At Koch Fertilizer (KF), we believe unleashing the true potential of every employee is key to their success and the success of our organization and society at large. In honor of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting a few of the women who are molding their careers in the fertilizer industry.
Jessica Morton, Director of Shared Services
For the last 12 years, Wichita, Kansas native Jessica Morton, has advanced her career through several roles within Koch Ag & Energy Solutions.
“I wanted to be somewhere I could build and grow a career with a lot of different options because I didn't totally know what I wanted to do,” Jessica said. “I’m still not sure I know the answer to that, but Koch offered a lot of variety and different paths, and I felt like I could find my niche and figure that out along the way.”
She began as a contract admin where she grew her skills and responsibilities to the point she eventually led and supervised that team. After seven years, she transitioned to a scheduler role with the KF logistics team, progressed to a manager of the scheduling team, and is now the director of shared services for KF logistics.
Jessica enjoys the problem-solving aspects of her current and previous roles. Today, Jessica and her team help identify customer needs and potential solutions. She works closely with the IT team on technology projects to enhance KF’s customer support, such as creating apps. Jessica is also focused on developing her team.
“My team all together is about 18 people,” Jessica said. “I spend a lot of my time mentoring and developing people and seeing them grow their careers. To me, this has been one of the more rewarding pieces of my job.”
Taylor Frecon, Facilities Supervisor
Taylor Frecon has been in her facilities supervisor role for a little over a year with the KF Brandon, Manitoba plant. Through this position, Taylor leads the facilities group to provide site services and the resources employees need to get their jobs done. Prior to this role, she was the facilities support coordinator. Even though she has only been with KF for three years, she is very thankful for the opportunity to be able to provide a positive work environment for her team and the plant.
“I love seeing the creativity of my team come to life,” Taylor said. “Facilities help create services to make employees’ work experience better, whether that is something like adding privacy booths for employees to take calls or installing additional communication displays. It may seem small, but people are always appreciative.”
Taylor said the people she works with help her feel empowered.
“We have such a tight-knit group,” Taylor said. “I can talk to my coworkers and supervisor about whatever is on my mind and know these people are going to provide a judgement free zone. I want to do the same for my employees with hope it will springboard into new ideas.”
Kim Cammack, Safety Leader
Kim Cammack always wanted to have a career where she could challenge herself. As the safety leader at the KF Beatrice, Nebraska plant, she's able to do just that. In her role, Kim has been able to challenge herself in the past few years by taking on new opportunities and expanding her experiences and responsibilities.
“I like to challenge the status quo,” Kim said. “I tend to get excited about new technologies and how they can be applied in various ways to help improve the way we work.”
As safety leader, Kim’s responsibilities vary day-to-day. Her time sometimes consists of helping trouble-shooting situations, problem solving, and applying different technologies to help improve them.
Kim is empowered in her role by the leadership training and development opportunities KF provides. She said it means a lot to have a company willing to invest in you so you can help invest in others.
When asked what wisdom she would share with someone considering a career like hers, Kim said there will always be challenges along the way, but to learn from them and don’t let them hold you back.
“Find a good support system, whether it be at home through family, at work or wherever it may be. It will be challenging but it is very rewarding on the other side of it,” Kim said.
Mindy Robinson, Tool Room Coordinator
Mindy Robinson has been with the KF Enid, Oklahoma plant for six years. She started as a shipping clerk, where she focused on improving the experience for truck drivers and carriers who visit the plant. About six months ago, Mindy accepted a role as the tool room coordinator. In this role, she plays a key part in ensuring the plant has the right tools for the right jobs.
Working with the maintenance teams and contractor groups, she evaluates the tools and supplies needed to complete work for the day. Even though Mindy has been in her role for a short time, she has jumped right into organizing and taking inventory of the items in the tool room.
Working in the tool room takes Mindy back to helping her dad repair cars and tractors in his maintenance shop. He would often share a piece of advice with her and her sister that has carried on into her career.
“My dad would tell us that just because we are girls, doesn’t mean we can’t do something,” Mindy said. “That advice has stuck with me forever.”
Like her dad, Mindy is passionate about being a strong role model for her two daughters. Mindy hopes by seeing her succeed, her daughters won't be afraid to get their hands dirty.