Our Team
Over the past 43 years, Midwest Laboratories has attracted the brightest and most committed laboratory staff to perform quality analysis. In addition, the client support staff and IT staff continue to support clients’ ever-changing reporting needs. It takes an entire team effort to effectively meet the needs of our current clients and we deliver every day.
Kennard Pohlman
Chief Executive Officer
Kennard Pohlman
X CLOSEChief Executive Officer
Ken has been in the laboratory business since 1964 with the exception of a two-year stint with Northrup King Seeds. Ken is the original founder of Midwest Laboratories which was started in May, 1975. Ken is still passionate about seeing Midwest Laboratories continued growth. In their spare time, Ken and his wife Bev enjoy their farm activities at Stanton Nebraska. Ken and Bev have two children: Brent and Amy and seven grandchildren. Ken and Bev enjoy attending activites with their children and grandchildren.
Brent Pohlman
President
Brent Pohlman
X CLOSEPresident
Brent is a second-generation owner. Brent came back to Midwest Laboratories in 2005 as Marketing Director and became President in 2016. Previous to Midwest Laboratories, Brent worked at several corporations like HDR, Mutual of Omaha and Arthur Andersen. In addition, Brent has taught at the High School and College Levels. In his free-time, Brent enjoys spending time with his wife, Michele and their five children.
Craig Martin
Vice President
Craig Martin
X CLOSEVice President
Craig joined Midwest Laboratories in early 2016. Before joining Midwest Laboratories, Craig was a partner in an Omaha law firm and represented Midwest Laboratories for more than a decade. Outside of the office, Craig spends time with his wife Brenda and their three children.
Pat Castle
Executive Director Special Projects
Pat Castle
X CLOSEExecutive Director Special Projects
Dr. Pat Castle is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel medical commander who served in TX, CA, CO, Turkey, IL, and SD. He grew up in Sioux Falls, SD. Pat earned a chemistry degree from the Air Force Academy, as well as MS and PhD analytical chemistry degrees from the U of IL at Urbana. His Air Force service included OSHA/EPA work and Weapons of Mass Destruction defense, along with two chemistry teaching assignments at the Air Force Academy. Pat has finished many marathons including Boston, Pikes Peak, Venice and the Great Wall of China. He founded LIFE Runners in 2008, now the largest Pro-Life running and walking team in the world, All In Christ. Pat and his wife Angi have two daughters.
Jerome King
Technical Director
Jerome King
X CLOSETechnical Director
Jerry is originally from a dairy farm in Wisconsin and left the farm to get a college education. Jerry taught grade school, jr. high, high school, and college, most recently at the College of St. Mary in Omaha. Jerry has been at Midwest in a variety of roles since 1989. Jerry's wife, Jane were married in 1970 and they have three children and seven grandchildren.
Jane Caldwell
Assistant Technical Director
Jane Caldwell
X CLOSEAssistant Technical Director
Dr. Jane Caldwell has a BS in Poultry Science from the University of Florida, an MS in Animal Agriculture from the University of Missouri, and a PhD in Food Science/Microbiology from North Carolina State University.
Jessica Wurtz
Quality Assurance Director
Jessica Wurtz
X CLOSEQuality Assurance Director
Jessica started at Midwest Laboratories in 2014 and helps ensure analytical quality standards are enforced.
Jason Rothfuss
IT Director
Jason Rothfuss
X CLOSEIT Director
Jason joined Midwest Laboratories in 2016 and has worked to upgrade the company's IT infrastructure. Jason graduated from University of Nebraska - Kearney and brings 20+ years of IT Management Experience.
John Menghini
Certified Professional Agronomist
John Menghini
X CLOSECertified Professional Agronomist
John began work with Midwest Laboratories in 1980. John is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. John has two grown children that are both professionals. When John is not working, he enjoys traveling with his wife Julie.
Tim Mundorf
National Training and Precision Ag Specialist
Tim Mundorf
X CLOSENational Training and Precision Ag Specialist
Tim Mundorf grew up on a family farm near Griswold, Iowa. He has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska -Omaha. He has been with Midwest Laboratories for 10 years. He is a Certified Crop Consultant and has received the 4R Nutrient Management Speciality Certification. He serves as Midwest Laboratories' National Sales and Training Agronomist and our Precision Ag Specialist.
Jim Fasching
Field Consultant - IL, MN, WI Region
Jim Fasching
X CLOSEField Consultant - IL, MN, WI Region
Jim joined Midwest Laboratories in June of 1998. He serves as a field representative in Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois with coverage also in Michigan and northern Indiana. Prior to joining Midwest Labs he worked as a consulting agronomist for 18 years in southern and southeast Minnesota.
Joe Thelen
Field Consultant - IA, IL Region
Joe Thelen
X CLOSEField Consultant - IA, IL Region
Joe grew up on a family farm, which instilled his passion for agriculture at a young age. After graduating college with an agribusiness degree, he has spent his entire career in the industry. His experience includes working in ag retail, as an ag chemical representative, and more than 15 years with Midwest Laboratories as a field representative. Joe is actively involved with his community and the agribusiness industry, serving on numerous committees and boards. Joe and his wife Ann, live in Johnston, Iowa.
Jim Grilliot
Field Consultant - KS, MO, OK Region
Jim Grilliot
X CLOSEField Consultant - KS, MO, OK Region
Jim grew up on a continuous dry-land wheat and cattle farm in south central Kansas. Prior to employment with Midwest Laboratories, Jim worked for Archer Daniels Midland Company for nine years in several positions in an agriculture retail setting. As an employee of Midwest Laboratories for 15+ years, Jim has been able to utilize his agronomic expertise as a Laboratory Field Representative. In his free time, Jim enjoys time with his wife and three children.
Joe Sisco
Field Consultant - NE, CO, WY, MT Region
Joe Sisco
X CLOSEField Consultant - NE, CO, WY, MT Region
Joe Sisco joined Midwest Laboratories in January 2017. Joe is a lifelong native of Nebraska, growing up on a diversified farm in Pawnee County. Joe attend both Southeast Community College-Beatrice and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln earning a degree in agriculture education in 1995. Joe's career has spanned both retail agronomy and wholesale fertilizer across Nebraska and the surrounding high plains. Joe's family life revolves around his wife and children. Joe and Anita were married in 1995 and live in David City, NE They enjoy staying active in their community through school and church activities. Joe and Anita have six children, ranging in age from 6 to 19 Joe and Anita enjoy all the many adventures each brings to the home.
Taylor Ann Washburn
Field Consultant - NE, IA Region
Taylor Ann Washburn
X CLOSEField Consultant - NE, IA Region
Taylor Ann Washburn joined our team in 2017 as our Field Representative for Eastern Nebraska & Western Iowa clients. Taylor Ann studied science and agricultural journalism at the University of Missouri and participated in soybean biotechnology research during her undergraduate career.
Don Coash
Field Consultant - NE, ND, SD Region
Don Coash
X CLOSEField Consultant - NE, ND, SD Region
After graduating in Agronomy at the University of Nebraska in 1973, Don returned to Bassett Nebraska to work with his father in the fertilizer business. Over the years the business grew to several plants in Nebraska and South Dakota. Don sold the business in 1999 to a major Corporation. He then attained his Broker Real Estate license and spent a few years in that industry. In 2010, he joined Midwest Laboratories and covers Northern Nebraska, South and North Dakota, and Montana. He is married to Paige and resides in Bassett, Nebraska.
Traci Grummert
Marketing Director
Traci Grummert
X CLOSEMarketing Director
Traci joined Midwest Labs in 2017 as Marketing Director. Prior to Midwest Labs, Traci spent 15 years in the nutritional supplement industry primarily in marketing, product development, and supply chain. Traci is married with 2 children Eric & Bronx, a grandson - Brantley and four fur kids.
Sue Ann Seitz
Account Manager: Feed, Pet Food, Micro
Sue Ann Seitz
X CLOSEAccount Manager: Feed, Pet Food, Micro
Sue Ann joined Midwest Laboratories in December of 1995. She received her Bachelors Degree in Biology from Emory University and her Masters of Business Administration from Creighton University. Sue Ann currently manages the Pet Food, Food & Micro accounts here at Midwest Labs. As a wife and mother of two daughters (and a Boston Terrier puppy), Sue Ann spends the majority of her free time behind the wheel, playing fetch with Bentley & enjoying the view from the bleachers.
Sarah Currie
Account Manager - Food, Shelf Life Studies
Sarah Currie
X CLOSEAccount Manager - Food, Shelf Life Studies
Sarah started at Midwest Laboratories in 2012. Sarah works with food producers and ingredient suppliers. In addition to her work in foods, Sarah also assists Sue Ann with account support for pet food clients.
Heather Ramig
Account Manager: Environmental, Fuels, Biosolids
Heather Ramig
X CLOSEAccount Manager: Environmental, Fuels, Biosolids
Heather has a Bachelors of Science degree from Valparaiso University in Indiana and a Masters Degree in Geography from University of Nebraska at Omaha. Heather has worked her entire career at Midwest Labs. She enjoys watching her two daughters participate in sports and dance.
Rob Ferris
Account Manager: Water, Compost, Manure, Fertilizer
Rob Ferris
X CLOSEAccount Manager: Water, Compost, Manure, Fertilizer
Rob started with Midwest Laboratories in 2002 in our soils department and then moved up to the Account Managers team. Rob works along side our clients in the agricultural and environmental industries. He specializes in the area of Drinking Water, Compost, Manure, Confined Animal Feeding Operations, and the Fertilizer Industry. Previous to Midwest Laboratories, Rob's past career experiences have been with a Municipality, Construction retail, and in the Poultry industry.
Stacie Nelson
Account Manager: Agriculture
Stacie Nelson
X CLOSEAccount Manager: Agriculture
Stacie joined Midwest Labs in August of 2008 and has primarily worked in client services with our Agriculture clients as well as provided marketing support that includes leading production of our annual Agronomy Seminar. Promoted to Account Manager, in 2017, Stacie now consults with Agriculture clients in the areas of fertilizer management and results interpretation.
Bob Murphy
Safety Director / Client Rush Coordinator
Bob Murphy
X CLOSESafety Director / Client Rush Coordinator
"Bob joined Midwest Labs in 2015 and became the Safety Director in 2016. Before Midwest Labs, Bob served 21 years as a Naval officer and worked in the defense industry with CACI in business operations. Bob is married and has three children. "
Kennard Pohlman
Chief Executive Officer
Kennard Pohlman
X CLOSEChief Executive Officer
Ken has been in the laboratory business since 1964 with the exception of a two-year stint with Northrup King Seeds. Ken is the original founder of Midwest Laboratories which was started in May, 1975. Ken is still passionate about seeing Midwest Laboratories continued growth. In their spare time, Ken and his wife Bev enjoy their farm activities at Stanton Nebraska. Ken and Bev have two children: Brent and Amy and seven grandchildren. Ken and Bev enjoy attending activites with their children and grandchildren.
Brent Pohlman
President
Brent Pohlman
X CLOSEPresident
Brent is a second-generation owner. Brent came back to Midwest Laboratories in 2005 as Marketing Director and became President in 2016. Previous to Midwest Laboratories, Brent worked at several corporations like HDR, Mutual of Omaha and Arthur Andersen. In addition, Brent has taught at the High School and College Levels. In his free-time, Brent enjoys spending time with his wife, Michele and their five children.
Craig Martin
Vice President
Craig Martin
X CLOSEVice President
Craig joined Midwest Laboratories in early 2016. Before joining Midwest Laboratories, Craig was a partner in an Omaha law firm and represented Midwest Laboratories for more than a decade. Outside of the office, Craig spends time with his wife Brenda and their three children.
Pat Castle
Executive Director Special Projects
Pat Castle
X CLOSEExecutive Director Special Projects
Dr. Pat Castle is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel medical commander who served in TX, CA, CO, Turkey, IL, and SD. He grew up in Sioux Falls, SD. Pat earned a chemistry degree from the Air Force Academy, as well as MS and PhD analytical chemistry degrees from the U of IL at Urbana. His Air Force service included OSHA/EPA work and Weapons of Mass Destruction defense, along with two chemistry teaching assignments at the Air Force Academy. Pat has finished many marathons including Boston, Pikes Peak, Venice and the Great Wall of China. He founded LIFE Runners in 2008, now the largest Pro-Life running and walking team in the world, All In Christ. Pat and his wife Angi have two daughters.
Jerome King
Technical Director
Jerome King
X CLOSETechnical Director
Jerry is originally from a dairy farm in Wisconsin and left the farm to get a college education. Jerry taught grade school, jr. high, high school, and college, most recently at the College of St. Mary in Omaha. Jerry has been at Midwest in a variety of roles since 1989. Jerry's wife, Jane were married in 1970 and they have three children and seven grandchildren.
Jane Caldwell
Assistant Technical Director
Jane Caldwell
X CLOSEAssistant Technical Director
Dr. Jane Caldwell has a BS in Poultry Science from the University of Florida, an MS in Animal Agriculture from the University of Missouri, and a PhD in Food Science/Microbiology from North Carolina State University.
Jessica Wurtz
Quality Assurance Director
Jessica Wurtz
X CLOSEQuality Assurance Director
Jessica started at Midwest Laboratories in 2014 and helps ensure analytical quality standards are enforced.
Jason Rothfuss
IT Director
Jason Rothfuss
X CLOSEIT Director
Jason joined Midwest Laboratories in 2016 and has worked to upgrade the company's IT infrastructure. Jason graduated from University of Nebraska - Kearney and brings 20+ years of IT Management Experience.
John Menghini
Certified Professional Agronomist
John Menghini
X CLOSECertified Professional Agronomist
John began work with Midwest Laboratories in 1980. John is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. John has two grown children that are both professionals. When John is not working, he enjoys traveling with his wife Julie.
Tim Mundorf
National Training and Precision Ag Specialist
Tim Mundorf
X CLOSENational Training and Precision Ag Specialist
Tim Mundorf grew up on a family farm near Griswold, Iowa. He has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska -Omaha. He has been with Midwest Laboratories for 10 years. He is a Certified Crop Consultant and has received the 4R Nutrient Management Speciality Certification. He serves as Midwest Laboratories' National Sales and Training Agronomist and our Precision Ag Specialist.
Jim Fasching
Field Consultant - IL, MN, WI Region
Jim Fasching
X CLOSEField Consultant - IL, MN, WI Region
Jim joined Midwest Laboratories in June of 1998. He serves as a field representative in Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois with coverage also in Michigan and northern Indiana. Prior to joining Midwest Labs he worked as a consulting agronomist for 18 years in southern and southeast Minnesota.
Joe Thelen
Field Consultant - IA, IL Region
Joe Thelen
X CLOSEField Consultant - IA, IL Region
Joe grew up on a family farm, which instilled his passion for agriculture at a young age. After graduating college with an agribusiness degree, he has spent his entire career in the industry. His experience includes working in ag retail, as an ag chemical representative, and more than 15 years with Midwest Laboratories as a field representative. Joe is actively involved with his community and the agribusiness industry, serving on numerous committees and boards. Joe and his wife Ann, live in Johnston, Iowa.
Jim Grilliot
Field Consultant - KS, MO, OK Region
Jim Grilliot
X CLOSEField Consultant - KS, MO, OK Region
Jim grew up on a continuous dry-land wheat and cattle farm in south central Kansas. Prior to employment with Midwest Laboratories, Jim worked for Archer Daniels Midland Company for nine years in several positions in an agriculture retail setting. As an employee of Midwest Laboratories for 15+ years, Jim has been able to utilize his agronomic expertise as a Laboratory Field Representative. In his free time, Jim enjoys time with his wife and three children.
Joe Sisco
Field Consultant - NE, CO, WY, MT Region
Joe Sisco
X CLOSEField Consultant - NE, CO, WY, MT Region
Joe Sisco joined Midwest Laboratories in January 2017. Joe is a lifelong native of Nebraska, growing up on a diversified farm in Pawnee County. Joe attend both Southeast Community College-Beatrice and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln earning a degree in agriculture education in 1995. Joe's career has spanned both retail agronomy and wholesale fertilizer across Nebraska and the surrounding high plains. Joe's family life revolves around his wife and children. Joe and Anita were married in 1995 and live in David City, NE They enjoy staying active in their community through school and church activities. Joe and Anita have six children, ranging in age from 6 to 19 Joe and Anita enjoy all the many adventures each brings to the home.
Taylor Ann Washburn
Field Consultant - NE, IA Region
Taylor Ann Washburn
X CLOSEField Consultant - NE, IA Region
Taylor Ann Washburn joined our team in 2017 as our Field Representative for Eastern Nebraska & Western Iowa clients. Taylor Ann studied science and agricultural journalism at the University of Missouri and participated in soybean biotechnology research during her undergraduate career.
Don Coash
Field Consultant - NE, ND, SD Region
Don Coash
X CLOSEField Consultant - NE, ND, SD Region
After graduating in Agronomy at the University of Nebraska in 1973, Don returned to Bassett Nebraska to work with his father in the fertilizer business. Over the years the business grew to several plants in Nebraska and South Dakota. Don sold the business in 1999 to a major Corporation. He then attained his Broker Real Estate license and spent a few years in that industry. In 2010, he joined Midwest Laboratories and covers Northern Nebraska, South and North Dakota, and Montana. He is married to Paige and resides in Bassett, Nebraska.
Traci Grummert
Marketing Director
Traci Grummert
X CLOSEMarketing Director
Traci joined Midwest Labs in 2017 as Marketing Director. Prior to Midwest Labs, Traci spent 15 years in the nutritional supplement industry primarily in marketing, product development, and supply chain. Traci is married with 2 children Eric & Bronx, a grandson - Brantley and four fur kids.
Sue Ann Seitz
Account Manager: Feed, Pet Food, Micro
Sue Ann Seitz
X CLOSEAccount Manager: Feed, Pet Food, Micro
Sue Ann joined Midwest Laboratories in December of 1995. She received her Bachelors Degree in Biology from Emory University and her Masters of Business Administration from Creighton University. Sue Ann currently manages the Pet Food, Food & Micro accounts here at Midwest Labs. As a wife and mother of two daughters (and a Boston Terrier puppy), Sue Ann spends the majority of her free time behind the wheel, playing fetch with Bentley & enjoying the view from the bleachers.
Sarah Currie
Account Manager - Food, Shelf Life Studies
Sarah Currie
X CLOSEAccount Manager - Food, Shelf Life Studies
Sarah started at Midwest Laboratories in 2012. Sarah works with food producers and ingredient suppliers. In addition to her work in foods, Sarah also assists Sue Ann with account support for pet food clients.
Heather Ramig
Account Manager: Environmental, Fuels, Biosolids
Heather Ramig
X CLOSEAccount Manager: Environmental, Fuels, Biosolids
Heather has a Bachelors of Science degree from Valparaiso University in Indiana and a Masters Degree in Geography from University of Nebraska at Omaha. Heather has worked her entire career at Midwest Labs. She enjoys watching her two daughters participate in sports and dance.
Rob Ferris
Account Manager: Water, Compost, Manure, Fertilizer
Rob Ferris
X CLOSEAccount Manager: Water, Compost, Manure, Fertilizer
Rob started with Midwest Laboratories in 2002 in our soils department and then moved up to the Account Managers team. Rob works along side our clients in the agricultural and environmental industries. He specializes in the area of Drinking Water, Compost, Manure, Confined Animal Feeding Operations, and the Fertilizer Industry. Previous to Midwest Laboratories, Rob's past career experiences have been with a Municipality, Construction retail, and in the Poultry industry.
Stacie Nelson
Account Manager: Agriculture
Stacie Nelson
X CLOSEAccount Manager: Agriculture
Stacie joined Midwest Labs in August of 2008 and has primarily worked in client services with our Agriculture clients as well as provided marketing support that includes leading production of our annual Agronomy Seminar. Promoted to Account Manager, in 2017, Stacie now consults with Agriculture clients in the areas of fertilizer management and results interpretation.
Bob Murphy
Safety Director / Client Rush Coordinator
Bob Murphy
X CLOSESafety Director / Client Rush Coordinator
"Bob joined Midwest Labs in 2015 and became the Safety Director in 2016. Before Midwest Labs, Bob served 21 years as a Naval officer and worked in the defense industry with CACI in business operations. Bob is married and has three children. "
