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.
Tuffy "T.J." Hummer
Senior Account Manager
Agriculture
tj@mriowacity.com
REPEAT MEMBER OF THE ELITE MRI PACESETTER GROUP
6 years of executive search experience
Over 15 years of practical business experience
Experience
TJ Hummer’s success is fueled by his competitive desire to WIN. He is MR Iowa City’s top producer for five years running and a repeat member of the Elite MRI Pacesetter group! His tremendous value is his ability to form a business partnership approach with Key players in Agribusiness, to bring them access to the Top Talent in the industry. He has quickly become a trusted industry leader in Talent Acquisition with a solid network of agribusiness contacts.
Philosophy
His objective is to listen to his client’s needs, bring them value through updated industry knowledge, and last but not least, become a trusted resource of talent by delivery top performing candidates. He believes in team play and has demonstrated ability to make strategic decisions and solve problems. A strong customer service focus is mandatory to work at Management Recruiters of Iowa City.
“Clients working with me have access to real-time market knowledge and top performers in agribusiness.” –TJ
Area of Expertise
Within Plant Science, TJ's area of specialization is the SEED industry. He performs management level searches for clients in the following niche markets:
CROP SEED, VEGETABLE SEED as well as CROP PROTECTION. A majority of his work is performed filling Senior Business Management and Upper Level Marketing roles.
Position Level and Type
Mid to Senior Managers, Directors, Officers, Executives, CEO, COO, Business Unit Head, Country Head, Global Director, General Manager, and Regional Manager.
Some of his more common recent searches include; Marketing Director, Brand Manager, Director of Operations, Global Production Manager, International Sales Manager, Product Manager, Business Manager, Key Account Manager, Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Director of Sales, Plant Manager, Regional Sales Manager (RSM), Business Unit Director, Global Marketing Head and President.
Geography
Although our industry may be narrow, our geographical limits are not. The seed industry is global and TJ believes in growing into these markets to become a trusted resource of top notch talent, domestically and internationally. He works positions in the following countries and regions: US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Caribbean, South America, Australia, Asia and Europe.
Sharon Thomas
Senior Account Manager
Agriculture
sharon@mriowacity.com
REPEAT MEMBER OF THE ELITE MRI PACESETTER GROUP
11 Years Executive Search Success in Agriculture
Sharon began her career with Management Recruiters in 1997 as one of the original members of the Ag Team. Her professional background includes experience in sales, marketing, and new product launches within the agricultural industry. The depth of this knowledge provides her with valuable insight as she identifies and secures the best talent for her clients, enabling them to achieve their corporate goals.
Her tenacity, work ethic and dedication have rewarded her with long term relationships within the seed, crop protection, ag equipment, GPS and precision ag, horticulture, biotechnology, distribution and turf and ornamental niches within agriculture.
Sharon’s record for delivering the industry’s "A" players, and her commitment to the highest ethical standards, keep her clients coming back to her year after year. Those who have worked with her trust in her expertise and knowledge of the industry and stay in contact to keep informed of current industry trends and market direction.
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.
Position Levels and Types
Sharon places professionals in roles such as Sales, Regional Manager, National Sales Management, Marketing, Product Marketing, Product Development, Communications, Product Management, Key Account Management, Technical Services, Business Development, Director of Sales, Director of Technology, Director of Research, Director of Plant Breeding, Business Unit Director, Vice President of Corporate Development, General Manager, Global Divisional Manager, President, Global Director, COO and CEO.
Jason Lehnst
Account Manager
Agriculture
jason@mriowacity.com
Jason brings 15 years of sales experience to MRIC. He has a true and firm understanding of customer service. Throughout his career, Jason has been recognized for his strong work ethic, his drive to succeed, and his ability to build a cohesive team. His philosophy is “Salesmen might get you what you want, but a consultant works with you to get you what you truly need.” His experience as a sales trainer and retail store manager has given Jason a vital insight to the complexity of personnel fulfillment. Jason will be the front man on our team to seek out the perfect candidate for your staffing needs.
Having grown up in Iowa with his father and grandfather both working in Agri-business, Jason has a working knowledge of the agriculture industry that he is eager to expand. He is not afraid to ask the questions that will ensure a successful search and match the right candidate with the right client.
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.