Meet Mike Martin. Mike is one of our hardworking and dedicated sales associates here at ABM. Mike is well-known for his desire to learn more, grow more and share more of his knowledge with others. Mike enjoys helping his customers achieve their highest yields – with high quality products.
What is your role at ABM?
I am a Regional Sales Associate and have been with ABM since 2016.
What geographical areas do you cover?
Montana
North Dakota
Wyoming
What is your education/business background?
I received my bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University in Ag Economics. In college, I specialized in production agriculture and took various agronomy and soil classes.
Throughout my career thus far, I’ve worked in retail, chemical distribution (12 years), the seed industry (6 years), and a major lubricant company that deals with commercial accounts. These have all led me to my current position as a Regional Sales Associate with ABM.
How did you get into this line of work?
I have been in agriculture all my life. Not only was I born and raised on a farm, but I’ve spent many years operating equipment and being involved in the cattle, forage, and grain industries. I’ve been on different sides of production, which means I’ve been able to learn more about seed companies, chemical and crop protection and insecticides.
When the opportunity came along to offer products that would help with plant growth and inoculations to help with seed sets and yields – it was a no-brainer for me. I enjoy watching the continuation of various aspects of raising healthy crops.
Who is someone that has been a mentor and/or influence on your life?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I believe it all started with my ground roots – beginning with my parents, being raised in a small farm community, going to college, and then, of course, my wife. My in-laws have also had a great influence on my life – as they were dairy farmers, which is something completely different from how I grew up. All of these people and experienced truly shaped my character and helped me learn and grow.
What are you most passionate about within your job?
I think it’s got to be bringing information to growers and dealers – as well as handling a high-quality product that performs.
One thing that sets ABM apart is that our product is VERY fresh. Aside from other inoculant companies, our product wasn’t made, and then found sitting in a warehouse before it got into the grower’s hands. It’s a product that is only 3 or 4 months old – making it extremely fresh and highly active yet at that point. Why is this so important? Because the longer a product is stored – the more problems that can be created when using it.
What are you passionate about, outside of work?
I like to dabble in farming. I still have some farm acres that I like to go out and test product on. I enjoy seeing how products perform, how easy they are to apply, and what the plant’s response is.
I also enjoy hunting, fishing and just enjoying mother nature.
How has ABM helped you in your career development?
ABM has helped me maintain a a higher standard when it comes to quality and integrity of the product. This is what initially drew me to the company. ABM wasn’t just producing products that were “me too” but rather products that are different and always striving to be better in the marketplace and for end-users.
Also – the science involved with both Trichoderma and Bacillus of the world – go hand in hand with the microbiology of the soils. There is a high level of knowledge and expertise at ABM – and they are constantly educating us on the products. I believe ABM is extremely advanced compared to other companies because we have the right leaders in place and a clear vision to achieve success.
What are 3 words to describe ABM?
How do I pick just 3?
- Superior performing products
- Freshness
- Quality
…and
- Reputable
What do you like most about working for ABM?
Being a rep for a company that presents a high-quality product you can stand behind. A company that is highly advanced and offers a variety of products that cover many crops and sectors. I enjoy having the opportunity to work with intelligent and hardworking individuals who are focused on improving the health of our plants, enhancing the size of roots and making plants more efficient (water and fertility). All of this makes it easier for plants to grow and thrive, even under adverse conditions (i.e.: droughts, high heat, etc.).
Ultimately – I am grateful to be able to help farmers have higher quality products and higher yields.
To learn more about Mike and his role at ABM, please click here.