. My goal is to match basic job requirements with personalities to create the right chemistry to benefit both parties. My candidates understand from the start there will be no pressure to take a position that isn't right for them. Equally, my clients know they will get thoroughly screened motivated candidates with a high likelihood of accepting the position if an offer is extended. Just being the best isn't enough. Finding the right person for the right company takes more effort, but it is the only acceptable result.
Sharon Thomas
Senior Account Manager
Agriculture
sharon@mriowacity.com
- REPEAT MEMBER OF THE MRI PACESETTER GROUP
- 14 Years Executive Search Success in Agriculture
- Active Member of NAMA (National Agri-Marketing Association), the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association)
Sharon began her career with Management Recruiters in 1996 as one of the original members of the Management Recruiters of Iowa City Ag Team. Her professional background prior to joining the Management Recruiters of Iowa City family included experience in sales, marketing, and new product launches within the agricultural industry. This experience has provided her with valuable insight and the in-depth industry knowledge needed to identify and secure the best talent for her clients, thus enabling them to achieve their corporate goals.
Her tenacity, work ethic and dedication have rewarded her with long-term relationships within Agri-business, including the seed, crop protection, ag equipment, GPS/Precision Ag, bioenergy, horticulture, biotechnology, and turf & ornamental niches of the industry.
Both Sharon‘s clients and candidates rate her as ‘One of the best’ in the industry and regard her as a professional and a trusted consultant.
“I take great pride in every opportunity that I have to partner with, and make a contribution to the success of all of my clients. If you are a professional in agribusiness pursuing your next challenge, or a hiring manager in need of highly skilled expertise, I'd be very interested in speaking with you. Chances are we share mutual professional acquaintances.” –Sharon
Position Levels and Types
Sharon has successfully secured talent for clients at every level from Regional Management to CEO/President, as well as Directors of Business Development, Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Product Development and Research for our business partners in the crop protection, seed, plant science, biofuels, GPS/precision ag, equipment and seed treatment industries.
Jason Lehnst
Project Manager
Agriculture
jason@mriowacity.com
Jason Lehnst joined the family business in 2009 after a nearly 15 year career as a sales leader and extensive experience in business management and people development. Having grown up in Iowa as part of the third generation of an agri-business family, Jason has strong knowledge of the ever-evolving world of modern agriculture. For over a decade he has been hiring his own staff, managing his own teams, and actively participating in their professional development. We are pleased that he has brought his business and people management expertise home to Management Recruiters Iowa City.
Throughout his accomplished career, Jason has been recognized for his strong work ethic, his drive to succeed, and his ability to develop and build a cohesive team. In addition to his extensive sales management experience, Jason has worked as a corporate trainer for a Fortune 500 company where he was asked to develop management personnel working in the field and assist them in recognizing and developing talented individuals within the company. Jason was also responsible for coaching his managers the best practices for recognizing and recruiting external talent capable of producing at the highest levels.
As part of the MRIC team Jason has already proven himself as someone who can provide our clients with superior levels of human capital in a variety of areas of expertise. Early in his recruiting career Jason has seen success working with clients both domestically and internationally while working in an incredibly diverse range of search criteria. He is not afraid to ask the questions that will ensure a successful search and ultimately find the best match for both client and candidate. Jason welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your staffing needs and your personal career goals.
“Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” –Vince Lombardi
Susanna Davis
Office Manager
sdavis@mriowacity.com
Susanna joined Management Recruiters of Iowa City in August of 2008 as an Administrative Assistant. She brings to the company over 12 years of customer service experience, gaining expertise from small businesses to large global companies. Her college background includes a Legal Secretarial Administrative degree, and most recently completed a Human Resources Certificate to round out her customer focused skill set.
Susanna believes that without happy clients, you can not run a successful business. She believes that every customer or client is important and their satisfaction should not be taken lightly. Susanna lives by the golden rule “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. She brings professionalism and a positive attitude wherever she goes.
Jamie Muse
Office Administrative
Graphics
jamie@mriowacity.com
One of the pleasant voices greeting callers to our office belongs to our Administrative Assistant, Jamie Muse. Jamie feels that every caller is important and treats them accordingly. She has been in her role as Office Administrator for over ten years and truly enjoys her job.
Jamie also designs all of the graphics for trade shows, brochures and e-Mail blasts along with her administrative duties.
Routing phone calls and updating the database, working with our accountant managers and handling important paper work are another part of her responsibilities. Jamie also helps the Account Managers by assisting with research when they are on a searching for the talented professionals our clients require.
When you call us, not only do you reach a live voice, you feel your needs are being met by a professional who can answer needs in the most efficient and friendly manner possible.
Management Recruiters of Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.