Why I Believe in IAOM ... Scott Martin, Ardent Mills

Scott Martin

Senior Director-Technical Milling

Ardent Mills

Denver, CO

IAOM Member Since 1989

“I’ve been involved in IAOM for 30 years.

I joined because I was a young miller looking to meet others in the industry and to have access to some of the educational materials offered by the association.

I took a correspondence course early on that was very valuable to me as a new miller.

“The educational and networking opportunities are a few of the biggest benefits of being an IAOM member.

The ability to participate in short courses and correspondence courses is wonderful for developing your skillset.

The district meetings usually feature some technical presentations from experts or service providers in the industry – so there are more learning opportunities there.

“Then at the convention expo, you have exhibits from vendors, equipment manufacturers, and so forth, so you can network with people from whom you might buy products or services.

It provides a good chance to see some of their items that they bring to the exhibition but also to talk with them about issues or concerns you might have at your mill and how they can help you solve them.

“It’s really important for some of my newer team members to make face-to-face connections with the people from whom they buy parts and supplies. IAOM meetings and conventions provide those valuable opportunities.

“In my position with Ardent Mills, I recommend people who are in the milling profession to become part of IAOM and become involved, and many of my co-workers do that.

It’s a volunteer organization, so not only do you get the chance to see and learn for yourself, but also those who are most interested can get involved in district leadership or with a committee.

For example, I’m on the education committee, so I get to help organize and develop short courses and the correspondence courses.

It lets me give back to the industry by helping to develop resources for millers. And that helps you learn some skills that are different from those you use every day as an operative miller.”

From First Quarter MILLING JOURNAL 2019