Learn from the #1 direct marketer of seed corn, Landec Ag, Inc., marketer of Fielder’s Choice Direct, what it takes to be successful when selling direct. How do you compete with traditional marketing structures when it comes to distribution, customer service and satisfaction? How does the Internet factor into the marketing strategy? What does the future hold for direct-to-the-customer companies?

Bill Gass is vice president of marketing & business development for Landec Ag, Inc. In this position, Gass is responsible for all marketing, advertising, public relations and customer relationship management support. Prior to joining Landec Ag, Gass worked for Broadcast Partners and Monsanto.

Landec Ag, Inc. is the leading direct marketer of seed corn and the ninth largest seed corn company in the U.S. Popular brands include Fielder’s Choice Direct and Harvestar. The company also manufacturers and markets patented temperature-activated seed coating technologies.

Julie Dunn is a training consultant with the Mediation and Planning Group of Kennedy and Coe, LLC. Dunn specializes in communication, customer service skills, team building, and sales. Educated in the field of human and organizational resource management, Dunn has a management background in community banking and retail sales. She is recognized by both the American Society for Training and Development and the International Board of Standards for Training as a certified trainer and facilitator.

Tim Larsen is the senior international marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. He has the responsibility to assist Colorado companies in developing world-wide markets for food and agricultural products grown and processed in Colorado. Major projects in the past five years have included leading a national initiative to promote U.S. Organic Products in Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom, organizing Japanese promotions for selling food for the food service industry in Japan, and breedstock and food products to Mexico.

Kevin Born is the chief information officer for Ag Technologies International where he oversees the internal technology complex and the day-to-day operations. He has a BS degree from South Dakota State University and a MS from Iowa State University where he and his colleagues launched a Web-based Masters of Science in Agronomy degree program.

Tom Gray joined Ag Technologies International as a vice president following ten years with Pioneer Hi-Bred International where he held various senior sales and marketing positions. He has also worked for A.O. Smith Harvestore and Monsanto during his 25-year career in agribusiness.