Randy Garvert is past president of the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) and strategic account manager for Ardent Mills in Denver, CO.
Garvert has more than 40 years of experience in milling operations but switched to sales in November 2021. He began his career with ConAgra Brands after graduating with an agriculture economics degree from Kansas State University, Manhattan in 1981.
“I grew up on a wheat and cattle farm in western Kansas and always thought I was going to take over the family farm, when the time came.
“But when I graduated from KSU in 1981, the economic climate was not great, similar to today. We were coming out of a trade embargo with Russia, interest rates and inflation were high. I questioned whether taking over the farm was a good idea. I told my dad I ought to get a job for a year to get something on a resume, in case things don’t work out with the farm.
“So I went to work for the flour milling business at ConAgra in Omaha, NE as an operations analyst with the intention to leave after a year, but I never went back to the farm. I enjoyed what I did too much.
“Early in my career, I transferred around the country to mills in places such as Sherman, TX; Martins Creek, PA; York, PA; Tampa, FL; Decatur, AL; and Hastings, MN. As a young kid traveling to new places, it was scary, but I’m so glad I had those experiences. They shaped who I am today and are the reason I met my wife, Janet. I encourage any young people in the industry to do what you can to experience more of the world. It’s scary, but it’s rewarding.
Leading IAOM
“Ken Sidles introduced me to IAOM when I was working at the ConAgra mill in Tampa, but I didn’t begin going to meetings consistently until I moved to Minnesota.
“As I got older, I wanted to contribute back to the industry, and I really loved meeting people. The fellowship aspect of IAOM is just as important as the educational part and the service part. The people I have met in this industry are just fantastic, and it’s been an honor to be president.
Another critical area for IAOM – now more than ever – is attracting talent to the industry. We need people. IAOM formed a marketing and outreach committee to determine what the industry and IAOM can do to recruit talent.
-Randy Garvert, Ardent Mills
“For me, being IAOM president was about not only continuing the 125 years of tradition and history but also to try to lead the association into some new territory. In my case, that’s pushing into food safety and determining how this industry can deal best with pathogens in flour.”
Attracting Talent to the Milling Industry
“Another critical area for IAOM – now more than ever – is attracting talent to the industry. We need people. IAOM formed a marketing and outreach committee to determine what the industry and IAOM can do to recruit talent. We have a middle school teacher from Kansas City, MO on the committee. One of the key areas the committee is exploring is developing a connection between mills and their local primary schools. We are getting the word out about milling science as a career.
“When I was moving around the country early in my career, it wasn’t like I was asking to be transferred; I received a call on a Friday telling me to be somewhere else by Monday. It’s not like that any more. That’s why recruiting locally is important. People want jobs where they can be close to their homes and families. And we tell new hires that ‘You are in charge of your career.’ You can go far in milling, if you show up on time and are willing to work hard.”
What’s Next
“I always said I would never retire, but I’ve been thinking about the future lately. Whatever I do, I know that I would like to stay involved with IAOM, especially with the marketing and outreach committee. I also am interested in helping IAOM provide some sort of leadership development to millers.
I would like to say that I am grateful to Ardent Mills, and ConAgra prior to that for supporting my involvement with IAOM.