Connecting People, Building Leaders- How Scott Brittingham Champions Growth in the Grain Industry
Description
Scott Brittingham doesn't just recruit members to GEAPS—he builds community by forging meaningful connections that last a lifetime. As the organization's top recruiter for six of the last seven years, his approach reveals profound insights about leadership, mentorship, and the future of the grain industry.
Starting his journey at just 14 years old sweeping floors at his father's grain facility, Scott has accumulated over five decades of experience that he's passionate about sharing with others. Now serving as Grain Systems and Inventory Control Manager at Mountaire Farms (the fourth largest poultry grower in the country), Scott approaches recruitment not as a sales pitch but as offering a valuable tool that transforms careers.
What makes his method so effective? Scott makes membership personal by asking about individual goals and challenges, then demonstrating how GEAPS provides solutions. He sends detailed information, follows up consistently, and even offers to submit applications for interested professionals. When faced with common objections like time constraints, he emphasizes flexibility. When cost concerns arise, he highlights facility memberships that allow multiple team members to benefit under one umbrella.
But Scott's impact extends far beyond recruitment numbers. He's a dedicated mentor who recognizes how the industry's evolution—with more leaders emerging from management trainee programs rather than decades of hands-on experience—creates knowledge gaps that professional communities help bridge. His commitment to lifelong learning is evidenced by earning the Master Credential in Grain Operations Management (MCGOM), becoming just the 12th person worldwide with this distinction at the time.
As the grain industry advances with new technologies and automation, Scott remains excited about the future and the role GEAPS plays in helping professionals stay ahead of the curve. His parting wisdom resonates with professionals at every career stage: "GEAPS is an outstanding organization and if you're a part of this industry and you're serious about growing, you definitely should belong. You'll get back tenfold anything that you put into it."
What step will you take today to grow your network and help someone else find their path in this field? Explore GEAPS' professional development resources, credentialing programs, and member community at geaps.com.
Key GEAPS Links:
Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.
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